Fifteen-year-old Tetsu's parents were killed by the Choshu, rebels determined to restore the rule of the emperor in 19th-century Japan. Seeking revenge, Tetsu approaches the Shinsengumi, samurai supporters of the military Shogun, and demands that he be allowed to join. Vice Commander Hijikata initially refuses his request, but when Tetsu gains the respect of top Shinsengumi swordsman Soji Okita in a battle, Hijikata relents. Tetsu is shocked by the brutal and deadly violence engaged in by the Shinsengumi, and Hijikata tries to turn him away from his revenge--but the brash Tetsu is determined to become stronger, and stays on his vengeful course. This first of seven discs shows promise--introducing a large cast of characters (a character guide would have been a nice DVD extra), balancing drama with comedy, setting up intrigue, and featuring some mysterious supernatural elements--but things don't quite hang together yet. While the animation is good, the coloring suffers from a large amount of horizontal "banding" (imperfect color gradation). Seriously bloody violence earns the 15-up rating on this dual-language disc that should be considered a strong optional purchase. [Note: Peacemaker: Innocence Lost, Vol. 2 is also available with Vol. 3 slated for release on Feb. 1.] Aud: P. (S. Raiteri)
Peacemaker: Innocence Lost, Vol. 1
(2003) 100 min. DVD: $29.98. ADV Films (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. ISBN: 1-57813-809-4. Volume 20, Issue 1
Peacemaker: Innocence Lost, Vol. 1
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