Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture is a Japanese original science fiction robot anime set in the rich universe of Code Geass. Produced by Sunrise and Bandai Namco Filmworks, it introduces new protagonists, spectacular Knightmare Frame battles, and a complicated quest of liberation on the island of Hokkaido. The story is set five years after the events of Lelouch of the Resurrection, where Rozé and Ash, two mysterious mercenaries, join the local resistance against the Neo-Britannian Empire's occupation. The work uniquely combines themes of identity, memory, and sacrifice with high-stakes political intrigue, stunning CG-animated action sequences, and self-homages to hallmark moments from the original series.
The project was announced on December 5, 2020, as part of the "Code Geass Next 10years Project."
Initially, the title was "Code Geass: Z of the Recapture," but was later changed to "Rozé of the Recapture" in December 2023.
This change was made to avoid associations with the "Z" symbol used by the Russian military in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The story and scripts were finalized after all 12 episodes had been drafted, ensuring a holistic narrative.
Tragically, character designer Takahiro Kimura passed away during production, making this his final contribution to the series.
The story takes place in the seventh year of the Kowa era, five years after Lelouch of the Resurrection.
With the Holy Britannian Empire transformed into a republic and joining the United Federation of Nations, peace seemed to reign.
However, the Neo-Britannian Empire invades the Hokkaido block of the United States of Japan, putting up the energy barrier called the "Situmpe Wall," making Knightmare Frame intervention all but impossible.
This leads to a standoff, with resistance movements constantly struggling under brutal imperial rule.
Hokkaido, once under the care of Sakuya Sumeragi's family, is now roiled by both old and new forms of oppression and hope.
In the snowy fields of Hokkaido, Sakuya Sumeragi, heir to the island's noble line, is captured and imprisoned by the Neo-Britannian regime.
Japanese citizens—again labeled as "Elevens"—form resistance units, the strongest being the "Seven Shining Stars."
Rozé and Ash, mercenary brothers with secret pasts, arrive in Hokkaido at the request of the resistance.
Tasked with eliminating ruthless members of the imperial knights "Einberg," their first mission unravels a sinister plot and Sakuya’s hidden identity as Rozé—a master of the Geass power of Absolute Obedience.
The plot escalates as Sakuya and Ash clash with both enemies and themselves, exploring the painful truth of Ash's past, his memories manipulated by Sakuya's Geass.
The campaign for liberation involves daring infiltrations, the use of Knightmare Frames customized for ground warfare, and alliances with other resistance factions.
Imperial agents unleash superweapons such as the recaptured Damocles fortress and the terrifying Loki automaton.
Ultimate confrontations with Einberg’s ruthless leader, Noland von Lüneberg—the secret clone of Charles zi Britannia—place the fate of humanity on the brink.
Torn by loss, Sakuya ultimately succeeds in dismantling the empire but at an immense personal cost—silencing her own voice with Geass as a symbol of penance and responsibility.
Neo-Britannian Empire: The antagonistic nation, occupying Hokkaido and reviving the tyranny of the old Britannian monarchy. It is ruled first by Emperor Callis al Britannia, then by the puppet Sakuya Sumeragi (actually her friend Sakura).
Einberg: The twelve-member neo-imperial knight order, drawing inspiration from chess pieces and led by the cold, masked Noland von Lüneberg. Each specializes in different aspects, both strategy and combat.
Situmpe Wall: An energy barrier generated around Hokkaido to immobilize electronic devices and Knightmare Frames, developed based on unique Japan-region lore referencing local fox spirits.
Situmpe Beam: An advanced weapon on Noland's personal Knightmare Frame, disabling enemy machines by disrupting their energy systems—prizing tactical dominance over brute force.
Loki: An army of lethal, autonomous killing machines, secretly constructed to enact Noland’s plan of total human extermination.
Seven Shining Stars: The main local resistance group composed of Japanese survivors, with deep respect for Rozé and Ash.
Blaze Luminous, Energy Wing, Megistos Zeta: Unique technological components in protagonist Knightmare Frames, enabling new tactical possibilities in ground-based combat.
Geass: The supernatural power granting Sakuya the Authority of Absolute Obedience, serving as both a blessing and a curse throughout the plot.
The series was theatrically released in four arcs from May to August 2024, with three episodes per arc.
It was then streamed exclusively on Disney+ Star from June to September 2024, with weekly Friday releases.
A novel and manga continuation, "Code Geass: Shin Ketsu no Almaria," depicting events between Lelouch of the Resurrection and Rozé of the Recapture, are serialized in Hobby Japan and Kadokomi’s Comic Newtype, respectively.
The scripts for all episodes were thoroughly checked and revised after the initial completion to ensure narrative cohesion.
Due to real-world geopolitical concerns, the series underwent a renaming process.
The production uses extensive 3D CG for Knightmare Frame combat, emphasizing dynamic ground battles.
Late character designer Takahiro Kimura's final key visuals were colored posthumously by his wife, Ricca.
The series has revitalized international interest in the Code Geass franchise, praised for its fresh cast, emotional storytelling, and well-crafted action.
Homages to original series elements and confidently executed new lore have earned positive reviews from both new and longtime fans.
The story offers fans special theater bonuses, including exclusive artboards, autographed sheets, and limited-edition books.
Crossover cameos from previous Code Geass works, including appearances from Lelouch, C.C., Akito, and others, offer an interconnected universe experience for diehard fans.
💬 Community Discussion
Talk about this anime with people who actually care.