Berserk
Berserk
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Berserk

"This sword is the proof that I have lived."

8.5
Yr 1997
Rt 23m
Status Ended
Action & Adventure Sci-Fi & Fantasy Animation
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Series Brief

Overview

Guts, a wandering mercenary, joins the Band of the Hawk after being defeated in a duel by Griffith, the group's leader and founder. Together, they dominate every battle, but something menacing lurks in the shadows.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 92 /100

The 1997 adaptation of Berserk is widely hailed by critics as a legendary piece of dark fantasy television. Reviewers frequently laud the depth of its characters, the emotional weight of its thematic writing, and the series' ability to balance brutal violence with sophisticated, intellectually rich drama. Many critics consider it the best adaptation of the source material ever produced.

Despite its acclaim, it is noted that the series is strictly intended for mature audiences due to intense graphic violence and sexual content. While some critics found the medieval fantasy setting to be somewhat generic, the compelling character arcs and the strength of the narrative ensure that the show remains a lasting, unforgettable experience for its viewers.

“Berserk is one of the best anime you can watch and enjoy it regardless if you are a fan or not of the genre.”

“Besides the deep characters, shocking twists, and brutal fights, Berserk is a series well known for its incredible visuals.”

“Berserk is 1997 is worthy of legendary status.”

“Its writing leaves a lasting impression, parallel to literature in its intellectual richness and depth.”

Why fans love it

The 1997 adaptation of Berserk is defined by a relentless commitment to its own grim internal logic. It moves beyond typical sword and sorcery tropes, favoring an environment where victory often requires a level of self-mutilation and sacrifice that leaves the characters physically and emotionally hollowed out. The animation captures a specific, heavy grit that suits its focus on the cyclical nature of slaughter and supernatural dread.

Nobutoshi Canna anchors the intense tone of the series as it explores the boundaries of human endurance. It is a stark study in how loyalty becomes a liability when set against a backdrop of torture and calculated massacres. By grounding its dark fantasy in the visceral cost of sustained conflict, the series remains a demanding and singular experience for those who prefer their narrative stakes stripped of sentimentality.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 48
Regulars 2
Longest run 25 eps
Nobutoshi Canna
Nobutoshi Canna
as Guts (voice)
Toshiyuki Morikawa
Toshiyuki Morikawa
as Griffith (voice)
Yuko Miyamura
Yuko Miyamura
as Casca (voice)
Tomohiro Nishimura
Tomohiro Nishimura
as Corkus (voice)
Unsho Ishizuka
Unsho Ishizuka
as Narrator (voice)
Akira Ishida
Akira Ishida
as Judeau (voice)
25 episodes
Akiko Yajima
Akiko Yajima
as Rickert (voice)
25 episodes
Masuo Amada
Masuo Amada
as Pippin (voice)
2 episodes
Show 40 more
Tomoe Hanba as Collette (voice) 1 episode Ryuji Mizuno as Julius (voice) 6 episodes Toshiko Sawada as Queen (voice) 5 episodes Shouto Kashii as Soldier B (voice) 9 episodes Kazuhiro Nakata as General A (voice) 3 episodes Kan Tokumaru as Snake Baron (voice) 1 episode Eken Mine as Collette's Grandfather (voice) 1 episode Ikuo Nishikawa as Minister (voice) 1 episode Takashi Irie as Aide (voice) 1 episode Masashi Sugawara as Dean (voice) 1 episode Kenji Nomura as Black Ram Lieutenant (voice) 3 episodes Ikuya Sawaki as Bazuso (voice) 4 episodes Masaaki Tsukada as Minister A (voice) 3 episodes Atsushi Ii as Minister B (voice) 1 episode Masahito Kawanago as Soldier (voice) 9 episodes Hideki Ogihara as Soldier A (voice) 2 episodes Norio Wakamoto as Gambino (voice) 2 episodes Orine Fukushima as Young Guts (voice) 2 episodes Fumihiko Tachiki as Black Ram Commander (voice) 1 episode Kiyomitsu Mizuuchi as Aide (voice) 2 episodes Shōji Ōki as Gennon (voice) 1 episode Hiroshi Naka as Merchant (voice) 2 episodes Kenji Utsumi as Zodd (voice) 1 episode Masayuki Nakata as Soldier B (voice) 3 episodes Hideto Ebihara as Soldier (voice) 4 episodes Yasuyuki Kase as Band Member B (voice) 4 episodes Toru Okawa as Bartender (voice) 2 episodes Eiji Maruyama as Minister A (voice) 1 episode Yuji Fujishiro as Minister B (voice) 1 episode Eiji Sekiguchi as Soldier A (voice) 6 episodes Tessyo Genda as Adon (voice) 3 episodes Hiroyuki Yokoo as Dilos (voice) 3 episodes Tamio Ohki as King (voice) 5 episodes Masaharu Sato as Hail (voice) 1 episode Mahito Tsujimura as Foss (voice) 3 episodes Yuri Shiratori as Charlotte (voice) 3 episodes Fumio Matsuoka as Hassan (voice) 1 episode Naoki Bando as Owen (voice) 1 episode Mayumi Asano as Adonis (voice) 1 episode Tomoko Miura as Court Lady B (voice) 1 episode
Signal Match

Similarity

Where Berserk overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

sexual abuse suffering mercenary male friendship waterfall supernatural woods sword fight travel slaughter gore survival torture corpse based on manga massacre eclipse demon middle ages (476-1453) self mutilation dark fantasy seinen anime horror
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
October 08, 1997
Status
Ended
Episode Runtime
23 minutes
Origin
JP
TMDB Votes
835