GANGSTA.: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]

This is a review of the Blu-Ray of Gangsta. The set comes on two disks with episodes 1 - 9 on the first disk and episodes 10 - 12 on the second. There are extras but they are nothing special and can be ignored. There is an ENglish dub but the Japanese soundtrack and subtitles are fine.Plot - This is the story of the city of Ergastulum. The city is run by four mafia families who compete for territory and influence. There is also a guild for those known as Tags or Twilights. The Twilights are a legacy of military research and are people with extraordinary physical prowess. Their physical powers come at a price though. They will have some physical defect and they don't live long. Part of this complex world are the "Handymen" Nicolas and Worick. This is the story of how the world of Ergastulum works told in 12 dark and sometimes darkly comic episodes. Are the Handymen the owners of the streets or are they merely pawns in a bigger game?Commentary - This is a very modern anime intended for adults. The themes concern vice, corruption, psychological disorder and violence. The animation is excellent. People look like people, the scenery is clearly influenced by parts of Italy or Sicily with medieval narrow streets and terracotta tiled roofs. The plot is unevenly paced but manages to move along through a couple of story arcs. Some of the flashback scenes add depth to the characters of Worick and Nicolas but don't help the flow of the overall anime.I didn't know much about Gangsta before I bought the set. The editorial review and a lot of online reviews were mixed to say the least. This is a violent, morally bankrupt series that goes beyond Black Lagoon in many ways. It is also fascinating to watch. It is saved by Worick and Nicolas; the Handymen. They are charismatic in their own right and the interplay between the two is marvelous. There's humor, compassion and fellowship there.This dark series looked like it needed an extra episode to finish off the story but as it stands now this is a flawed masterpiece. I might recommend watching this on a nice sunny day with lots of things to cheer you up scattered about.I'm glad I watched this but it might be a long time before I summon up the courage to watch it again. Yes, it's a flawed masterpiece but it is a real modern masterpiece.

Arrived without an issues with Blu-rays and everything ran smoothly. The show itself is both unique in its translating concepts into social issues but tackles them in an honest and realistic way. Despite the over the top powers at times, its kept grounded by characters that don't disguise the harsh realities of thier world including subjects that warrant upfront addressing. Although it was unable to generate a second season, it remains amongst my favorite for displaying humanity amongst those in a world of open inhuman treatment. I recommend it for anyone willing to accept its build up, yet well fleshed out storytelling.

Amazing series.It’s about a city named after where the Romans used to keep their slaves so obviously a big theme is personal autonomy and how different characters have to deal with that theme is varied and delightfully gritty. I strongly recommend getting into this series.What’s especially great about the anime is that since a main character is deaf, they use sign language and if you’re watching with the Japanese audio, he actually sounds like a deaf person the few times he talks and it really adds to the experience.(I don’t have anything good to say about the English dubbing. Best to avoid that for this particular anime and stick with subs.)

No complaints. well packaged, product as describedRecommended sellers!

We really liked the series...great characters and storyline...my one complaint is that, for some reason the volume couldn’t be adjusted very well! I know it was the disc because our others work just fine!Only giving 4 stars because of this...take a chance on it...your disc will probably be fine!

I know that the anime ended and this 1st season is pretty much the whole season. That being said the story was engaging and creative, it left an impression on me that’s why I’d still recommend it.

It feels like it stopped in the middle of the final battle. Where is the next season?

Love this show. It's funny, sad, and everything in between.