The Berserk manga is a cult classic among comic aficionados and fans of the dark fantasy genre, and the 1997 anime adaptation of the Golden Age arc of the same name is often included in lists of the best anime of all time.
Despite the fact that there have been two anime adaptations of the manga specifically dedicated to the Golden Age, the entire arc has never been filmed. The first adaptation by Oriental Light and Magic Studio was released in 1997, right after the manga's Eclipse chapter, the climax of the Golden Age, was completed.
For its time, the anime looked strikingly beautiful, with detailed character faces, breathtaking landscapes, high-quality animation, and a great soundtrack by Susumu Hirasawa, whose name is already inseparable from Berserk.
1997’s Berserk Never Had a Proper Ending
In fact, the only drawback of the 1997 anime can only be the fact that a sequel was not originally planned.
Despite the fact that there have been two anime adaptations of the manga specifically dedicated to the Golden Age, the entire arc has never been filmed. The first adaptation by Oriental Light and Magic Studio was released in 1997, right after the manga's Eclipse chapter, the climax of the Golden Age, was completed.
For its time, the anime looked strikingly beautiful, with detailed character faces, breathtaking landscapes, high-quality animation, and a great soundtrack by Susumu Hirasawa, whose name is already inseparable from Berserk.
1997’s Berserk Never Had a Proper Ending
In fact, the only drawback of the 1997 anime can only be the fact that a sequel was not originally planned.
- 4/29/2024
- by zoe-wallace@startefacts.com (Zoe Wallace)
- STartefacts.com
Launched in 2012, Kontravoid is the solo project of Cameron Findlay. Born in Canada and based now in LA, Findlay has perfected his own brand of dark pop that cruises freely through electronic music genres. With the release of the video for his latest single “Reckoning,” Findlay also showcased his love for anime. Tapping into his love of the works of Yoshiaki Kawajiri, the video provides a window into this overall influence anime has on his artistic endeavors. When an artist is so clear about their love of anime, naturally we have to talk to them! Keep reading to learn more about Findlay’s influences and see his top 10 favorite anime. Can you tell me a little about your anime journey? How it started and where you are now? Are there genres you gravitate toward? Findlay : I grew up in Toronto, and in the late ’90s/early 2000s there used...
- 4/13/2024
- by Alex Lebl
- Crunchyroll
For “Berserk” fans, the dark world, epic fights, and deep themes are familiar and addictive. But its timeline? It’s a challenge even for die-hard followers. No worries! Our post, “How to Watch Berserk in Order,” offers an easy guide.
Related: 10 Best Animated Shows of All Time, Ranked by Viewers
Whether revisiting or starting “Berserk,” we’ve got you covered. Follow our guide to enjoy the series in the right order and fully appreciate its captivating tale.
1 ‘Berserk’ (1997 – 1998)
IMDb: 8.7/10 47K | Popularity: 690 | Top 250: Top rated TV #106
Duration: 25 Episodes | Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure
Creator: Kentaro Miura
Cast: Marc Diraison, Nobutoshi Canna, Carrie Keranen
Starting your Berserk journey? Don’t skip the 1997 TV series, a cherished part of the story. Known as “Kenpū Denki Berserk” in Japan, this adaptation, created by Nippon Television and Vap, was beautifully animated by Oriental Light and Magic. Directed by Naohito Takahashi, it aired from October...
Related: 10 Best Animated Shows of All Time, Ranked by Viewers
Whether revisiting or starting “Berserk,” we’ve got you covered. Follow our guide to enjoy the series in the right order and fully appreciate its captivating tale.
1 ‘Berserk’ (1997 – 1998)
IMDb: 8.7/10 47K | Popularity: 690 | Top 250: Top rated TV #106
Duration: 25 Episodes | Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure
Creator: Kentaro Miura
Cast: Marc Diraison, Nobutoshi Canna, Carrie Keranen
Starting your Berserk journey? Don’t skip the 1997 TV series, a cherished part of the story. Known as “Kenpū Denki Berserk” in Japan, this adaptation, created by Nippon Television and Vap, was beautifully animated by Oriental Light and Magic. Directed by Naohito Takahashi, it aired from October...
- 9/3/2023
- by Israr Ahmed
- buddytv.com
Nothing beats a good villain theme. Yet despite being the world's dominant media franchise, the Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn't produced many memorable character themes (I'll defer an explanation to Every Frame a Painting), and there are even fewer villains with a signature leitmotif.
That doesn't mean they don't have unofficial villain songs, though. In a recent interview for the upcoming issue of Total Film, which hits shelves next Thursday, Jonathan Majors revealed he brought his own theme for Kang the Conqueror to the set of "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania." While director Peyton Reed and star Paul Rudd were listening to '80s New Romantic bands, Majors was getting into the mindset of a conqueror with the rap song "9mm." A track on David Banner's 2008 album "The Greatest Story Ever Told," the song features Akon, Lil Wayne, and Snoop Dogg.
The lyrics are just one part of the sound in "9mm,...
That doesn't mean they don't have unofficial villain songs, though. In a recent interview for the upcoming issue of Total Film, which hits shelves next Thursday, Jonathan Majors revealed he brought his own theme for Kang the Conqueror to the set of "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania." While director Peyton Reed and star Paul Rudd were listening to '80s New Romantic bands, Majors was getting into the mindset of a conqueror with the rap song "9mm." A track on David Banner's 2008 album "The Greatest Story Ever Told," the song features Akon, Lil Wayne, and Snoop Dogg.
The lyrics are just one part of the sound in "9mm,...
- 1/28/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
(Welcome to Ani-time Ani-where, a regular column dedicated to helping the uninitiated understand and appreciate the world of anime.)
Anime has its fair share of dark fantasy stories -- think "Fullmetal Alchemist," "Attack on Titan," "Demon Slayer," and so on. More recently, we've seen more and more dark fantasy-action anime with horror influences making it big within the mainstream shonen anime landscape.
But before all of these, before Eren looked up at a terrifying titan, before the Elric brothers tampered with the law of equivalent exchange, and even before "Vinland Saga" and "Castlevania," there was "Berserk." One of the most influential and legendary dark fantasy manga and anime, this is a story with a legacy that has influenced multiple titles, from other anime and manga to video games like "Dark Souls," "Devil May Cry" and "Final Fantasy VII."
It's also a manga that has suffered from never having the complete adaptation it deserves.
Anime has its fair share of dark fantasy stories -- think "Fullmetal Alchemist," "Attack on Titan," "Demon Slayer," and so on. More recently, we've seen more and more dark fantasy-action anime with horror influences making it big within the mainstream shonen anime landscape.
But before all of these, before Eren looked up at a terrifying titan, before the Elric brothers tampered with the law of equivalent exchange, and even before "Vinland Saga" and "Castlevania," there was "Berserk." One of the most influential and legendary dark fantasy manga and anime, this is a story with a legacy that has influenced multiple titles, from other anime and manga to video games like "Dark Souls," "Devil May Cry" and "Final Fantasy VII."
It's also a manga that has suffered from never having the complete adaptation it deserves.
- 12/30/2022
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
The worst thing actor and comedian Patti Harrison has ever done dates back to when she was 5 years old and attempted to get a kid into trouble at school so that she could go home early to read a book that had just arrived. “If it would have worked, I would truly have become a sociopath,” she jokes. “Thankfully, I wasn’t able to do the sell.” The question “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?” is posed in Harrison’s new movie, “Together Together,” written and directed by Nikole Beckwith. In the film, which bows in theaters April 23, Harrison plays Anna, who applies to be the surrogate to carry Ed Helms’ Matt’s baby. The role is a rare opportunity for trans actor Harrison to play a cisgender character. She also voiced “Tail Chief” in “Raya and the Last Dragon,” the first time a trans performer was...
- 4/23/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Tiger Lab Vinyl, the premier boutique vinyl label dedicated to anime soundtracks, has opened up subscriptions for their 2019 releases! For $199 (plus shipping), you’ll get guaranteed copies of five titles coming out this year, including composer Susumu Hirasawa‘s Ost for the 90’s anime Berserk! There will be four additional titles and subscribers will also […] The post Tiger Lab Vinyl Opens 2019 Subscription Package With Berserk Ost Confirmed! appeared first on Dread Central.
- 2/28/2019
- by Jonathan Barkan
- DreadCentral.com
Every week, IndieWire asks a select handful of film and TV critics two questions and publishes the results on Monday. (The answer to the second, “What is the best film in theaters right now?”, can be found at the end of this post.)
This week’s question:
Last Friday saw the release of Garth Davis’ “Lion,” the musical score for which is the gorgeous result of a collaboration between two giants of the neo-classical movement, Dustin O’Halloran and Hauschka. It’s just the latest indication that we’re living in a fascinating, vibrant time for movie music, and December boasts a number of films that will only add more fuel to that fire. With that in mind, we asked our panel of critics to name their favorite film score of the 21st Century.
Tasha Robinson (@TashaRobinson), The Verge
There are some really striking contenders out there, topped by Susumu Hirasawa’s manic,...
This week’s question:
Last Friday saw the release of Garth Davis’ “Lion,” the musical score for which is the gorgeous result of a collaboration between two giants of the neo-classical movement, Dustin O’Halloran and Hauschka. It’s just the latest indication that we’re living in a fascinating, vibrant time for movie music, and December boasts a number of films that will only add more fuel to that fire. With that in mind, we asked our panel of critics to name their favorite film score of the 21st Century.
Tasha Robinson (@TashaRobinson), The Verge
There are some really striking contenders out there, topped by Susumu Hirasawa’s manic,...
- 11/28/2016
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
A few years ago, a friend introduced me to the anime version of Berserk. Based off the ongoing manga series of the same name by Kentaro Miura, the 25 episode anime covers the Black Swordsman arc as well as The Golden Age. The anime is quite honestly one of, if not my all time favorite. And, though I’m disappointed the series did not continue past the initial 25 episodes, I find myself re-watching the show often. From the animation to the amazing music by Susumu Hirasawa, Berserk has captivated and entertained me repeatedly. There is an ongoing production of movies currently being produced, but I find they don’t have the depth and attention to detail the series possessed, though they are entertaining and fun to watch.
Not since Rick Hunter/Hikaru Ichijyo have I liked an anime character as much as Berserk’s Guts. The Black Swordsman. The wandering ronin...
Not since Rick Hunter/Hikaru Ichijyo have I liked an anime character as much as Berserk’s Guts. The Black Swordsman. The wandering ronin...
- 12/23/2015
- by Dominic F
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Berserk Golden Age Arc I: Egg of the Supreme Ruler First Ten Minutes. The first 10 minutes movie clip of Kubooka Toshiyuki‘s Berserk Golden Age Arc I: Egg of the Supreme Ruler (2012) stars Hiroaki Iwanaga, Takahiro Sakurai, and Toa Yukinari. Berserk Golden Age Arc I: Egg of the Supreme Ruler‘s plot synopsis: “Guts, an immensely strong sword-for-hire, has little direction in his life, simply fighting one battle after the next. However, this all changes suddenly when he meets and is bested by Griffith, a beautiful and charismatic young man who leads the Band of the Hawk mercenary army.
After Guts joins the Band and the relationship between the two men begins to blossom, Casca, the tough, lone swordswoman in the Band of the Hawk, struggles to accept Guts and the influence he has on the world around her. While the two men begin to fight together, Griffith continues to rise to power,...
After Guts joins the Band and the relationship between the two men begins to blossom, Casca, the tough, lone swordswoman in the Band of the Hawk, struggles to accept Guts and the influence he has on the world around her. While the two men begin to fight together, Griffith continues to rise to power,...
- 2/7/2012
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
From the anime series to the video games, Japanese electropop artist Susumu Hirasawa has been the definitive music composer for Berserk and he continues to lend his musical artistry in the animated film trilogy. On his official site, a short version of the opening theme "Aria" from Berserk Golden Age Arc I: Egg of the Supreme Ruler soundtrack is available for a listen in a video player. His other animated film/series soundtracks include Paprika, Millennium Actress and Paranoia Agent.You can listen to the track below....
- 2/4/2012
- Screen Anarchy
Most of us can agree that music plays a large part in cinema; it creates an atmosphere, emphasizes emotions to the audience, and, most importantly, invests the audience into the story.
The same holds true for anime; in fact, music probably plays a larger role in this medium, since only so much can be portrayed by animated visuals as far as atmosphere and emotions go. With such an increased expectation for music in anime, the competition must be fierce, and it must surely be a lot harder for the average composer to get noticed.
Likewise, considering Japan’s reputation of traditional gender roles and scanty attempts at gender equality— Japan ranked 54th of 93 countries in 2008 according to the Gender Empowerment Measure, and 106th of 189 countries for the proportion of women in the House of Representatives, according to a 2009 survey— it would be especially hard for women to become successful in a competitive work force.
The same holds true for anime; in fact, music probably plays a larger role in this medium, since only so much can be portrayed by animated visuals as far as atmosphere and emotions go. With such an increased expectation for music in anime, the competition must be fierce, and it must surely be a lot harder for the average composer to get noticed.
Likewise, considering Japan’s reputation of traditional gender roles and scanty attempts at gender equality— Japan ranked 54th of 93 countries in 2008 according to the Gender Empowerment Measure, and 106th of 189 countries for the proportion of women in the House of Representatives, according to a 2009 survey— it would be especially hard for women to become successful in a competitive work force.
- 12/17/2010
- by Geek With Taste
- Planet Fury
Welcome all to your Monday morning film fix, the latest episode of the Mouth Off podcast is here.
Joining me in the podcast arena this week are Craig Skinner and Brendon Connelly and this week sees us tackle StreetDance 3D, the Werner Herzog directed Bad Lieutenant: Part of Call New Orleans, and Philip Ridley’s Heartless, and we throw a discussion of 3D, the merits of Nicolas Cage and a new mode of film distribution.
Our Ripped from the Crypt selections this week are the usual eclectic mix, and as always I’ve put the trailers below for you to enjoy.
As always do leave your comments and suggestions below, we want to make this podcast as good as it can be so please do get involved.
Click here to subscribe or listen to the Mouth Off feed in iTunes, where you can also find our older episodes.
I hope you enjoy it,...
Joining me in the podcast arena this week are Craig Skinner and Brendon Connelly and this week sees us tackle StreetDance 3D, the Werner Herzog directed Bad Lieutenant: Part of Call New Orleans, and Philip Ridley’s Heartless, and we throw a discussion of 3D, the merits of Nicolas Cage and a new mode of film distribution.
Our Ripped from the Crypt selections this week are the usual eclectic mix, and as always I’ve put the trailers below for you to enjoy.
As always do leave your comments and suggestions below, we want to make this podcast as good as it can be so please do get involved.
Click here to subscribe or listen to the Mouth Off feed in iTunes, where you can also find our older episodes.
I hope you enjoy it,...
- 5/24/2010
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
According to Moviehole, Wolfgang Petersen (yes, “our man in Hollywood”) is developing a live-action film based on Yasutaka Tsutsui’s novel Paprika that director Satoshi Kon already adapted into an anime in 2006. Not a bad idea in my eyes, since the basic theme of the novel (dreams meet reality thanks to technology) could work really well in live-action even though I could imagine that combining reality with the dream world would be much harder (and probably less “real”) using CGI.
But why Wolfgang Petersen? I know that he already did Sci-Fi but the man didn’t produce anything spectacular for at least 20 years…
Here’s the title song The Girl in Byakkoya by Susumu Hirasawa (available for download here) from the 2006 anime:...
But why Wolfgang Petersen? I know that he already did Sci-Fi but the man didn’t produce anything spectacular for at least 20 years…
Here’s the title song The Girl in Byakkoya by Susumu Hirasawa (available for download here) from the 2006 anime:...
- 8/11/2009
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
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