The Code Geass franchise boasts a complex and evolving cinematic landscape. In total, Code Geass has five official movies, consisting of a recap trilogy and a sequel film, with a fifth movie marking the start of a new decade-long project. This article dives deep into each movie, exploring their significance and place within the larger narrative.
The Code Geass Movie Saga: A Definitive Guide
Understanding the Code Geass movie landscape requires distinguishing between the recap trilogy and the canonical sequel movie. Each serves a different purpose, catering to different audiences and contributing uniquely to the franchise’s overall story. The fifth movie also deserves its own space as a start of a new franchise.
Recap Trilogy: Revisiting Rebellion
The first three Code Geass movies, known collectively as the recap trilogy, serve as a compressed retelling of the original Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 anime series. These films offer a quicker, albeit less detailed, way to experience the core narrative.
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation: This first film covers the events of the first half of the first season. It focuses on Lelouch’s acquisition of the Geass and the formation of the Black Knights.
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression: The second movie picks up where the first leaves off, covering the latter half of the first season and the beginning of the second. Key events like the death of Euphemia and the Order of the Black Knights’ increasing influence are explored.
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion III – Glorification: The final film in the trilogy concludes the story of the anime series, culminating in Lelouch’s Zero Requiem plan. While the core plot remains the same, there are subtle alterations in character relationships and events leading up to the climax. These changes, while not drastic, are crucial to understanding the subsequent sequel movie.
Resurrection: A Canonical Sequel
The fourth Code Geass movie, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection (Fukkatsu no Lelouch), is a direct sequel to the recap trilogy. It takes place after the Zero Requiem and explores the consequences of Lelouch’s actions. Importantly, it’s crucial to understand that this movie is a sequel only to the recap trilogy, not the original anime series. This is because of the timeline divergence established in the recap films.
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection It deals with the aftermath of Zero Requiem, and Lelouch’s actions lead to a new, fragile world order, but a new enemy threatens it.
Rozé of the Recapture: A New Decade Project
The fifth Code Geass movie, Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture, which will be a four-part movie series, marks the start of a 10-year plan to expand the Code Geass universe. The first part released in May 2024 in Japan, and the series will explore new characters and conflicts, set in a world shaped by the events of the original series and the Re;surrection film.
Frequently Asked Questions About Code Geass Movies
This section addresses common questions regarding the Code Geass movie series, providing clarity and detailed answers to help you navigate the franchise.
FAQ 1: Are the Recap Movies Canon?
The Code Geass recap movies are semi-canon. They retell the story of the anime series but introduce slight changes, particularly in the fates of certain characters. These changes are crucial for setting up the events of Lelouch of the Re;surrection. Therefore, the recap trilogy’s canon only extends as far as being a precursor to the sequel film. For a complete and unaltered experience of the original story, the anime series is recommended.
FAQ 2: Should I Watch the Recap Movies Before Lelouch of the Re;surrection?
Yes, absolutely. Lelouch of the Re;surrection is a direct sequel to the recap trilogy, not the original anime series. Understanding the subtle changes made in the recap movies is essential to grasping the context and motivations within Re;surrection. Without watching them, significant plot points and character arcs will be confusing.
FAQ 3: Is Lelouch of the Re;surrection a Good Movie?
The reception to Lelouch of the Re;surrection is mixed. Many fans appreciate the continuation of the story and the chance to see Lelouch again. However, some criticize its plot inconsistencies and perceived deviations from the original series’ themes. Ultimately, whether you enjoy it depends on your expectations and willingness to accept the new direction.
FAQ 4: Where Can I Watch the Code Geass Movies?
Availability varies by region and streaming service. Commonly, the Code Geass movies can be found on platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix. Check your local streaming services for availability and potential rental options. Physical media, such as Blu-ray and DVD, is also available for purchase from online retailers.
FAQ 5: Are There Any Differences Between the Anime and the Recap Movies?
Yes, there are several differences. The most notable changes involve character fates and altered dialogue. While the core plot remains the same, these changes create a different continuity leading into Lelouch of the Re;surrection. These differences are not major, but they impact the overall narrative arc and character relationships.
FAQ 6: How Long are the Code Geass Movies?
Each Code Geass movie has a different runtime:
- Initiation: Approximately 135 minutes.
- Transgression: Approximately 135 minutes.
- Glorification: Approximately 120 minutes.
- Lelouch of the Re;surrection: Approximately 117 minutes.
- Rozé of the Recapture: Runtimes per parts are unkown.
FAQ 7: Is the Ending of Lelouch of the Re;surrection Satisfying?
The ending of Lelouch of the Re;surrection is a point of contention among fans. Some find it a fitting conclusion to Lelouch’s story, offering closure and a hopeful future. Others feel it undermines the themes of sacrifice and redemption established in the original series. Whether you find it satisfying is subjective and depends on your interpretation of Lelouch’s character and the narrative as a whole.
FAQ 8: Will There Be More Code Geass Movies After Lelouch of the Re;surrection?
Yes! The Code Geass team had annouced the start of a new ten-year project for the franchise, with the first part starting with Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture.
FAQ 9: What is the Chronological Order of Code Geass Movies and Anime?
For the original timeline:
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (Anime Series – Season 1)
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (Anime Series – Season 2)
For the recap trilogy and sequel timeline:
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion II – Transgression
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion III – Glorification
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection
The new movie:
- Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture
FAQ 10: Does the Code Geass Movie Series Have an English Dub?
Yes, the Code Geass movie series, including the recap trilogy and Lelouch of the Re;surrection, generally have English dubs available. Check the specific release or streaming service for audio options.
FAQ 11: What About Side Stories and OVAs? Do They Count as Movies?
While Code Geass has several side stories and OVAs (Original Video Animations), such as Code Geass: Akito the Exiled, they are typically considered separate from the main movie series. While they contribute to the overall Code Geass universe and lore, they are not counted as part of the core movie storyline that this article focuses on. Akito the Exiled is an example of a gaiden series and is structured as a set of OVAs rather than theatrical movies.
FAQ 12: Are the Rozé of the Recapture movies going to be direct sequels like Lelouch of the Re;surrection was to the recap films?
The Rozé of the Recapture movie series is set after the events of Lelouch of the Re;surrection, continuing the storyline established by the recap trilogy and the sequel film. Therefore, it’s beneficial to be familiar with the recap trilogy and Lelouch of the Re;surrection before diving into the new series to better understand the world and context of the new story.