Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo

About Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo

If you are hunting for a new drama series, Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (巌窟王) deserves a look (2004). The setup goes like this. In short: In the year 5053, French aristocrats Viscount Albert de Morcerf and Baron Franz d'Epinay attend the festival of Carnival on the moon city of Luna. While Franz is just looking to have fun, Albert is seeking something more to fill his life—but he finds more than he bargained for in The Count of Monte Cristo.

More of the story: Through a few twists and turns, Albert befriends the Count and introduces him into French society. The Count, however, has more on his mind than just friendship; he plots to finally unleash his vengeance on those who wronged him years earlier. Gankutsuou follows Albert and the Count's intertwined destinies and the ultimate price paid for enacting revenge.

In a drama series like this, character writing and emotional payoff matter more than spectacle. Albert de Morcerf (Jun Fukuyama) and Monte-Cristo Hakushaku (Jouji Nakata) are two of the characters you will meet early. It will appeal most to viewers who prefer story and feelings over flashy action. At 24 episodes in total, it is easy to plan a viewing schedule.

Production & Appeal

Production sits with GONZO, which means the visual identity of Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo follows that studio's craft. The drama focus matters here: character writing and emotional payoff matter more than spectacle. A 7.8/10 score points to a dependable, well-liked series. On the casting side, Jun Fukuyama voicing Albert de Morcerf gives the lead role a recognizable voice. Released in 2004, it competed with that season's other new series for attention.