It is A.C. 196—one year after the conflict between Earth and its nearby space colonies ended with the formation of the Earth Sphere Unified Nation. As mankind enters a new era of unity and prosperity, four of the five Gundam pilots decide to follow in society's footsteps and disarm by launching their mobile suits into the sun. However, their plan is unexpectedly suspended when a rebellion erupts with the emergence of Mariemaia Khushrenada—who claims to be the child of fallen dictator Treize and desires to conquer the world in his stead.
Deciding that they are the last line of defense for the Earth Sphere, Heero Yuy, Trowa Barton, Duo Maxwell, and Quatre Raberba Winner scramble to retrieve their Gundams and fight to protect the peace the people of the colonies have pursued for so long. Despite their unwavering resolve to complete one final mission, the battle will be challenging: the pilots' former ally Wufei Chang has pledged his allegiance to Mariemaia's cause instead.
REVIEW: Shin Kidou Senki Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Special Edition
[Synopsis]
Enter the colossal world of Shin Kidou Senki Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Special Edition, a fantastic feast of mecha action, grit, and subtle political intrigue. The story is set in the aftermath of a colossal war between Earth and the off-planet colonies. Our quintet of sharply dressed, diverse Gundam pilots have since hung up their helmets, hoping for an era of peace. Their hopes, however, are jarringly cut short when a mysterious and colossal mobile suit threatens to upheave the newfound harmony.
The narrative swiftly but smoothly navigates between past and present, unveiling the intricate, often harrowing backstories of our Gundam pilots while answering vitally lingering questions from the main series. The white-knuckle scenes of action and suspense intertwined with these personal narratives work together to create a beautifully layered story of friendship, battle fatigue, and the relentless spirit of earned liberty.
[Review]
Step up to the plate, anime enthusiasts, because Shin Kidou Senki Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Special Edition hits another home run for the Gundam franchise! True to Gundam fashion, it is a riveting rollercoaster that unceasingly manages to blend heart-stopping mecha battles with conscientious societal commentary, a formula that evidently, still works like a charm.
The first aspect that’ll grip you about this special edition doesn’t even have a direct link to the narrative—it’s the stylized animation and killer soundtrack! The mobile suits are given a ‘liquid metal’ facelift that is not only visually impressive but also heightens the visceral, tactile experience of the mecha battles. The fantastic use of color and lighting also catapults the grim atmosphere of war into a strangely beautiful, ethereal spectacle. Accompanying this is a soundtrack that can only be described as perfectly pitched. Whether it’s the energetic, throbbing beats of battle or the quiet, understated notes that soundtrack the bleak aftermath, audio utterly nails the mood of every scene.
The action isn’t a mere aesthetic spectacle, though. The fights are daringly choreographed and full of high-stakes tension, and the narrative grounding them in the pilots’ personal tales makes them larger than life. When you see these massive machines clash, you feel the desperation, the hopes, the vulnerabilities of these pilots, and there’s nothing more satisfying than a well-marshaled action sequence with emotional depth.
If I had to nitpick, there’s a slight but noticeable dip in pacing during the middle act. There the narrative stiltedly transitions between the past and the present, somewhat hindering the otherwise terrific momentum. But despite this minor issue, the climax and conclusion more than make up for it. It’s like a fantastic light show of pulsating emotion, a beautiful waltz indeed!
So, should you rent, buy, or stream Shin Kidou Senki Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Special Edition? HECK YES! This special edition isn’t just a cherry on the top of the original series—it’s an intense, flavorful sundae in itself! Whether you’re a long-time Gundam fan or a mecha-action newcomer, this anime is a must-watch. Put on your pilot helmets, ladies and gentlemen, because this flight is one you won’t want to miss!
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