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Director ofCode Geass: Lelouch of the RebellionGoro Taniguchi proclaimed that creating the film trilogy adaptation of the popular original series was a very challenging process for him. The director was pushed to make difficult decisions in reducing the 50-episode TV series into three full-length films that included the removal of a crucial scene featuring the character Kallen Kouzuki, the pilot of Guren Knightmare.
Talking about the trilogy, Taniguchi notified about the burdensome task of reimagining the narrative ofCode Geassfor the big screen. The director’s words uncovered the creative decisions necessary to deliver a cinematic experience whilst maintaining the essence of the original series.
Kallen Kouzuki’s Emotional Moment for the Heartbreaking Cut inCode Geass
Goro Taniguchi revealedin an interview viaTumblrthat one of the most difficult decisions he faced during the editing process was the removal of a scene showcasing the Guren Knightmare’s first flight. The moment, which held deep significance for Kallen Kouzuki’s development, was ultimately sacrificed due to time constraints.
Taniguchi confessed:
“I have no choice but to do this as this is my duty”, the part that I removed completely while weeping is when Guren Kashoushiki comes out for the first time. This is a story from the time we’re making the TV series.
He also explained that the scene was meant to convey how a mecha that has never been able to fly in the sky before finally be able to in the original series. The director’s emotional attachment to this particular sequence was evident as he described the painstaking effort that went into its creation for the original television series. Taniguchi had even commissioned a complete revision of the accompanying music to enhance the scene’s impact.
He admitted:
To fly a mecha in the sky feels like something natural, but perhaps it’s not that easy to do… That scene has a strong emotional attachment, and I’ve even had the music completely revised.
Despite his connection to the moment, he reluctantly acknowledged that it simply could not be included in the film adaptation. “However in the movies that scene can’t be put in no matter how,” he stated, adding more, “So I sorted out ‘Anything made from personal desire is not needed’, and removed it.“
“It’s fine since it won’t kill me”: One Minor Code Geass Character Held More Value within the Trilogy than the Character Who Gave Lelouch His First Real Challenge
The challenge faced by filmmakers when adapting long-form narratives into more condensed formats highlightsTaniguchi’s willingness to sacrificepersonally meaningful scenes for the sake of the overall narrative.
A New Perspective has been made for a New Audience
Taniguchi’s decision toremove certain scenes and altercharacter dynamics was not made lightly but with a specific vision in mind. The director explained that the film trilogy was designed as an entry point for new viewers who might find the 50-episode series daunting.
Taniguchi explained why the balance was needed in creating the trilogy, stating:
We rationalized that it’s probably fine even if you don’t know the side characters’ names and roles. If we don’t even do that much we wouldn’t be able to make the summary.
The director has also addressed the changing landscape of anime consumption, stating the rise of slice-of-life and more genres. He described his desire to create something different than others, “I’m looking for an opening to make anime that is not like that.”
Code Geass Co-Creator Ichirou Okouchi Saying the Anime Had a “Happy Ending” Makes Sense Even Though Most of Us Won’t Like it
Some may lament the loss of certain moments with the director’s responsibility in creating a narrative for both old and new viewers. Adaptations like theCode Geassfilm trilogy have become a bridge between generations of fans. Taniguchi’s direction has somehow maintained its focus on the core narrative surrounding Lelouch’s rebellion and didn’t divert from that.
Code Geass Trilogy – Initiation, Transgression, and Glorificationis available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Akihito Chakma
Articles Published :165
Holding a Master’s degree in English, Akihito is a dedicated Content Writer at FandomWire. He has a keen focus on the ongoing anime series, classic series and new releases. With his passion for anime and writing skills, Akihito keeps fans informed and entertained through his work.
