Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
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| Gankutsuou - The Count of Monte Cristo | |
|---|---|
 |
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| 巌窟王 (Gankutsuō) |
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| Genre | Adventure, Science Fiction, Drama, Romance, Fantasy. |
| TV anime | |
| Directed by | Mahiro Maeda |
| Studio | GONZO |
| Network |  Animax, TV Asahi        Animax |
| Original run | 5 October 2004 – 29 March 2005 |
| No. of episodes | 24 |
| Manga | |
| Authored by | |
| Publisher | Kodansha |
| Serialized in | Afternoon |
| Original run | 5/05 – |
| No. of volumes | |
Gankutsuou - The Count of Monte Cristo (巌窟王 Gankutsuō?) is a Japanese anime series, loosely based on Alexandre Dumas, père's classic French novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. Spanning 24 episodes, it was produced by GONZO, directed by Mahiro Maeda and was broadcast by the anime television network, Animax, across its respective networks in Japan, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Latin America, and other regions. The anime series was also later adapted into a manga, which has been serialized in Kodansha's Afternoon manga magazine since May 2005.
Gankutsuōu was one of the first anime series to take advantage of the potential of Photoshop textures and layering in digital animation. The backgrounds are frequently rendered in 3D, a stylistic trademark heralded by Gonzo.
Contents |
[edit] Background
Gankutsuou - The Count of Monte Cristo is set in the far future, during the year 5053, whereas Alexandre Dumas's original novel takes place during the 1800s. Though Gankutsuou - The Count of Monte Cristo incorporates elements of science-fiction and fantasy, it also retains many aesthetics of France in the 1800s, particularly in regard to social classes and wealth. In addition, each of the episodes begin with a summary spoken in French.
While visiting the festival on Luna, Viscount Albert de Morcerf and Baron Franz d' Epinay make the acquaintance of the Count of Monte Cristo, a self-made nobleman. When they part, the Count promises to visit Albert in Paris. After he arrives, he insinuates himself into the most powerful families in France (the Morcerfs, the Danglars, and the Villeforts).
The general plot of Gankutsuou - The Count of Monte Cristo, while broadly the same, changes many aspects of the source material. Whereas Alexandre Dumas's original novel is focused heavily on the Count, Gankutsuou's narrative places more importance on the character of Albert. In the novel, the events in the Count's life proceed chronologically; in the anime, the story begins with Albert and Franz meeting the Count on Luna (which occurs many hundreds of pages into the book, in Rome), and the back story is pieced together throughout the series. The plot changes include supernatural elements, different fates for some characters, the disposal of several side-plots, and an altogether different ending.
These changes result in a different tone; in the novel the Count's quest for revenge is seen very sympathetically, but various plot elements in the anime lead the viewer's sympathy towards Albert, making the Count a far more antagonizing figure. Gankutsuou's plot could largely be classified as a coming-of-age story for Albert, catalyzed by the discovery of the dark history of the Count.
[edit] Characters by household
[edit] Monte Cristo
- The Count of Monte Cristo/Le Comte de Monte Cristo (モンテ・クリスト伯爵?)
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- Voice: Jouji Nakata / Jamieson Price
- A mysterious nobleman living in luxury, The Count approaches and befriends Albert in Luna as the first step in his plan of revenge against the people who once betrayed him. The Count's previous identity was Edmond Dantès, a sailor who worked for the Morrel family's shipping company. Edmond was imprisoned in the Chateau d'If on false charges, and there it was that he met Gankutsuou (known as The Ruler of the Cave in Animax's English adaptation). In exchange for the strength and means to gain revenge, he allowed the cold-blooded demon to possess him.
- Haydée (エデ?)
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- Voice: Akiko Yajima / Stephanie Sheh
- A delicate beauty and skilled harp player, Haydée is one of the members of the Count of Monte Cristo's estate. The former princess of the planet of Janina, she was sold into slavery when her father was betrayed and killed by a political ally. Haydée was eventually rescued by the Count, and grew deep feelings for him over time. She wishes to save him from the revenge that consumes his life.
- Giovanni Bertuccio (ベルッチオ?)
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- Voice: Kōji Ishii
- Bertuccio is one of the Count's right-hand men, acting as servant and bodyguard.
- Baptistin (バティスタン?)
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- Voice: Nobuo Tobita
- Baptistin is the Count's other right-hand man. He's skilled at fencing and practices occasionally with the Count.
- Ali (アリ?)
- Ali is the Count's mute alien servant. He has unusual powers, such as telekinesis and controlling animals. He saves the Count's life on one occasion.
[edit] Morcerf
- General Fernand de Morcerf /Le Général Fernand de Morcerf(Fernand Mondego) (モルセール将軍(フェルナン・モンデゴ)?)
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- Voice: Jūrōta Kosugi / Paul St. Peter
- The husband of Mercédès and the father of Albert, Fernand is general of the Parisian army and the leading candidate in France's presidential race. While touted as a hero, Fernand is actually a cowardly character, guilty of unethical practices including the murder of the King of Janina and a purchased nobility. In the past, he worked with Edmond Dantès and Danglars under his real name of Fernand Mondego. Though Edmond considered him a friend, Fernand was his rival for the affection of Mercédès.
- Mercédès de Morcerf (Mercédès Herrera) (メルセデス?)
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- Voice: Kikuko Inoue / Kirsty Pape
- The former fiancée of Edmond Dantès, Mercédès demurred and married her childhood friend Fernand upon news of Edmond's death in the Chateau d'If. Though she is a devoted wife and caring mother, Mercédès still harbours feelings for Edmond. She suspects the Count's true identity and worries that he has returned to disrupt her family's life.
- Viscount Albert de Morcerf/Le Vicomte Albert de Morcerf (アルベール・ド・モルセール子爵?)
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- Voice: Jun Fukuyama / Johnny Yong Bosch
- A naïve fifteen-year-old, Albert encounters the Count while vacationing on the moon colony, Luna. Taken in by the Count's poise, sophistication, and mystique, Albert serves as a tool for the Count to immerse himself in Parisian society. His naïveté is his defining flaw, blinding him to others' faults and intentions. Nonetheless, his purity of spirit penetrates the hearts of others.
[edit] Danglars
- Baron Danglars/Le Baron Danglars (ダングラール男爵?)
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- Voice: Shinpachi Tsugi / Doug Stone
- Danglars is the most powerful banker in France and he seeks wealth above everything else, often disregarding the feelings of those closest to him in the process. By appealing to Danglars' sense of greed, the Count persuades him to create an account allowing an unlimited withdrawal of funds. He sees the marriage of his daughter Eugénie as a way to enhance his family's wealth and prestige. He has been friends with Fernand for several decades, and engaged Eugénie to Albert as a way of tying the families together.
- Victoria de Danglars (ビクトリア?)
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- Voice: Naoko Matsui / Mari Devon
- Madame Danglars is known for being outspoken and determined to get her way. Madame Danglars has had several extramarital lovers, such as Albert's friend Lucien. In contrast to her husband, Madame Danglars has limits on what she will do in the pursuit of wealth; her most prized possession is her horse Eclipse which she refuses to sell.
- Claire-Marie-Eugénie de Danglars (ユージェニー?)
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- Voice: Chie Nakamura / Michelle Ruff
- Eugénie is the childhood friend of Albert and Franz and is engaged to Albert. Though she is usually friendly to Albert, she appears displeased with the arrangement and sometimes acts cold towards him. She shows her affections through composing music for and playing the piano; her dream is to become a professional pianist.
[edit] Villefort
- Gérard de Villefort/Gerard de Villefort Procureur-général (ヴィルフォール首席判事?)
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- Voice: Yousuke Akimoto / Tom Wyner
- Gérard is the highest ranking judge in Paris and is considered a member of the social elite. He is known for being harsh in his rulings, a trait that will return to haunt him. He conducts his judicial business with an iron fist, he is in truth a very passive, self-flagellating character. His first wife died years ago, and he remarried to a social-climber named Héloïse. He once had an affair with Madame Danglars which resulted in a child.
- Valentine de Villefort (ヴァランティーヌ?)
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- Voice: Junko Miura / Dorothy Elias-Fahn
- Valentine is Villefort's daughter by his first wife. She is a kind and caring person, but she is also somewhat withdrawn and rather frail. She is very sickly most of the time. While she appears to have a civil relationship with her father, she is more attached to her grandfather Noirtier. Though she is formally engaged to Franz, she does not seem to have feelings for him; instead, she prefers the company of Maximilien Morrel. Unfortunately, due to his position as a soldier, he is not approved of by her father.
- Héloïse de Villefort (エロイーズ?)
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- Voice: Kumiko Watanabe / Julie Ann Taylor
- Héloïse is the second wife of Villefort and Valentine's stepmother. She is bitter towards her stepdaughter because she believes that Valentine will inherit the Villefort's estate, leaving her son Edouard with nothing. Her hobby is gardening in her private greenhouse. She is fascinated by toxicology, and most of the plants she grows are highly poisonous. From her flirtations with the Count and indifference towards her husband, she gives the strong impression that she is a social climber.
- Edouard de Villefort (エドワール?)
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- Voice: Noriko Kitou
- Edouard is Héloïse's only son from her previous marriage. He is a young and spoiled boy whom his mother hopes will one day inherit the Villefort's estate.
- Noirtier de Villefort (ノワルティエ老?)
- Noirtier is Gérard de Villefort's father, though they have an antagonistic relationship. Noirtier was once a high-ranking official within the French government, but was paralyzed due to a stroke and he can no longer speak. Valentine is devoted to his well-being and he seeks to provide for her as best he can given his condition.
[edit] Other characters
- Baron Franz d'Epinay/Le Baron Franz d'Epinay (フランツ・デピネー男爵?)
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- Voice: Daisuke Hirakawa / Ezra Weisz
- Albert's best friend who accompanied him in the carnival in Luna. He seems to be more mature than Albert, cautioning him against the Count. He holds deep feelings for his best friend and he risks his own life on several occasions to save Albert.
- Maximilien Morrel (マクシミリアン・モレル?)
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- Voice: Tetsu Inada / Tony Oliver
- A military man in love with Valentine. His father owned the shipping company that hired Edmond Dantès. Though he is socially awkward, he is also strong, courageous and honest.
- Lucien Debray (リュシアン・ドプレー?)
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- Voice: Jin Domon / Doug Erholtz
- Lucien is a friend of Albert and Franz. He works as a secretary within the French government. Charismatic and confident, Lucien is a self-proclaimed ladies' man, and far from shy when it comes to his affair with Madame Danglars.
- Thomas Beauchamp (ボーシャン?)
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- Voice: Tetsu Shiratori / Jack Bauer
- Beauchamp is another friend of Franz and Albert. Beauchamp works as a news reporter for a French newspaper.
- Raoul de Château-Renaud (ラウル・ド・シャトー＝ルノー（ルノー）?)
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- Voice: MIKI / Yuri Lowenthal
- Renuad is another friend of Albert and Franz. A soldier during the previous war, he was saved by Maximilien and introduced him to the group. A man with a love for cars, he is an open and talkative person.
- Luigi Vampa (ルイギヴァンパ?)
- Vampa is the well-known leader of a group of bandits on Luna. He is responsible for kidnapping Albert at the beginning of the story.
- Beppo/Peppo (ベッポ?)
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- Voice: Mai Nakahara / Carrie Savage
- Beppo meets Albert during the festival on Luna, and seduces him per Vampa's orders to kidnap him. When Albert returns to Paris, Beppo becomes a maid in the Morcerf household.
- Marquis Andrea Cavalcanti (アンドレア・カヴァルカンティ（侯爵）?)
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- Voice: Tomokazu Seki / Liam O'Brien
- Calvacanti is an Italian nobleman known to the Count, who introduces him to Parisian society. Cunning and crude, he flamboyantly displays his wealth to make himself known throughout Paris. After meeting Danglars, he replaces Albert as Eugénie's fiancé. He is arrested at the wedding and is shown to be a fraud created by the Count.
- Gaspard Caderousse (カドルッス?)
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- Voice: Nobuo Tobita
- Caderousse is a drunk who was once a member of the same crew as Edmond, Fernand, and the others. He indirectly participated in the plot to send Edmond to the Chateau d'If.
[edit] Episode list
- At the End of Our Travels, We Meet
- Until the Sun Rises on the Moon
- 5/22, Tempest
- Mother's Secret
- Do You Love Your Betrothed?
- Her Gloom, My Gloom
- The Secret Nectar of the Flower Garden
- A Night in Boulogne
- I Had a Dream of the Color of Darkness
- A Letter from Edmond
- Engagement, Broken
- Encore
- Haydee
- Wandering Heart
- The End of Happiness, the Beginning of Truth
- Scandal
- Confession
- Duel
- If I Had Become Unlike Myself
- Farewell, Eugénie
- The True Identity of the Nobleman
- Counterattack
- Edmond Dantès
- By the Seashore
[edit] Theme songs
- Opening theme
- "We Were Lovers"
- Lyrics: Jean-Jacques Burnel
- Arrangement: Jean-Jacques Burnel & Loule Nicastro
- Performance: Jean-Jacques Burnel
- Ending theme
- "You Won't See Me Coming"
- Lyrics: Jean-Jacques Burnel
- Arrangement: Jean-Jacques Burnel & Loule Nicastro
- Performance: Jean-Jacques Burnel
[edit] Licensing
Geneon Entertainment acquired the North American release rights for Gankutsuou, and it has been released under the title Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo. As of September 12, 2006, all volumes(1-6) have been released on DVD.
[edit] Trivia
- Gankutsuō (literally meaning The Ruler of the Cave) was an early Japanese translation of the title The Count of Monte Cristo.
- The textures and patterns for the characters' clothing in the final episode were created by fashion designer Anna Sui.
- The series features several famous pieces of classical music, including Tchaikovsky's Manfred Symphony, the Donizetti opera Lucia di Lammermoor, and Racmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2.
[edit] External links
- Official Gankutsuōu website (Japanese)
- Geneon's official website for Gankutsuōu: The Count of Monte Cristo (English)
- Animax's website for Gankutsuōu (Japanese)
- Animax East Asia's website for The Count of Monte Cristo (English)
- Animax South Asia's website for The Count of Monte Cristo (English)
- AniDB entry
- Gankutusou Screenshots Gallery With over 1300 shots from the series.
