Berserk (1997)
A brutal, landmark dark fantasy anime following mercenary Guts and his fateful bond with the brilliant, ruthless Griffith.
Berserk - Series Information
- Original Title: 剣風伝奇ベルセルク
- First Air Year: 1997
- Last Air Year: 1998
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Animation
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 23 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 25
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 8, 1997 (United States - TV-MA), October 8, 1997 (United Kingdom - 18), October 8, 1997 (Germany - 18), October 8, 1997 (Australia - MA 15+), October 8, 1997 (Brazil - 16), October 8, 1997 (Mexico - C), October 8, 1997 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: Nippon TV
- Alternative Titles: Berserk (1997) (US), 剑风传奇烙印勇士 (CN), ベルセルク (JP), Kenpú Denki Berserk (CZ), 烙印勇士 (TW)
- Production Companies: OLM, VAP, Hakusensha, Nippon Television Network Corporation, Media Blasters
- Production Countries: Japan
Berserk - Plot
Guts, a wandering mercenary, joins the Band of the Hawk after being defeated in a duel by Griffith, the group's leader and founder. Together, they dominate every battle, but something menacing lurks in the shadows.
Berserk - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the dark world of Berserk unfold:
This sword is the proof that I have lived.
Where to Watch Berserk
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Berserk - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Nobutoshi Canna
- Toshiyuki Morikawa
- Yuko Miyamura
- Tomohiro Nishimura
- Unsho Ishizuka
- Akira Ishida
- Akiko Yajima
- Shouto Kashii
- Masahito Kawanago
- Ryuji Mizuno
Writers
- Shinzo Fujita
- Shikichi Ohashi
- Atsuhiro Tomioka
- Shouji Yonemura
- Makoto Itakura
Berserk - FAQs
Is Berserk based on a manga?
Yes. Berserk (1997) is a direct adaptation of Kentaro Miura's acclaimed manga series of the same name, first published in 1989. The anime covers the Golden Age arc, widely regarded as the manga's most celebrated storyline, depicting Guts' rise within the Band of the Hawk.
Where can you stream Berserk (1997)?
Berserk (1997) is available on several streaming platforms depending on your region. You can compare all current viewing options — including subscription, rental, and purchase availability — on JustWatch to find the best option in your area.
What is the ending of Berserk 1997 explained?
The 1997 anime ends with the Eclipse — a catastrophic ritual in which Griffith sacrifices the Band of the Hawk to demonic forces to be reborn as the God Hand member Femto. Guts survives but loses his eye and arm, setting the stage for his path of vengeance.
What is Berserk (1997) about?
Berserk follows Guts, a lone mercenary recruited into the Band of the Hawk by the charismatic and ruthless Griffith. The series charts their brutal military campaigns in a medieval fantasy world, exploring ambition, loyalty, and betrayal as dark supernatural forces close in around them.
Who are the main voice actors in Berserk?
The principal Japanese voice cast includes Nobutoshi Canna as Guts, Toshiyuki Morikawa as Griffith, and Yuko Miyamura as Caska. Supporting roles are voiced by Akira Ishida as Judeau, Tomohiro Nishimura as Corkus, Akiko Yajima as Rickert, and Unsho Ishizuka as the Narrator.
How many episodes does Berserk 1997 have?
Berserk (1997) consists of a single season containing 25 episodes, each with an average runtime of approximately 23 minutes. The series aired on Nippon TV in Japan between October 1997 and April 1998, adapting the Golden Age arc of Kentaro Miura's manga.
What content rating does Berserk (1997) carry?
Berserk (1997) is rated TV-MA in the United States, indicating it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains graphic violence, gore, torture, and scenes of sexual abuse. Equivalent ratings include 18 in the UK and Germany, and MA 15+ in Australia.
Who composed the music for Berserk (1997)?
The score for Berserk (1997) was composed by Susumu Hirasawa, a pioneering Japanese electronic musician. His work on the series — including the iconic opening theme Forces and the haunting track Guts — has become legendary among anime fans and remains deeply associated with the series.
More About Berserk
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