Released: November 3, 2023

On: Netflix

Starring: Maya Erskine, Masi Oka, Darren Barnet, Brenda Song, George Takei, Randall Park, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Kenneth Branagh, Stephanie Hsu, Ming-Na Wen, Harry Shum Jr., Mark Dacascos, Patrick Gallagher, Gedde Watanabe, Marcus Choi, Tamlyn Tomita & Ann Harada

Stunningly animated with a gripping story of revenge, Blue Eye Samurai is a masterful piece of animation from Netflix – just don’t let your kids watch.

In the 1600s, mixed-race Mizu (Maya Erskine) disguises herself as a man as she plots to kill the men who could be her white father. Princess Akemi (Brenda Song) wants to marry swordsman Taigen (Darren Barnet) against her father’s wishes. Irish smuggler Abijah Fowler (Kenneth Branagh) brings guns to Japan.

The story presents two strong willed women in Mizu and Akemi – though the former fits a non-binary label better. Both utilize their strength toward their goals.

While the characters and story will draw you in, the animation will keep you going. Beautifully colored with fantastic battle scenes, gore and sex, this adult series doesn’t shy away from anything.

Final say: A cut above the rest. ★★★★★