Gurren Lagann, known in Japan as Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (天元突破グレンラガン, Tengen Toppa Guren Ragan, lit. “Heaven-Piercing Gurren Lagann”), is a Japanese mecha anime series produced by Gainax in collaboration with Aniplex and Konami. The 27-episode series aired on TV Tokyo from April to September 2007. Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and written by Kazuki Nakashima, the story is set in a distant future where the tyrannical Spiral King, Lordgenome, rules the Earth, forcing humanity to live underground in isolated villages. The plot follows Simon and Kamina, two teenagers who dream of reaching the surface. Using a mecha called Lagann, they break free from their subterranean existence and join the fight against Lordgenome’s oppressive regime. As the series progresses, they uncover an even greater threat to humanity.In North America, Gurren Lagann was originally licensed by ADV Films in 2007, but the rights were transferred to Bandai Entertainment in 2008, and later to Aniplex of America in 2013. In the UK, it was licensed by Manga Entertainment in 2007, moved to Beez Entertainment in 2008, and was eventually taken over by anime Limited in 2013. The Sci Fi Channel (now Syfy) acquired broadcasting rights and aired the series starting in July 2008 as part of its Ani-Monday block.The series also inspired a manga adaptation published by ASCII Media Works between 2007 and 2013, which Bandai Entertainment released in English. Additionally, four light novels were published by Shogakukan between 2007 and 2008. A Nintendo DS video game was released in October 2007, accompanied by a special episode. Two animated films followed, premiering in Japan in September 2008 and April 2009, respectively.
Gurren Lagann - Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast
| Movie: | Gurren Lagann |
| Genre: | Adventure Comedy drama |
| Language: | Japanese |
| Director: | Hiroyuki Imaishi Katsuyuki Konishi |
| Main Cast: | Tetsuya Kakihara |
| Release Date: | April 1, 2007 – September 30, 2007 |
| Banner: | TXN (TV Tokyo) |
| Music: | Taku Iwasaki |
| Budget: | Not available |
| Runtime: | 22m |
Gurren Lagann has received numerous accolades, including honors at the 7th Tokyo anime Awards, the 12th Animation Kobe, and the Excellence Prize at the 11th Japan Media Arts Festival. As of 2021, the rights to the series, along with other works by Imaishi during his time at Gainax, are held by Studio Trigger, which Imaishi founded in 2011.
Gurren Lagann Screenshot
Gurren Lagann Story
Simon, a shy and reserved boy, works as a digger in the village, using his drill to expand the tunnels underground. His friend Kamina is brash, confident, and dreams of breaking free from their subterranean existence to reach the surface, a place most villagers believe to be a myth. Kamina acts as a big brother figure to Simon, always encouraging him to believe in himself and aim for greater things.One day, while digging, Simon finds a small, mysterious drill-shaped object that leads him to discover a small Gunmen mecha, which he names Lagann. Soon after, their village is attacked by a massive Gunmen from the surface. Simon and Kamina use Lagann to fight the invading machine, with help from a surface-dwelling girl named Yoko, who wields a large rifle and has been fighting the enemy forces. Together, they defeat the attacker and escape to the surface.Once on the surface, Simon, Kamina, and Yoko join forces with a group of resistance fighters who are battling Lordgenome’s army of Beastmen, the genetically engineered creatures who pilot the Gunmen and oppress humanity. Kamina, with his characteristic boldness, steals a larger Gunmen, naming it Gurren, and combines it with Simon’s Lagann to form the powerful mecha Gurren Lagann.
Gurren Lagann Review
One of the most notable aspects of Gurren Lagann is how it constantly raises the stakes, both narratively and visually. What begins as a story about two teenagers escaping from an underground village quickly evolves into an intergalactic war that spans the universe. The series masterfully escalates from intimate, small-scale conflicts to universe-shaking battles, with each episode pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of scope and spectacle.
The mecha fights are creative, dynamic, and often defy the laws of physics, but this adds to the anime’s charm and sense of grandeur. The sheer audacity of the climactic battles, particularly the final showdown against the Anti-Spirals, makes for one of the most unforgettable anime experiences.The characters of Gurren Lagann are at the heart of its success. Simon’s transformation from a timid boy into a confident leader is one of the most compelling character arcs in anime. His growth is driven by his relationships with Kamina, Yoko, Nia, and his comrades, as he learns to believe in himself and embrace his potential.Kamina is an iconic character whose larger-than-life personality inspires both his team and the audience. His bravado and confidence are balanced by his genuine care for Simon and others, making him both a charismatic leader and a deeply relatable character.
The supporting cast is also well-developed, each member of Team Dai-Gurren contributing to the story in meaningful ways. Characters like Yoko and Nia play pivotal roles, and even secondary characters have their own moments of growth and heroism.
Gurren Lagann Trailer
FAQ About Gurren Lagann
Q1 – Who Directed Gurren Lagann?
A -Hiroyuki Imaishi
Q2-What Genre Gurren Lagann?
A-Adventure Comedy
Q3-Lead Cast In Gurren Lagann?
A-Tetsuya Kakihara
Q4- Rating Of Gurren Lagann?
A-13+