Royalist Reflections In Code Geass
by The Mad Monarchist
"Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion" is a tragic and captivating anime that premiered in Japan in 2006. It follows the story of Lelouch vi Britannia, a discarded prince living under an assumed identity in Japan, which is later known as "Area 11" after being conquered by the Holy Britannian Empire. The series revolves around Lelouch's rebellion against the empire and his father, the Emperor. I can't recall why I initially decided to watch it, but I'm glad I did. It was highly entertaining, engaging, and well-executed. Even after many years, it remains memorable and receives widespread praise. The storyline was clever, and although there were minor criticisms, they were merely nitpicks.
What stood out the most to me was how each episode left me wanting more, building upon previous events and creating anticipation for what would happen next. Unlike some shows with unresolved cliffhangers, "Code Geass" delivers satisfying pay-offs. Overall, I highly recommend it. The characters were well-developed, and it was easy to root for the heroes and despise the villains. However, many major characters had complexities, revealing both light and dark aspects. This added depth to the story, making it easier to understand the villains' perspectives, even if we still considered them the "bad guys." Except for Suzaku, everyone seems to dislike him, and for good reason. Now, let's delve into the political aspects.
The story takes place in an alternate version of history where the world is dominated by three major powers. First, there is the European Union, which operates as a democratic republic. The second-largest power is the Chinese Federation, a nominal monarchy with communist or socialist economic practices. Finally, the most dominant power is the Holy Britannian Empire, an aristocratic, militaristic absolute monarchy with a capitalistic system. The empire, led by Emperor Charles zi Britannia, embodies royal absolutism and social-Darwinian capitalism. In this alternative history, Great Britain is part of the European Union, while the Holy Britannian Empire is based in North America, which Britannians in Area 11 refer to as "the homeland." This suggests that the Holy Britannian Empire, despite being portrayed as the "bad guys," is likely intended to represent the United States of America.
The world map of Code Geass
In terms of the show's background, it appears that the American War for Independence either didn't occur or was won by the British, leading to North America becoming the capital of the British Empire, which eventually transformed into the grandiose "Holy Britannian Empire." The empire combines elements of an entrenched aristocracy with cut-throat capitalism, reflecting a false but stereotypical view of both Britain and America.
However, it's important to note that these depictions do not align with reality. In modern Britain, the hereditary peerage holds little power and is mostly tolerated due to historical reasons. Similarly, while America is often seen as the epitome of free-market capitalism, it has never been purely capitalist, and anti-capitalist movements have influenced its economic landscape since the Gilded Age.
The defenders of the Holy Britannian Empire are portrayed as the "bad guys" in the show. They commit cruel acts, oppress subject peoples (including in Japan, where the story is set), strip away their rights, erase their national identity, enforce segregation, and even engage in massacres. However, there is a surprising aspect to the Britannians in that they also embrace meritocracy.
Characters like Suzaku, an "11" (as Japanese people are referred to), rise to high ranks in the empire solely based on their abilities. Other characters of different races also hold important positions through their talents, and they are treated accordingly. While some aristocrats are depicted as corrupt buffoons, those in positions of true importance demonstrate their competence.
All of this aligns with the values presented by Emperor Charles in a speech during a funeral. He describes the empire's foundation in Darwinian terms, emphasizing competition and the rise of the strongest and most cunning individuals. He rejects the notion of equality and criticizes the other major powers, referring to the democratic EU as a popularity contest and the Chinese Federation's belief in wealth redistribution as creating a population of "lazy dullards." This sharply contrasts with the Holy Britannian Empire, where the successful rule and the unsuccessful are ruled by them.
In the show, the members of the Imperial Family in the Holy Britannian Empire are revered, and aristocrats treat commoners with contempt. However, even as a commoner, it is possible to earn advancement within the aristocracy. Additionally, foreigners from conquered territories can achieve high positions through their achievements, showcasing a meritocratic aspect within the empire.
The Chinese Federation, the empire's largest rival, is depicted as a combination of ancient and modern China. The nominal ruler is the childlike Empress Jiang Lihua, but it is the top court eunuchs who hold the real power. The empress is merely a figurehead, and the eunuchs view her as expendable. This is in contrast to the Holy Britannian Empire, where the Emperor is an absolute monarch who rules through his many children.
The show doesn't provide a backstory for the Chinese Federation, but it can be speculated that it represents what could happen if the communist party remained in power for a long time, leading to a reversion to traditional Chinese ways. The socialist economic system and the presence of an imperial monarchy and court eunuchs reflect this combination of old and new. The reference to the "Vermillion Forbidden City" parallels the actual Purple Forbidden City in China but with a reddish tint, symbolizing the fusion of communism and traditional imperial power.
It is interesting to think about how communist revolutions in East Asia have sometimes danced along the border between the old imperial system and the new regime. Examples include Chairman Mao's wife, Jiang Qing, having imperial gowns made for herself and efforts to portray Vietnamese presidents as reincarnations of Ho Chi Minh. In North Korea, a Marxist political dynasty has been established with mystical folklore.
In the show, the egalitarian and socialist policies of the Chinese Federation are portrayed as praiseworthy but ineffective, resulting in a generally impoverished country. The monarchy, represented by the young empress, is depicted positively, but she is held captive by corrupt attendants. Similarly, while Emperor Charles of Britannia is the main villain, not all members of the Imperial Family are cruel, and some are even more devious.
Without spoiling the ending, the show promotes egalitarianism but does not directly attack monarchy itself. It portrays malevolent and benevolent emperors, princes and princesses who are good or bad, and characters who believe that the ends justify the means. There are contradictions as characters do things they claim to deplore in order to achieve what they believe will bring about positive change. The fate of the Japanese monarchy in this alternate timeline is not mentioned in the series, as the topic tends to be taboo in Japanese works.
From a monarchist perspective, it seems that the portrayal of monarchy in "Code Geass" is not objectionable. The fictional setting and detached nature of the show make it easier to tolerate and view as purely entertainment. The series is described as engrossing, entertaining, and intelligent, providing plenty of material for thought and discussion, regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees with the premises presented.
While the anime genre may not be everyone's cup of tea, the recommendation is given to watch the show if one is open to it. It is acknowledged that the show contains elements such as fan service, giant robots, and magical girls, which are characteristic of anime. However, it is suggested that these aspects should not deter viewers from giving it a chance. The show is described as stimulating, and even twisted individuals might find themselves considering that the Holy Britannian Empire doesn't sound so bad in some ways.