Blue Eye Samurai is an eight-episode animated series on Netflix about a samurai hell-bent on revenge. The series follows Mizu, a tormented mixed-race girl with piercing blue eyes. Insults and threats for being a “round-eye” are thrown at her as she is beaten and bullied by the local village children. After her home is burned down, she meets a blind swordmaker who takes her in and teaches her the way of the sword. As a samurai, she sets out to destroy those who were responsible for her suffering and her torment as a biracial “demon” at a time when Japan closed its borders off to the rest of the world. 

A Woman Samurai? 

The new Netflix series Blue Eye Samurai is an adult-animated show portraying the would-be life of a samurai woman. Following Mizu (voiced by Maya Erskine), a mixed-race swordmaster who lives a life of disguise while plotting her revenge. As a biracial “demon”, and a woman in the Edo period no less, Mizu is persecuted everywhere she goes. Born from sexual violence committed by one of the only four white men in Japan. She sets out to track them down and kill them as payment for her life of pain.

Blue Eye Samurai may be an animated show, but that doesn’t stop any of its graphically colorful action sequences and deeply complex themes of identity, duty, love, and betrayal. Mizu brutally butchers dozens of men who are put in her way. Her vengeance is illustrated in blood erupting from chopped limbs, broken bones, and bashed teeth. Giving credence to her swordsmanship, as a warrior she is no less dangerous than any man she faces with a sword. Painted in a stunning and vibrant style of animation that journeys through frozen forests, a bustling 1600s Kyoto, and huge fortresses. The audience may just find themselves hitting pause to soak up the vibrant visuals. Katanas cross with two-handed Naginatas in fight scenes reminiscent of classic Chanbara films, Blue Eye Samurai is a tribute to samurai cinema with a modern twist.

Mizu’s Allies Are Just as Flawed but Just as Strong

Blue Eye Samurai visualizes Edo-era Japan in provocative adult animation with a live-action edge of brutality. The action is choreographed beautifully and the combat is bloody awesome! Though its characters constantly face innumerable odds, they each have their own journey of self-discovery that pays off by the end.

Mizu’s journey toward revenge is a chaotic inner battle as much as it is outward. Because she is half-white and half-Japanese, she is labeled a “demon” by those who see the color of her eyes and skin. Her master, one of Japan’s most legendary sword makers, is completely blind. This being said,The Swordfather has mastered the use of fire with blacksmithing to teach her about swordsmanship.