Series · 2004
Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
巌窟王
Young aristocrat Albert travels with his friend Franz to escape a dull life in Paris. On the Moon he meets the wealthy, charismatic Count of Monte Cristo and invites him into Parisian society. Albert's admiration gives a dangerous stranger access to the world of his family.
The adaptation relocates Alexandre Dumas's story to a future Paris and begins through the young man's fascination with the Count. Lavish hotels, attendants and apparent sophistication help explain why Albert is impressed. The invitation is consequential precisely because he sees an exciting patron before he can understand the man's purpose.
The Count's elaborate patterned clothing gives Albert's fascination a visible setting. Faces remain readable against fabric filled with decorative colour and motifs; a close encounter can look as ornate as a grand interior. The attraction is therefore carried by the people themselves, rather than depending only on the promise of wealth elsewhere.
Complete television anime · Approx. 9.6 hours · 24 episodes
The complete 24 episode 2004 television anime as catalogued by the retained licensed source. Source novels/manga and unrelated adaptations are outside this commitment.