Code Geass: Akito the Exiled - The Wyvern Divided

September 24, 2013 Update: Just like my last review, I am getting countless messages asking me where online I saw this. Before asking, please do yourself and especially me, one very^over 9000 easy favor; LOOK AT THE FUCKING LOCATION ON MY PROFILE AND THAT WILL GIVE YOU A DIRECT IDEA HOW I SAW THIS MOVIE!!! Continuing where the last movie leaves off, Ryo, Yukiya, and Ayano have joined the EU army. The first act concentrates on how certain members of the EU have issues with them joining in concerns to their previous activities and how the trio feel about being part of the team. Despite this tension, Reira has faith in them and wants to protect them. Earning their trust, the trio agree to participate in a mission with her and Akito. Obviously, you are going to need to see the first movie in order to get this. Akito has a bit of a smaller role this time, but whatever time he is given will make a significant impact in the movie. It does further give hints and details about his past and his obsession with death. If any character shows any significant developlement, it is most likely Reira and how good of a leader she can be. From Britannia, one of my favorite characters had to be Ashurei. He is crazy and craves battle. Granted his kind is stereotypical of the mech genre, but he really fits within context of the story and is used very well. Also, the movie has a surprise cameo which will in someways bridge the connection between this movie series and the TV series and hints how the events of the movies will affect the show which I thought was really cool. Even though I said with the first movie you don't need any familiarity with the TV series to watch the first movie, for this movie, you will need familiarity for a couple of scenes. Unfortunately, there are no after credit scenes like the first movie which will give any significant preview rather than drawings of the cast in gypsy clothing. There are less action scenes this time but whatever it does, it will do it big. Doing action in day time with more lighting brings more detail and is easier to follow. It is very fast paced but still excellently framed. There is a sense of strategy and intricacy that is put into it, but yet still offers an exciting feel of danger. The knightmare designs are also really fresh though one in particular in the last battle is kind of ridiculous but works in its own way. There are a few scenes that I also want to share that really makes the animation truly wonderful but they would be spoilers. The background music really doesn't stand out until the beginning of the action which uses something kind of jazzy which reflects the excitement of the EU troops and the incoming intensity. And whatver I said about the voice acting in the first movie can be applied here too. I say this is a must see for people who love character study, relationship developments, and Code Geass.

The political layers are getting deeper with Shin taking command of the Holy Order. I appreciate how Leila isn't just a damsel — she actually makes strategic calls and holds her ground against the generals. Ryo's group joining wZERO added some much needed personality to the team. Pacing still feels uneven for an OVA format.

RYO AND THE CREW JOINING WZERO ADDS SO MUCH TO THE GROUP DYNAMIC BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT SHIN?? HIS WHOLE DARK KNIGHT COMMANDER THING IS GIVING MAJOR VILLAIN CRUSH VIBES NGL. LEILA STANDING UP TO THE EU GENERALS THO >> SHE CARRIES THIS WHOLE OPERATION FR

The political intrigue deepens as we see both sides of the conflict developing. Shin's appointment to the Holy Order of Michael adds a menacing layer, and the connection between him and Akito creates genuine tension. The Paris scenes with Ryo and the underground Elevens feel grounded and give the series a human element beyond just mech battles. However, some of the EU military politics drag a bit and the episode tries to balance too many plot threads simultaneously.