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

Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the King is a 2012 animated movie directed by Toshiyuki Kubooka. It is part of a trilogy of films that adapts the Golden Age story-arc of Kentaro Miura's Berserk manga series. The movie features the voice talents of Hiroaki Iwanaga, Carrie Keranen, and Takahiro Sakurai. The movie is set in a medieval world where demons called Apostles wreak havoc on humanity. The story follows a young mercenary named Guts, who is recruited by the Band of the Hawk, a group of mercenaries led by the charismatic Griffith. Guts quickly becomes Griffith's most trusted confidant and the two form a close bond.

As the Band of the Hawk grows in power and popularity, Griffith sets his sights on a kingdom he believes will bring him closer to his dream of ruling the world. However, Griffith's ambition threatens to unravel the tight-knit bond between him and Guts, leaving both men facing challenging decisions that will test their loyalties to each other and to the Band of the Hawk.

The animation in The Egg of the King is stunning, with detailed character designs and beautifully rendered action scenes. The movie features a mix of hand-drawn and CGI animation, which seamlessly blend together to create a vivid and immersive world. The music, composed by Shiro Sagisu, adds to the atmosphere of the movie, with its mix of orchestral and rock-inspired tracks.

The voice acting in the movie is top-notch, with Hiroaki Iwanaga standing out in particular as Guts. He brings a rough, gravelly edge to the character's voice, perfectly capturing his tough exterior and tortured past. Carrie Keranen also delivers an impressive performance as Casca, the only female member of the Band of the Hawk, who at times acts as a mediator between Guts and Griffith.

Despite the movie's impressive visuals and strong voice acting, what really makes The Egg of the King stand out is its complex characters and compelling story. The movie is not just a standard medieval fantasy tale; it's a story of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal.

Guts is a fascinating character, a man who has been hardened by a life of violence and who struggles to trust others. His relationship with Griffith is at the heart of the movie, with their friendship forming a crucial part of the story. Griffith, meanwhile, is a charismatic and charming leader, but his ruthless ambition threatens to consume both him and those around him.

The supporting cast of characters is also well-developed, with notable characters including Judeau, a member of the Band of the Hawk who forms a close bond with Guts and Casca, and Pippin, the gentle giant of the group who serves as a contrast to the more ruthless mercenaries.

Overall, Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the King is a gripping and visually stunning movie that sets the stage for the rest of the trilogy. It's a dark and compelling story that is not afraid to delve into complex themes, and its strong characters and impressive animation will leave viewers eager to see what happens next in Guts and Griffith's story.

Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the King is a 2012 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.