Common Sense Media Review
Stylish animation can't mask extreme violence and language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
As a child, young Afro (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) witnesses his father -- the "number one" samurai -- being murdered by the number two samurai, Justice (Ron Perlman), who then usurps the title. Afro spends his whole life in training, and, upon adulthood, goes after Justice. He defeats one foe after another in increasingly violent fights before reaching the mountain where Justice lives -- where he prepares for the most important battle of his life.
Is It Any Good?
While it's decidedly not for children, AFRO SAMURAI is surprisingly well made. Its primary strength is in its art, which is lush and detailed. Many critics have argued that the story is somewhat generic, which is probably true. But fans of anime and martial arts likely won't be swayed by such concerns.
Teenage boys will love this one -- if they're mature enough to handle its themes of violent retribution and sexual conquest. The awesome soundtrack by The RZA (of legendary hip hop group The Wu-Tang Clan) is just icing on this (very bloody) cake.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to seek revenge. Why is Afro so single minded in his pursuit of Justice? Do the ends ever justify the means?
If this is a show for adults, why do you think it's animated? Should cartoons only be for kids?
How does the violence compare to that in other shows you've seen? Does it have the same impact that it would if it were filmed in live action? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 4, 2007
- Cast : Phil LaMarr , Ron Perlman , Samuel L. Jackson
- Network : Spike
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : January 15, 2025
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