Afro Samurai - Resurrection
FUNimation Entertainment
Release Date: 2/3/2009
(Broadcast premiere: Spike TV, 1/25/2009 10 PM - Midnight ET/PT)
Spike TV’s Broadcast Version ($29.98 SRP)
2-Disc Director’s Cut ($34.98 SRP)
Blu-ray 2-Disc Director’s Cut ($39.98 SRP)
Running Time: 90 minutes
Rating: Mature
ICv2 Stars: 5 (out of 5)

The sequel movie to the popular anime series is the perfect show to watch if you are looking for action, violence, a heart-thumping soundtrack, and quality animation and voice acting.  Perfect for Spike TV.

Based on the graphic novel series by Takashi Okazaki (released by Seven Seas and Tor Books), the movie begins as Afro loses his #1 headband and his father’s body is stolen by Sio and Jinno, Afro's childhood companions who are seeking revenge.  The mastermind Sio, voice acted by Lucy Liu, is a beautiful but heartless woman who blames Afro for the murders and violence placed upon her brother and comrades.  Afro must seek out the #2 headband and once again seek to regain the #1 headband so his father can rest in peace.  With him on his violent journey is Ninja Ninja, his imaginary companion, and in the end he is brought to the ultimate challenge--to defeat his resurrected father in battle.

Anime of this caliber is always a dream for anime fans. It has a cohesive storyline; and fabulous voice acting, with Samuel L. Jackson, Lucy Liu, and Mark Hamill lending their talents.  The animation is movie quality with gray toned characters causing the fight scenes and backgrounds to be more vibrant.  RZA fills the soundtrack with hip-hop that works perfectly with the futuristic world setting and the classical style of Samurai sword fighting.

Due to the massive amount of violence and bloodshed, this is recommended for older teens and adults.  It will air on Spike TV first, and then be released on DVD.

- Kristin Fletcher-Spear