Samurai Jam-Bakumatsu Rock English Sub & Dub

About Samurai Jam-Bakumatsu Rock

Samurai Jam-Bakumatsu Rock (幕末Rock) blends action, comedy and fantasy by Studio DEEN (2014). Below is a fresh retelling of what the story is about. In short: The story is set in the Bakumatsu era, at the end of the shoguns' rule over Japan in the middle of the 19th century. The Tokugawa shogunate uses the brainwashing Heaven's Songs by the top idols in Shinsengumi to subjugate the country and its people.

From there, in this Japan, writing or singing any songs besides the Heaven's Songs is a capital offense. Sakamoto Ryouma and the other rockers rise up and change the world with rock 'n' roll for freedom and justice.

In an action series like this, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. Ryouma Sakamoto (Kishou Taniyama) and Shouin Yoshida (Ryuusei Nakao) are two of the characters you will meet early. This one is best suited to viewers who like fast, high-impact fights. With 12 episodes in total, there is enough room for the story to develop.

Production & Appeal

Animation is handled by Studio DEEN, so the studio's house style defines how Samurai Jam-Bakumatsu Rock looks and moves on screen. Within the action category, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. With a 5.4/10 score, it is more of a niche pick than a universal crowd-pleaser. On the casting side, Kishou Taniyama voicing Ryouma Sakamoto gives the lead role a recognizable voice. Released in 2014, it competed with that season's other new series for attention.