Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture

Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture (コードギアス 奪還のロゼ) is a 2024 Japanese four-part animated science fantasy action film series directed by Yoshimitsu Ōhashi and written by Noboru Kimura from co-original story conceived by Gorō Taniguchi and Ichirō Ōkouchi; the four-part film series is based on the Code Geass franchise by Sunrise, who also produced the films. Distributed by Showgate, Rozé of the Recapture is a sequel to Code Geass Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019),[5] which itself takes place in an alternate continuity established in the three-part compilation film: Initiation, Transgression and Glorification (2017–18). Set in the Neo-Britannian Empire on former Hokkaido, the two mercenary brothers named Rozé (Kōhei Amasaki) and Ash (Makoto Furukawa) are tasked to rescue Hokkaido princess named Sakuya (Reina Ueda).[6] Rozé of the Recapture was released in 2024, with the first film on May 10, the second film on June 7, the third film on July 5, and the final film on August 2.[7]

Rozé of the Recapture was released internationally on Disney+ via Hulu and Star as a 12-episode original net animation (ONA) from June to September 2024.[8][9] A TV broadcast of the ONA was later announced by Bandai Namco on the "Code Geass Project 'To 20th' Event" in December 2025[10] and will begin airing on all JNN stations in Japan under the "Animeism" block beginning July 2026.[11]

Plot

Following the death of Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia and the dissolution of the Holy Britannian Empire, remnants of the old empire captured the island of Hokkaido and founded the Neo-Britannian Empire, where the Japanese people are oppressed just like the old days of the empire when their country was one of its colonies. Two brothers named Rozé and Ash, dubbed "The Nameless Mercenaries" fight the Neo-Britannian empire, eventually joining forces with the local resistance forces in their mission to rescue princess Sakuya Sumeragi, but only a few know that Rozé is actually Sakuya in disguise, and the person she wants to rescue is her childhood friend and body double Sakura Haruyanagininomiya, who is passing as Sakuya to protect her. Her weapons are Ash's piloting skills, her tactical prowess and the power of Geass, which forces anyone into absolute obedience, the same power Lelouch himself once used in his rise to power.

Episodes

Note: Each film act is divided into three parts (or episodes), which later stream internationally in a television series format as an ONA.

Voice cast

Production

In December 2020, it was announced that a new anime project for Code Geass franchise was green-lit, with Yoshimitsu Ohashi directing the series at Sunrise, with Noboru Kimura providing the screenplay from an original story by co-creators Gorō Taniguchi and Ichirō Ōkouchi, Takahiro Kimura co-designing the characters with Shuichi Shimamura from original character concept by manga artist group CLAMP, and music composed by Kenji Kawai.[16] In December 2023, it was announced that it would be a four-part film project, and Kōhei Amasaki and Makoto Furukawa was cast as Rozé and Ash, respectively.[17][18] In March and April 2024, more cast members were announced.[7][13] The four-part film series' name was originally titled "Code Geass: Z of the Recapture" (コードギアス 奪還のゼット), but was changed to "Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture". Media reported that this was due to international circumstances, referring to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which the Z symbol was associated with the Russian army.[19]

The opening theme song is "Running in My Head" performed by Miyavi,[17] while the ending theme song is "Rozé (prod. TeddyLoid)" performed by Hikari Mitsushima.[20]

Reception

Box office

The first film failed to reach top 10 in the Japanese box office in its first week.[21] The second and third films debuted at number 7 in their opening weekends.[22][23] The final film entered number 10 in its opening weekend.[24]

Critical reception

Richard Eisenbeis of Anime News Network gave the first film an A− rating, and stated "Not only does it give us an excellent main character in Rozé (someone who feels both similar to and distinct from our previous protagonists), but also a true Code Geass story without undercutting what came before."[25] For the second film, he gave a B+ rating, and stated "Outside of the big battle, the rest of this part of the anime spends time on intrigue rather than action."[26] The third film received an A− rating, and stated "It hits the majority of its emotional beats well—especially those involving Ash and Sakuya—and the story is exciting with some truly excellent twists and turns."[27] The final film received a B− rating, and stated "The pacing issues are just so egregious, especially here at the end, that they hinder not only the story but everything else as well[…]But when it comes down to it, this is what we're left with: an often enjoyable but regretfully flawed sequel to one of the 2000s' most seminal anime."[28]

References

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  8. Liam Dempsey. Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture Anime Reveals Release Dates, Visual and Trailer Crunchyroll, March 22, 2024, retrieved March 22, 2024^
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