The Elusive Samurai episode 1 review: A stellar directorial debut by Yuuta Yamazaki

The anticipation for the premiere episode of The Elusive Samurai anime series was immense, fueled by the impressive work of its creative team. Yet, the first episode exceeded the highest expectations. Aside from a minor misstep with a CG samurai, every aspect of the debut episode appears to be well crafted.

Yuuta Yamazaki stands poised to deliver a series that could rival the brilliance of Wonder Egg Priority, on which he worked as the assistant director, showcasing growth and evolution in their creative journey. The support of the Cloverworks anime studio team further cements the episode's success.

The Elusive Samurai episode 1: Reviewing the direction and animation by Yuuta Yamazaki

A destroyed wall separates Settsu no Chikaaku and his daughter (Image via CloverWorks)

Yuuta Yamazaki's directorial approach is evident throughout the first episode, infusing the adaptation with a dynamic and engaging visual style. One of the notable scenes features a destroyed wall separating Settsu no Chikaaku and his daughter, using visual metaphors and detailed backgrounds to enhance the narrative.

Another significant moment is the depiction of Kamakura using a crowd of Oni, creating a visually striking and atmospheric setting in blood red color.

Yamazaki's direction not only remains faithful to the source material but elevates it, promising a season that could make the manga almost redundant for viewers. The episode's execution highlights Yamazaki’s potential to deliver a series that rivals the brilliance of Wonder Egg Priority, showcasing his growth and evolution as a director.

The Elusive Samurai episode 1: Reviewing the art of Kazuko Nakashima and Yasushi Nishiya

Kazuko Nakashima and Yasushi Nishiya made use of vibrant colors throughout the episode (Image via CloverWorks)

Kazuko Nakashima's color design plays a crucial role in the episode, utilizing flatter, sharper shading combined with vibrant colors to create a visually appealing experience. Nakashima’s ability to work within similar color palettes allows for striking contrasts in key scenes, enhancing the overall visual impact.

Yasushi Nishiya's character designs stand out for their grace and fluidity. As both the chief animation director and the sole animation director for the episode, Nishiya ensures that the characters maintain their beauty in motion and also when viewed from a distance. This dual role underscores Nishiya’s significant contribution to the episode's visual success.

The Elusive Samurai episode 1: Reviewing the narrative and technical integration

High-quality CGI was used in the starting moments of the episode (Image via CloverWorks)

CloverWorks studios leverage their experience to seamlessly integrate CGI environments with traditional animation, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. The episode expresses the elusive nature of the protagonist, Hojo Tokiyuki, through a blend of 2D environments and three-dimensional spaces. The high-fidelity CG reconstructions in the opening sequence set the tone for the episode's innovative storytelling.

The Elusive Samurai episode 1: Reviewing the unique ideas incorporated into the episode

A snapshot from the first episode of the anime series (Image via CloverWorks)

Despite the constraints of a 24-minute episode, Yamazaki incorporates a variety of creative ideas into the debut. The episode features unique framing, letterboxing, and a blend of theatrical and realistic elements. The use of faceless characters adds a layer of creativity, contributing to a visually and narratively rich experience.

Yamazaki’s direction seamlessly transitions between reality and pseudo-fiction, highlighted by two notable instances.

A crowd of Oni is shown below Hojo as he tries to escape them (Image via CloverWorks)

The first instance is a representation of Hojo Tokiyuki's inner struggle against life's expectations, visualized through a metaphorical treadmill. The second instance, during Tokiyuki’s fleeing sequence, uses a crowd of Oni to transition from realistic tones to intense fire hues, symbolizing his discovery of his inner power.

Final thoughts

Suwa Yorishige and Hojo Tokiyuki (Image via CloverWorks)

The Elusive Samurai episode 1 offers more than captivating visuals— it delivers a well-balanced narrative with depth and development. Yusei Matsui’s source material provides a solid foundation, blending light-hearted and serious moments without forcing them together. This approach allows both elements to shine independently, setting the stage for their eventual convergence.

While the story may not be groundbreaking, its execution is far from routine. The narrative, centered around a unique concept, thrives under Yuuta Yamazaki and Cloverworks studio's creative vision.

The dynamic between the narrative and the adaptation's creativity makes The Elusive Samurai episode 1 a notable start for the season. Yamazaki’s directorial debut shows promise, making this series one to follow closely.