Thanks to the sacrifices of war heroes like Amuro Ray, the Universal Century's 105th year sees an era of hard-won but short-lived peace. The Earth Federation keeps a militaristic hold on the planet and its surrounding space colonies. Although Char Aznable's rebellion against the neglectful Federation met its ultimate failure, his revolutionary philosophy of true freedom for all human beings lives on.
Despite being the son of a famous Federation commander, Hathaway Noa embodies both the undying loyalty of soldier Amuro Ray and the militant passion of rebel leader Char Aznable. Haunted by memories of Char's Rebellion, Hathaway leads a dissident faction of his own known as Mafty. He adopts the alias "Mafty Navue Erin" and commits acts of violence in revolt against the growing tyranny of the Federation.
After thwarting the hostile takeover of a plane by a terrorist group fraudulently claiming to be Mafty, Hathaway's secret identity is discovered by a young woman named Gigi Andalucia. Hathaway befriends both Gigi and Federation colonel Kenneth Sleg, but his double life endangers them as the armed conflict between Mafty and the Federation comes to a head.
Series Synopsis
Kidou Senshi Gundam: Senkou No Hathaway is the much-awaited adaptation of Yoshiyuki Tomino’s beloved ‘Hathaway’s Flash’ novels. The story is set in the Universal Century, year 0105; twelve years after the Second Neo Zeon War, the Earth remains ravaged. A new warrior, Hathaway Noa, emerges from the shadow of the legendary Gundam pilots, determined to etch his name on the annals of history. With an elite crew of young Mavericks and the next-generation mobile suit, the Xi Gundam, Hathaway’s rebellion against the tyrannical Earth Federation sparks a saga that resonates deeply within Gundam’s rich lore.
This is the tale of Hathaway, the son of a celebrated Federation captain, seeking justice and shaking the very foundations of a society built on lies and deceit. The narrative challenges the notions of righteousness and splendour of war, shedding light on the sacrifices one makes for deep-seated convictions balanced on the edge of the sword.
Gundamizing the Classics: A Review
Every piece of Kidou Senshi Gundam: Senkou No Hathaway oozes polished finesse. From the jaw-dropping aesthetics to the poignant human drama, each facet of the movie has been meticulously crafted, raising the bar sky-high for future Gundam adaptations.
The animation quality is absolutely top-tier! Every battle sequence is a spectacle of raw power and graceful mecha ballet. The physical weight of the machines, their kinetic momentum, the bristling energy of their beam weaponry – it’s all translated onscreen with breathtaking detail and cinematography. The traditional animation mixed with CGI adds a new layer of realism to the series, making every showdown between suits feel grounded and intense.
The Characters
Character development is another prominent aspect that I appreciate. Hathaway himself is a complex character with deep emotional turmoil and unyielding determination. His growth and evolution throughout the movie lend a rich tapestry to the narrative. The secondary characters aren’t left in the dust either. Gigi Andalucia and Kenneth Sleg emerge as intriguing personalities contributing significantly to the plot progression.
The Soundtrack
The sound design is phenomenal! Hiroyuki Sawano’s stirring compositions amplify the emotional grandeur, firmly etching every scene into your consciousness. The opening theme “Senkou” by [Alexandros] and the ending theme “FLASH” by Sudo Hiroyuki deliver a punchy prelude and a soothing conclusion, wrapping the movie experience beautifully.
Overall, Kidou Senshi Gundam: Senkou No Hathaway is like a well-aged wine: rich, sophisticated, and worth savoring. I highly recommend it for both Gundam fanatics and newcomers alike. It’s a shining example of high-quality anime storytelling, coupled with stunning visuals and unforgettable characters.
Absolute must-watch: whether its rent, buy, or stream, don’t miss out because this is one epic space opera that’s sure to leave a lasting impression!
Until next time, this is The Anime Critic, signing off!
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