Gangsta. (2015)

In the city of Ergastulum, a place rife with crime and corruption, we are introduced to the main characters, Worick Arcangelo and Nicolas Brown. Worick is a charming and laid-back man who works as a "Handyman," taking on various jobs for the local mafia and other clients. Nicolas, on the other hand, is a stoic and skilled fighter who is deaf and communicates through sign language. The two have a deep bond, having been friends since childhood, and they navigate the dangerous underworld together.

The story begins with Worick and Nicolas taking on a job to retrieve a debt from a man named Chad. They confront him in a bar, where Nicolas demonstrates his combat prowess by swiftly taking down Chad's bodyguards. Worick, using his charisma, manages to extract the debt from Chad, showcasing their complementary skills. This job sets the tone for their partnership, highlighting their reliance on each other in a world filled with violence.

As they continue their work, they encounter a new character, Alex Benedetto, a former prostitute who is trying to escape her past. She is introduced when Worick and Nicolas save her from a violent situation involving her former employer, a man named "The Boss." Alex is traumatized and vulnerable, and Worick takes a protective interest in her, while Nicolas remains distant but observant. This marks the beginning of Alex's involvement with the duo, as she becomes a part of their lives and the dangerous world they inhabit.

The narrative shifts to the introduction of the "Twilight," a group of superhuman individuals who possess enhanced abilities due to a drug called "Twilight." Nicolas is one of these individuals, and his past is explored through flashbacks that reveal his traumatic childhood and the experiments he underwent. The Twilight are hunted by various factions, including the mafia and the police, creating a tense atmosphere as the characters navigate their relationships with these groups.

As the story progresses, tensions rise between the mafia families in Ergastulum. The main families, the Gangsta and the Lawless, are at odds, and the power struggle leads to violent confrontations. Worick and Nicolas find themselves caught in the middle, forced to choose sides as they try to protect Alex and themselves. Their loyalty to each other is tested as they face increasingly dangerous situations.

A pivotal moment occurs when Nicolas is captured by the mafia during a raid. Worick, desperate to save his friend, devises a plan to infiltrate the mafia's stronghold. He uses his charm and cunning to gather information and allies, showcasing his resourcefulness. The rescue mission is fraught with danger, and Worick's determination to save Nicolas highlights the depth of their friendship.

During the rescue, a brutal fight ensues. Nicolas, despite his injuries, fights back against his captors with ferocity. Worick provides support, using his wits to outmaneuver the mafia members. The scene is intense, filled with close calls and narrow escapes, as they work together to overcome the odds. Their bond is further solidified as they rely on each other to survive.

After the rescue, the trio--Worick, Nicolas, and Alex--attempt to find a semblance of normalcy. However, the past continues to haunt them. Alex struggles with her trauma and the memories of her former life, while Nicolas grapples with his identity as a Twilight. Worick tries to keep the group together, but the weight of their circumstances begins to take a toll on their relationships.

The conflict escalates when a new player enters the scene: a powerful figure known as "The Boss," who seeks to control the Twilight for his own purposes. He targets Nicolas, seeing him as a valuable asset. The tension between the characters reaches a boiling point as they must confront their fears and the reality of their situation. The stakes are raised, and the trio must band together to face this new threat.

In a climactic confrontation, the trio faces off against The Boss and his men. The fight is brutal and chaotic, with each character showcasing their unique skills. Nicolas fights with a primal intensity, Worick uses his strategic mind to outsmart their opponents, and Alex finds her own strength in the chaos. The battle is a turning point, forcing them to confront their pasts and the choices that have led them to this moment.

As the dust settles, the aftermath of the confrontation leaves the characters changed. They must deal with the consequences of their actions and the impact on their relationships. The emotional weight of their experiences begins to surface, leading to moments of vulnerability and reflection. Each character grapples with their identity and the choices they have made, setting the stage for future conflicts.

The series concludes with unresolved tensions and the looming threat of the mafia and the Twilight. The characters are left to navigate their complex relationships and the dangerous world they inhabit. The bonds of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle for survival remain at the forefront, leaving the audience with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.

In the ending of "Gangsta.", the story culminates in a tragic confrontation that leads to significant losses for the main characters. Nicolas Brown, who has been a central figure throughout the series, faces the consequences of his past and the ongoing conflict in Ergastulum. The series concludes with a sense of unresolved tension and the harsh realities of the world they inhabit.

As the final episodes unfold, the narrative begins with a tense atmosphere in Ergastulum. The city is rife with chaos as the power struggles between various factions intensify. Nicolas, who has been grappling with his identity and the weight of his violent past, finds himself increasingly isolated. His bond with Worick Arcangelo, his partner and friend, is tested as they navigate the treacherous landscape of their lives as "Handymen."

In a pivotal scene, Nicolas confronts the reality of his abilities and the toll they have taken on him. He is haunted by memories of his past, particularly the trauma he endured and the loss of his family. This internal struggle is mirrored in his interactions with Worick, who is also dealing with his own demons, including the burden of their work and the moral implications of their actions.

As tensions escalate, the conflict with the powerful mafia organization, the "Twilight," reaches a boiling point. The stakes are raised when a confrontation occurs between the Handymen and the Twilight's enforcers. In a brutal and emotionally charged battle, Nicolas showcases his formidable skills, but the violence takes a heavy toll on him, both physically and emotionally.

Worick, who has always been the more pragmatic of the duo, tries to keep the situation under control, but the chaos spirals out of hand. In a heartbreaking moment, he is severely injured during the confrontation, leaving Nicolas to grapple with the reality of losing his closest friend. The bond they share is palpable, filled with unspoken words and a deep understanding of each other's pain.

As the dust settles, the aftermath of the battle reveals the harsh consequences of their lifestyle. Nicolas, now burdened with grief and guilt, is left to navigate a world that feels increasingly alien to him. The emotional weight of his losses becomes evident as he reflects on the choices that led them to this point.

In the final scenes, the fate of each character is laid bare. Nicolas, now a shell of his former self, is left to wander the streets of Ergastulum, haunted by the memories of his past and the loss of Worick. The city, once a place of camaraderie and purpose, now feels like a prison of despair. The series closes on a somber note, emphasizing the cyclical nature of violence and the emotional scars that linger long after the battles are fought.

The ending of "Gangsta." leaves viewers with a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the deep connections forged in the face of adversity. The unresolved tensions and the fates of the characters serve as a reflection of the harsh realities they face, ultimately painting a bleak picture of their world.

In the anime "Gangsta." produced in 2015, there is no post-credit scene. The series concludes without any additional content after the final episode's credits. The story wraps up the arcs of the main characters, focusing on the struggles and relationships within the chaotic world of Ergastulum, but it does not provide any further scenes or teasers beyond the main narrative. The absence of a post-credit scene leaves the audience with a sense of unresolved tension, reflecting the ongoing struggles of the characters in a lawless city.

Nicolas Brown, a skilled 'Handyman' in the city of Ergastulum, is a Twilight, a human with enhanced abilities due to a genetic mutation. His past is shrouded in mystery, but it is revealed that he was raised in a violent environment, which shaped his character and skills. His relationship with other Twilights is complex; he often feels a sense of kinship with them, yet he also grapples with the stigma and discrimination they face in society. This internal conflict drives much of his motivation to protect those he cares about, particularly his partner, Worick Arcangelo.

Worick Arcangelo starts as a carefree and charismatic character, often seen as the more sociable half of the duo with Nicolas. However, as the series progresses, his past as the son of a powerful crime family comes to light, revealing the weight of his responsibilities. His emotional state fluctuates as he navigates the dangerous world of Ergastulum, balancing his loyalty to Nicolas and the growing threats from rival gangs. Worick's evolution is marked by moments of vulnerability, particularly as he confronts the consequences of his choices and the impact they have on his relationships.

Alex Benedetto is introduced as a former prostitute who becomes entangled with Nicolas and Worick. Initially, she is portrayed as a victim of her circumstances, struggling with trauma and a desire for freedom. As the series unfolds, Alex's character develops from a passive figure to one who actively seeks to reclaim her agency. Her relationship with Nicolas and Worick deepens, showcasing her resilience and strength as she confronts her past and the dangers of Ergastulum. Alex's journey is marked by her determination to protect those she loves, ultimately becoming a vital part of the trio.

The dynamics between the gangs in Ergastulum, especially the Russo and Christiano families, are characterized by power struggles, betrayal, and shifting alliances. The Russo family, led by the ruthless and cunning leader, seeks to maintain control over the city through fear and violence. In contrast, the Christiano family, while also involved in criminal activities, has a more complex relationship with the Twilights, often using them as pawns in their schemes. The tension between these families escalates throughout the series, leading to violent confrontations that impact the lives of Nicolas, Worick, and Alex, forcing them to navigate the treacherous landscape of gang politics.

Loyalty is a central theme in the relationships between Nicolas, Worick, and Alex, shaping their interactions and decisions. Nicolas's loyalty to Worick is unwavering, stemming from their shared history and mutual dependence. This bond is tested as external threats emerge, forcing them to confront their pasts and the sacrifices they must make for each other. Alex's loyalty evolves as she becomes more integrated into their lives, leading her to take risks to protect them. The emotional stakes are high, as each character grapples with the implications of their loyalty, often leading to moments of tension, sacrifice, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of what it means to be a family in a world filled with chaos.

"Gangsta." is not considered family-friendly due to its mature themes and graphic content. The series contains several potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects, including:

1. Violence: The show features intense and graphic violence, including gunfights, brutal beatings, and depictions of death that are portrayed in a raw and unfiltered manner.

2. Language: There is frequent use of strong language throughout the series, which may not be suitable for younger audiences.

3. Substance Abuse: Characters are shown using drugs and alcohol, which can be distressing for sensitive viewers.

4. Sexual Content: The series includes scenes of sexual nature, including nudity and suggestive situations that may be inappropriate for children.

5. Themes of Crime and Morality: The narrative revolves around organized crime, human trafficking, and moral ambiguity, which can be unsettling and complex for younger viewers to process.

6. Emotional Trauma: Characters experience significant emotional and psychological trauma, including loss and betrayal, which may resonate deeply and evoke strong feelings.

Overall, "Gangsta." is intended for a mature audience and contains elements that could be distressing for children or sensitive individuals.