Berserk, the dark fantasy epic created by Kentaro Miura, has captivated audiences for decades through its manga, anime series, and films. For newcomers and long-time fans alike, the question often arises: Where Can I Watch Berserk and dive into its grim and compelling world? While we aim to answer that for you, let’s take a journey back to the beginning and explore the initial episodes of the 1997 anime adaptation, a great starting point to experience Berserk’s brutal narrative.
Episode 1: The Black Swordsman – A Dark and Gritty Beginning
The first episode, aptly titled “The Black Swordsman,” immediately sets a dark and violent tone. The animation, while showing its age by today’s standards, still holds a certain gritty charm that perfectly complements Berserk’s world. Right from the start, the episode hints at themes of fate and destiny, suggesting a world where characters are trapped by forces beyond their control.
The opening scene in the tavern is particularly striking. It evokes a chilling sense of apathy, reminiscent of the Kitty Genovese case, but with a Berserk twist. Instead of indifference, the townsfolk are paralyzed by fear, living under the oppressive rule of a new, clearly malevolent king. This sets the stage for the arrival of our protagonist, the unnamed Black Swordsman, who we can safely presume is Guts. He intervenes to save a young woman from thugs, marking his first confrontation with the king’s forces and hinting at a deeper conflict with someone named Griffith.
Guts is quickly established as an anti-hero, shrouded in mystery and burdened by a curse, perhaps the very source of his “berserk” rage. The episode introduces Griffith, initially as a shadowy figure, but quickly escalating into a monstrous overlord with purple skin, pointed teeth, and a reptilian helmet. His dramatic, and arguably over-the-top, method of dealing with failure – threatening to burn the capital – highlights the villain’s theatrical evil. While the “destruction for evil’s sake” trope can feel cliché, Berserk begins to hint at a more complex motivation for Griffith, especially as he transforms into a Naga-like creature.
One of the more jarring elements introduced in this first episode is the sudden appearance of Guts’ arm cannon. This anachronistic weapon feels out of place in what initially seems like a low-magic or Conan/Elric-style fantasy setting. The episode concludes with a dramatic cliffhanger as Guts defeats Griffith, retrieves a mysterious stone, and triggers a flashback, leaving viewers eager to understand the backstory in the following episode. Even the opening and ending themes, with their memorable “Engrish” lyrics, add to the unique and slightly off-kilter charm of the 1997 Berserk anime.
Episode 2: The Band of the Hawk – Unveiling the Past
Episode two, “The Band of the Hawk,” shifts gears to unravel the mystery hinted at in the first episode’s flashback. We see a younger Guts, wielding a sword without his signature arm cannon, and possessing both hands and eyes – a stark contrast to the battle-hardened warrior of the present. This immediately suggests a brutal past that has shaped him into the Black Swordsman. It’s clear from the outset that Guts is destined for more suffering.
We are also introduced to a young Griffith, a charismatic and seemingly noble figure. This Griffith is far removed from the monstrous villain of episode one. He is depicted as a character of depth and ambition, leading the Band of the Hawk. This contrast sets the stage for a dramatic and tragic transformation, making his eventual descent into villainy all the more impactful. The episode hints at a complex character, far from the one-dimensional evil overlord he appears to become.
The episode also offers glimpses into Guts’ traumatic past with Gambino, though the full details remain obscured, creating intrigue and anticipation for future revelations. Interestingly, the 1997 anime, despite its dark themes, does feature moments of censorship, particularly regarding nudity, which is a notable contrast to the graphic violence it portrays.
Episode 3: First Battle – War and Relationships
“First Battle” plunges us further into Guts’ past and his integration into the Band of the Hawk. The episode highlights the intensity of battle in Berserk’s world and Guts’ almost superhuman resilience, as suggested by the line about his blood pressure.
Political intrigue begins to surface as we learn of the Midland kingdom’s ministers plotting against the Band of the Hawk. This foreshadows potential betrayal and sets up future conflicts beyond just battlefield encounters. The kingdom of Midland itself is presented as somewhat generic, a typical fantasy kingdom name, perhaps intentionally to emphasize the universality of the conflicts and themes.
The episode also delves into the complex relationship between Guts and Casca. Their initial animosity, stemming from Casca’s resentment and a past incident, hints at a classic enemies-to-lovers trope, adding a layer of romantic tension amidst the grim backdrop of war. Finally, we are introduced to Rickert, “The Kid,” whose youthful innocence in such a brutal world sets him up as a character potentially destined for tragedy, a common theme in Berserk.
Episode 4: Hand of God – Fate and Foreshadowing
“Hand of God” deepens the lore surrounding Griffith and the mysterious Behelit he possesses. We learn that this stone holds immense power, offering world domination at a terrible price – flesh and blood. This episode starts to clarify the nature of Griffith’s transformation and the dark pact he might be destined to make. Another flashback further explores Guts’ traumatic past with Gambino, providing more context to his hardened personality and motivations.
A key dialogue between Griffith and Guts in this episode further foreshadows Griffith’s eventual fall. Griffith’s ambition and his view of friendship as a means to an end hint at the selfish desires that will ultimately drive his actions. The episode concludes with a three-year time skip, showing the Band of the Hawk’s rise to prominence. This sets the stage for Griffith’s future catastrophic downfall, as the higher he rises, the greater his eventual fall will be. The time skip leaves us wondering how these unseen years have shaped Griffith’s personality and brought him closer to the monstrous form we saw in the first episode.
Where to Watch Berserk (1997)?
Now, to answer the burning question: where can you watch Berserk (1997) and experience these initial episodes and the rest of this iconic anime? Currently, Berserk (1997) is available for streaming on platforms such as Crunchyroll and Funimation. Availability may vary depending on your region, so it’s always best to check these services directly for the most up-to-date information. You can also find DVD and Blu-ray releases online and in stores if you prefer physical media.
Conclusion:
The first four episodes of Berserk (1997) offer a compelling and brutal introduction to Miura’s dark fantasy masterpiece. From its gritty animation and exploration of fate to the complex characters of Guts and Griffith, these episodes lay the foundation for a truly epic and tragic story. If you’re looking for a dark fantasy anime that pulls no punches, Berserk (1997) is an excellent starting point, and you can find it on streaming services like Crunchyroll and Funimation to begin your journey into this unforgettable world.
