Key Details
- Title: Blue Eye Samurai
- Release Date: November 3, 2023
- Format: Adult Animated Television Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Adult Animation
- Creators: Amber Noizumi and Michael Green
- Supervising Director: Jane Wu
- Production Studios: Netflix Animation, Blue Spirit (France), 3 Arts Entertainment
- Animation Style: 2D/3D hybrid, inspired by bunraku puppetry and cinematic visuals
- Number of Seasons: 1 (Renewed for Season 2)
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Episode Runtime: 35–62 minutes
- Original Language: English
- Network: Netflix
- Rating: TV-MA
- Setting: Edo-period Japan (17th century)
🎙️ Voice Cast
Main Characters
- Mizu: Voiced by Maya Erskine
- A biracial female samurai with blue eyes, Mizu disguises herself as a man to seek vengeance against four white men who remained in Japan during its isolationist period, one of whom is her father.
- Ringo: Voiced by Masi Oka
- An optimistic, handless soba maker who becomes Mizu’s loyal companion, aspiring to be a great samurai.
- Taigen: Voiced by Darren Barnet
- A skilled samurai whose engagement is disrupted by Mizu, leading to a complex relationship between them.
- Princess Akemi: Voiced by Brenda Song
- The determined daughter of Lord Daichi, seeking to control her own fate after her engagement to Taigen is thwarted.
- Seki: Voiced by George Takei
- Akemi’s wise and kind attendant who has raised her over the years.
- Master Eiji (The Swordmaker): Voiced by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
- A blind swordsmith who becomes a father figure to Mizu, training her in sword-making.
- Heiji Shindo: Voiced by Randall Park
- A trader involved in illicit activities, plotting to take control of the Shogunate.
- Abijah Fowler: Voiced by Kenneth Branagh
- An Irish smuggler allied with the Shogun, aiming to open Japan to outside influence.
Supporting Characters
- Ise: Voiced by Stephanie Hsu
- A prostitute encountered during Mizu’s journey.
- Madame Kaji: Voiced by Ming-Na Wen
- A cunning and savvy madam.
- Takayoshi: Voiced by Harry Shum Jr.
- The Shogun’s second son.
- Bloodsoaked Chiaki: Voiced by Mark Dacascos
- An assassin and leader of the Four Fangs gang.
- Young Mizu: Voiced by Orli Mariko Green
- Young Taigen: Voiced by Judah Green
- Lord Daichi: Voiced by Patrick Gallagher
- Mama: Voiced by Ann Harada
- Mikio: Voiced by Byron Mann
Additional voices are provided by Gedde Watanabe, Eric Bauza, Clyde Kusatsu, Keone Young, Brittany Ishibashi, Holly Chou, Marcus Choi, Matthew Yang King, Jane Wu, West Liang, Alain Uy, Takaaki Hirakawa, Sherry Cola, and Christine Ko.
📖 Synopsis
Set in 17th-century Edo-period Japan, Blue Eye Samurai follows Mizu, a biracial female samurai with striking blue eyes. In a society that scorns her mixed heritage and gender, Mizu disguises herself as a man to embark on a quest for vengeance against four white men who remained in Japan during its isolationist period, one of whom is her father. Her journey is marked by intense sword fights, complex relationships, and a deep exploration of identity and revenge.
🏆 Reception and Accolades
- Critical Acclaim: Blue Eye Samurai received a 97% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 8.30 out of 10, and a Metacritic score of 88 out of 100, indicating “universal acclaim”.
- Awards: The series won the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program. It also received three juried awards for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation in Character Design, Production Design, and Storyboard.
- Praise from Industry: Renowned video game creator Hideo Kojima praised Blue Eye Samurai as the “best anime of the year”, describing it as “a visual work that transcends the common sense of animation”.
📺 Additional Information
- Renewal: In December 2023, Netflix announced the renewal of Blue Eye Samurai for a second season, scheduled to premiere in 2026.
- Availability: The series is available for streaming on Netflix.
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Blue Eye Samurai stands out as a masterfully crafted animated series that combines stunning visuals with a profound narrative exploring themes of identity, revenge, and resilience. Its critical acclaim and accolades underscore its impact and significance in the realm of adult animation.
