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    Guilty Crown
    📺seriesEndedTV-14

    Guilty Crown

    Japan flagJapan

    "The power of the king to give you a weapon."

    2011 - 2012 24m Japanese
    Community

    Overview

    Japan lies in ruins after the "Lost Christmas" incident unleashes the Apocalypse Virus. A mysterious meteorite crash triggers a pandemic that kills millions and forces the Global Health Quorum (GHQ) to seize control of the nation. In this dystopian landscape, high school student Shu Ouma lives a quiet life until a chance encounter with a girl named Inori Yuzuriha grants him the ability to extract weapons from people's souls.

    This supernatural power thrusts Shu into the center of a rebellion led by Funeral Parlor. As he learns to wield these Voids, he must navigate a brutal conflict against GHQ forces while grappling with the moral weight of his role as the "King." The series blends intense mecha battles with a story about identity, sacrifice, and the cost of freedom.

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    PlotSpoiler-free

    The year is 2039. Japan has been stripped of its sovereignty following the release of the Apocalypse Virus, which arrived via a meteorite impact during an event known as Lost Christmas. The Global Health Quorum (GHQ) occupies the country, enforcing strict martial law to contain the virus and suppress any dissent. Society has fractured, with citizens living in fear under the watchful eyes of GHQ soldiers and drones.

    Shu Ouma is an ordinary high school student who prefers to stay out of trouble. His life changes when he witnesses a raid by GHQ forces on a group called Funeral Parlor. During the chaos, he touches Inori Yuzuriha, a mysterious girl singing in the street, and awakens to the "Power of the Kings." This ability allows him to pull physical manifestations of a person's inner psyche, known as Voids, from their bodies. These Voids range from simple swords to massive mecha-like constructs, tailored to the user's emotional state.

    Reluctantly drawn into the resistance, Shu joins Funeral Parlor, a group fighting to overthrow the GHQ and restore Japan's independence. The team includes Gai Tsutsugami, a charismatic but ruthless leader; Argo, a cynical sniper; and Tsugumi, a loyal medic. Shu becomes the group's primary weapon, extracting powerful Voids from allies to fight back against the occupation.

    The narrative explores the psychological toll of leadership as Shu struggles with the burden of his power. He questions whether he is saving humanity or merely accelerating its destruction. Meanwhile, Inori hides deep secrets about her connection to the virus and the origins of the Power of the Kings. The stakes escalate as the GHQ, commanded by the cold Shuichiro Keido, deploys specialized soldiers and psychological tactics to crush the rebellion.

    As the war intensifies, the line between the resistance and the occupiers blurs. Shu faces off against Gai, whose methods grow increasingly extreme, while navigating complex relationships with his teammates. The series builds toward a climax where Shu must confront the true nature of the virus and the source of his own abilities. The story leaves viewers anticipating how the conflict will resolve and what price Shu will pay for his newfound power, without revealing the final outcome.

    Ending ExplainedSpoilers

    Trailers

    Guilty Crown - Official Trailer

    Critical Reception

    Critical Consensus

    While praised for its stunning animation and unique concept, Guilty Crown faces criticism for its rushed pacing and underdeveloped character arcs in the latter half. However, its emotional core and musical score resonate strongly with fans, making it a memorable entry in the sci-fi anime genre despite its flaws.

    Top Cast

    Yuki Kaji

    Yuki Kaji

    Shu Ouma

    Yuichi Nakamura

    Yuichi Nakamura

    Gai Tsutsugami

    Ai Kayano

    Ai Kayano

    Inori Yuzuriha

    Kana Hanazawa

    Kana Hanazawa

    Ayase Shinomiya

    Ayana Taketatsu

    Ayana Taketatsu

    Tsugumi

    Kazuhiko Inoue

    Kazuhiko Inoue

    Shuichiro Keido

    Daisuke Sakaguchi

    Daisuke Sakaguchi

    Souta Tamadate

    Anri Katsu

    Anri Katsu

    Argo Tsukishima

    Nobutoshi Canna

    Nobutoshi Canna

    Makoto Waltz Segai

    Takehito Koyasu

    Takehito Koyasu

    Shibungi

    Takahiro Mizushima

    Takahiro Mizushima

    Yahiro Samukawa

    Aya Endo

    Aya Endo

    Arisa Kuhoin

    Crew

    Director

    Tetsurō Araki

    Writers

    Ichiro Okouchi, Hiroyuki Yoshino

    Composer

    Hiroyuki Sawano

    Cinematographer

    Koji Tanaka

    Producers

    Hideo Katsumata, Yatsuho Tomikawa, Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, Atsushi Terada, Naohiro Tafu

    Seasons (2)

    Awards

    Newtype Anime Awards (2012)

    Best Male Character: Won

    Newtype Anime Awards (2012)

    Best Female Character: Won

    Seiyu Awards (2012)

    Best Supporting Actor: Won

    Seiyu Awards (2012)

    Best New Actress: Won

    Tokyo Anime Award Festival (2012)

    Animation of the Year: Nominated

    Keywords

    futuredystopiaarmymechasingerpiloted robotterrorismrobotepidemicsuper powerhigh school studentdead familymysterious girlanimegenetic weaponsgenomerobotsteenagerbandsoulscorrupt government

    Sources

    Facts

    Status
    Ended
    Type
    Scripted
    Original Language
    JA
    Network
    Fuji TV
    Seasons
    1
    Episodes
    22
    Production
    Aniplex, Production I.G, Fuji Television Network, dentsu, movic

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