It is based the classic epic tale by Alexandre Dumas.
For those who are expecting an adaptation faithful to the story, there is a surprise: the story is simplified to a narrow line following the Count’s revenge and those who become involved and or manipulated by the Count’s actions. While the original story is told in the Count’s perspective, the anime is seen through the eyes of Albert de Morcerf, the son of Mercedes, who was the Count’s love interest, and Fernard Morcerf(Mondego).
It is also important to note that some of the characters’ fates are altered or changed.
Gankutsuou is set in the far future, during the year 5053, with blends of science fiction and fantasy and yet it retains 18th century French customs, especially class and wealth; as well, the introduction of each episode is spoken in French.
For those who are expecting an adaptation faithful to the story, there is a surprise: the story is simplified to a narrow line following the Count’s revenge and those who become involved and or manipulated by the Count’s actions. While the original story is told in the Count’s perspective, the anime is seen through the eyes of Albert de Morcerf, the son of Mercedes, who was the Count’s love interest, and Fernard Morcerf(Mondego).
It is also important to note that some of the characters’ fates are altered or changed.
Gankutsuou is set in the far future, during the year 5053, with blends of science fiction and fantasy and yet it retains 18th century French customs, especially class and wealth; as well, the introduction of each episode is spoken in French.
The art is very different. The actual drawing isn't so much different, but the texturing is not like anything I've seen before. It was really distracting for the first couple episodes.
All of the textures such as hair and clothing are very detailed. It's like they took a photo of plaid or some other textile material and laid it behind the artwork. As the characters move, the textures don't. After awhile though, it blends in perfectly and it's not noticable.
I think in certain scenes it really highlights aspects of the character that couldn't be done in any other way. There's a scene at the opera where the guest of the Count, Haidee is wearing an amazing, flowing dress that would have not been anywhere near as spectacular without the textures behind it.
It also works really well as the Counts hair, it makes him seem even more mysterious and dark. And when Gankutsuou shows himself on the Count, it's near frightening with the swirling colors.
from:
http://dayoftheriver.blogspot.com/2006/12/gankutsuou-count-of-monte-cristo.html
All of the textures such as hair and clothing are very detailed. It's like they took a photo of plaid or some other textile material and laid it behind the artwork. As the characters move, the textures don't. After awhile though, it blends in perfectly and it's not noticable.
I think in certain scenes it really highlights aspects of the character that couldn't be done in any other way. There's a scene at the opera where the guest of the Count, Haidee is wearing an amazing, flowing dress that would have not been anywhere near as spectacular without the textures behind it.
It also works really well as the Counts hair, it makes him seem even more mysterious and dark. And when Gankutsuou shows himself on the Count, it's near frightening with the swirling colors.
from:
http://dayoftheriver.blogspot.com/2006/12/gankutsuou-count-of-monte-cristo.html
