Gilgamesh Tablet 02 : Cage without a Key

Review Date: 2006 August 18 06:57

Reviewed by: Azure

Released by: ADV Films UK

Age Rating: 12

Region: 2 - UK

Volume 2 of 7

Length: 100 minutes

Subtitles: English

Audio: English 5.1 Surround
Japanese 2.0 Stereo
German 5.1 Surround

Summary

Kiyoko is kidnapped by the mysterious Gilgamesh who wish to coerce her into following their cause, for Kiyoko this isn't much of an improvement since she is kidnapped from under the Countess and she happens to want Kiyoko to follow her. All Kiyoko wants is to be free and follow her dream of being a piano tuner. Tetsuya misses her fiercly and wants to get her back, but is his close relationship to his sister really that healthy? Away from her influence he begins to develop his powers and a stronger sense of self.

Review

Gilagamesh is set in the world after a ‘terrorist’ attack. The sky is covered with an electro magnetic disturbance called ‘The sheltering sky’. In this strange would two groups have formed the Gilgamesh who are dedicated to finishing the work on Enkidu the scientist who caused the disaster, and the strange Countess and her group of super powered mutants. Caught between are Kiyoko and her brother Tatsuya, the children of Enkidu who both groups believe are vital to the successful completion of their missions.

If coming to volume two you want answers then you’ll still be lacking by the end of it. If at all possible this volume is even more introspective than the last as the sibling’s relationship is examined through their separation. Kiyoko desperately wants to be left alone to live her own life, her brother also wants the same but it’s harder to tell if that’s his true feelings or if her is just mirroring his sister. Certainly it seems it’s more than possible for him to create a life for himself with the mutants. The way the children are treated is very different; Kiyoko is suspicious and uncooperative, so is treated with contempt and low level hostility, where as Tatsuya is passive and is eager to learn about his powers so is treated well. For Kiyoko who hasn’t openly manifested any special powers, Tatsuya’s behaviour seems close to treachery and a wedge begins to form between them.

What’s most interesting this volume is the almost open airing of what was previously just innuendo. The countess behaviour in particular is shocking, and serves to highlight the dark and dangerous direction the series is heading in. Gilgamesh is certainly not for the younger viewer.

Most of this volume is once again conversation based with only a few short bursts of actions. This is so a lot of new information can be conveyed, the existence of yet another possible side, a deeper explanation of what the Gilgamesh can do, if you don’t like slower paced anime Gilgamesh isn’t for you.

There are some beautiful sequences in this DVD, especially the flashbacks and the scenes set in the airfield. The whole ‘sad goths in snow’ imagery may have been done before, but it’s unexpectedly sentimental for such a hard edged show, that said the whole thing is underlined by innuendo, after all what self respecting post apocalyptic drama doesn’t?

Gilgamesh is a moody anime full of conspiracy and paranoia, though it’s difficult to see if it will reward the emotional investment that it requires. Gilgamesh is really one of those anime that you will either love or hate, its dark stylish imagery will either draw you in or repulse you. Fans of happy sparkly anime look away; Gilgamesh is defiantly set in the darker end of the spectrum and looks set to get far darker.

Rating: 7/10