Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo - Episodes 1 & 2 (2005)

Synopsis: Act 1 Albert, who was the son of the aristocratic Morcerf family of Paris, and his close friend, Franz, were visiting the city of Luna on the moon's surface, which was bustling with a carnival. In the opera house, Albert meets a gentleman who possesses an overwhelming presence about himself. ... Act 1
Albert, who was the son of the aristocratic Morcerf family of Paris, and his close friend, Franz, were visiting the city of Luna on the moon's surface, which was bustling with a carnival. In the opera house, Albert meets a gentleman who possesses an overwhelming presence about himself. His name is The Count of Monte Cristo. Albert gets drawn to that gentleman, who is called both a nouveau riche as well as a mysterious figure. Returning to his hotel, Albert receives a written invitation from The Count. Invited to a gorgeous dinner, the following day, the two sit in on a public execution that was the carnival's main event. However, due to The Count's suggestion, Albert is urged to make an ultimate selection that will determine the course of a human life. Getting his mood spoiled, Albert unintentionally separates from Franz after a quarrel. But then, beautiful Peppo appears in front of Albert... Act 2
Planning to let himself be carried away on a one night stand with Peppo, Albert lets his guard down and is kidnapped by a brutal robber named Luigi Vampa and his gang. Franz, who was back at the hotel, receives a threat from the robber's gang and becomes terrified. To Franz, after his father's death, Albert became a dear friend and the only one whom he could honestly open up his heart to and talk about things with. Franz runs around Luna trying to raise some money, but he just was not able to come up with the ransom amount. Weakened by his effort, Franz pleads to The Count of Monte Cristo, whom he previously thought of as a suspicious character. The Count's carriage runs through the town in the early dawn. However, the appointed time of sunrise was about to take place... [More]