Ever for the reason that unique Cell Swimsuit Gundam, works within the Gundam franchise have tended to finish in house. Whether or not it’s a sequel or an alternate universe, they sometimes depart the confines of Earth for a giant battle among the many stars. However Gundam: Reconguista in G is totally different: It begins on Earth, has its characters enterprise into house, after which returns residence for the ultimate battle. That is the place we discover the characters within the fifth and remaining film, Crossing the Line Between Life and Loss of life, and I feel the choice to conclude the sequence there finally ends up emphasizing all of the messages laid by G-Reco from the start. Whether or not these messages are clearly conveyed is one other matter.
Bellri Zenam and the remainder of the principle forged have been to the far-off Venus Globe, the gathering of house colonies close to Venus. They noticed a society far faraway from the ravages of Earth, the place persons are taught that battle is barbaric, however who generally fail to notice the latent barbarism in themselves. Having gone again by Towasanga on the far aspect of the moon, they now are in Earth’s orbit the place, as soon as once more, the totally different terrestrial supernations are all vying for management of sources. At this level, characters and teams have switched sides so many occasions that it may be troublesome to maintain observe of who’s preventing for what, however that’s much less essential than the easy actuality that factionalism nonetheless persists. Bellri, Aida, and the others goal to move their very own route and combat their very own means, neither fully separate nor absolutely entrenched in anybody aspect.
There’s one scene specifically that I feel encapsulates the ultimate movie and the sequence as a complete: As the varied forces battle in Earth’s orbit, they’re pressured to endure atmospheric entry. It’s a return to one of many extra iconic scenes from the unique Gundam, the place rival character Char Aznable has to offer the unlucky information to one in every of his troops that the poor man and his ill-equipped mecha have gotten too near the planet and their dying is inevitable. We see historical past repeat itself as varied characters need to determine what to prioritize (making an attempt a protected touchdown, attempting to get an higher hand in battle, retreating, and so forth.), and it feels just like the folly and hope of humanity each by no means die.
Talking of dying, there is no such thing as a scarcity of lives misplaced. Some are extra fascinating to me, like a sure character who may need really been a Newtype. The essential factor is that this particular person can be a dumbass, as if to say that we shouldn’t worship Newtypes or anybody who’s supposedly the subsequent evolution of humanity and its savior. The largest dying can be so unceremonious and sort of random that it feels very becoming—a warmonger hoisted by his personal petard.
One main change from the TV sequence is the precise epilogue, which has been expanded enormously. The brand new scenes emphasize the truth that modifications come solely in bits and items. Human beings, whether or not born on Earth or in house, appear to adapt to their circumstances, and beliefs don’t simply change in a single day. On prime of that, most of the characters are younger, so whereas they could have fought in lots of life-or-death battles, that doesn’t have to completely outline who they’re or can be. The final word message could be that individuals, however particularly these nonetheless possessing youth, can break by all of the entrenched obstacles that earlier generations have erected.
In trying on the Gundam: Reconguista in G films in whole, it’s protected to say that they need to be the definitive option to expertise the sequence. It clarifies and expands on the TV anime, is healthier paced, and simply conveys extra of the world and its complexities. G-Reco is ready to present itself in the perfect mild, and for many who dismissed it the primary time, I feel this can be a nice alternative to expertise probably the most distinctive entries in Gundam.
(Joyful tenth anniversary, G-Reco.)
