Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the King

Synopsis

Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the King is a gripping dark fantasy anime film released in 2012, directed by Toshiyuki Kubooka and starring Hiroaki Iwanaga. The story follows Guts, a lone mercenary with a formidable sword, who is drawn into the ruthless Band of the Hawk led by the charismatic Griffith. As Guts fights alongside his comrades, he experiences the intense bonds of friendship, loyalty, and ambition amidst a brutal medieval world filled with violence, political intrigue, and supernatural elements. This film sets the stage for an epic tale of fate and struggle, showcasing breathtaking animation and deeply complex characters, marking the beginning of the Golden Age saga based on Kentaro Miura's acclaimed manga.

Cast

• 

  Hiroaki Iwanaga

  Guts (voice)

• 

  Takahiro Sakurai

  Griffith (voice)

• 

  Yuki Kaji

  Judeau (voice)

• 

  Takahiro Fujiwara

  Pippin (voice)

• 

  Toa Yukinari

  Casca (voice)

• Yoshiaki Matsumoto

  Corkus (voice)

Reviews

Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the King has received generally positive reviews from critics and fans alike, praised for its faithful adaptation of the source material and impressive animation quality. On IMDb, it holds a solid rating of 7.5/10, reflecting a favorable reception. Critics have highlighted the film's strong character development and intense action scenes. For instance, Anime News Network commended the atmosphere and mood, noting that while the film sets up the story well, some found the pacing a bit rushed due to condensing a lengthy manga arc into a single movie. Rotten Tomatoes does not provide a score for this anime film, but fan ratings suggest appreciation for its visual style and compelling narrative. Some criticism targets the film's sometimes graphic violence and dark themes, which might not be suitable for all viewers. Nonetheless, it remains a standout entry in anime cinema, successfully capturing the gritty tone and emotional depth of the original Berserk manga.