Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a American animated three-part animated military mecha alternate history film based on an animated television series with the same name co-created by Jake Sharratt and Dylan Huff. The three-part film was directed by Sharratt, written by Huff, and produced by Bear Bones Productions. The first film, Initiation, was released on October 21, 2007. The second film, Transgression, was released on February 10, 2008. The third film, Glorification, was released on May 26, 2008.

The three-part film is a compilation of the television series, but with differences in storylines that makes it a separate continuity, and setting up for the sequel film, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection, which was released in 2009.

Initiation
In an alternative reality, the Holy Empire of Britannia has conquered the world, with their imperial family dominating countries and stripping former authorities and civilians of their national pride, including Japan which has been renamed as "Area 11" and its people "Elevens". Lelouch is a member of the imperial family alongside his little sister Nunnally; however, after the death of their mother, their father exiled them to Area 11, formerly known as Japan, and they were presumed dead by the Britannian empire. Now a teenager and living under a new identity, Lelouch meets a mysterious girl named C.C. and is given the power of Geass, allowing him to control someone with a single command. With his new God-given gift, intelligence and insider knowledge of the Holy Britannian Empire, he takes up the mantle of the mysterious rebel named "Zero" to give hope back to the Elevens and gain his revenge against his own family.

Transgression
Lelouch Lamperouge, under the secret identity of Zero, has gained supports of the Elevens as well as made himself a target for the Britannian army, but his main concern right now is not only protecting his sister but getting his best friend, Suzaku, to join their side. When Suzaku fails to be persuaded however, he finds that the price to pay for taking down the father that once killed his mother has a heavy cost, one that will take Lelouch to his limit.

Glorification
Lelouch takes a big risk and decides to confront Suzaku alone, not only to help him win his war but to also protect the one person he cares about most of all – Nunnally. Suzaku refuses at first but his resolve is tested when he discovers Emperor Charles zi Britannia's master plan and the true motives of Schneizel el Britannia. But how far can Lelouch's Geass take him and will he be able to create the world of peace he wants for Nunnally in the end?

Production
In June 2007, it was announced that a three-part compilation film of Code Geass was in the works, with series director Jake Sharratt and writer Dylan Huff returning for the films. Sharratt confirmed that while the films are recap of the television series, there are few changes to the storylines, creating a "what if?" scenarios leading up to the sequel film. Many of the key staff members from the television series were credited for their respective roles; Fil Barlow for his character design concept, with Jean Tych as an animation character designer, and John Debney and Kevin Manthei for their musical scores.

The voice cast from the television series reprised their respective roles to re-record their original dialogues and new ones for the new scenes.

The opening songs from the television series were used in the compilation films' openings. The new ending songs were announced: "Only Red is Missing", sung by TBA was used in Initiation, "The Moon", sung by TBA, was used in Transgression, and "NE:ONE", sung by TBA, was used in Glorification.

Release
The three-part film was released in theaters; Initiation was released on October 21, 2007, Transgression was released on February 10, 2008, and Glorification on May 26, 2008.

Box office
Transgression debuted at number eight in the worldwide box office.

Critical reception
The New York Times gave the three-part film "C+" rating, and states "If you like your robot wars filled with magic, melodrama, and more beautiful boys than you can shake a stick at, then the original Code Geass will likely be worth your time." Comic Book Resources published an article listing places where—in writer Liz Adler's opinion—the films improved upon the series, and where the original series was better. Panos Kotzathanasis of Asian Movie Pulse gave a mostly positive review of Initiation.

Sequel
The sequel was teased when the three-part film was first announced. In August 2008, it was revealed that the sequel is set to be an animated film, and returning key staff and cast members from the television series and the three-part film were announced. The sequel film, titled Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection was released in theaters on February 9, 2009.