It is the Correct Century, two millennia after a devastating conflict which left the world broken. Earth is now mostly uninhabitable, and thus a remnant of humanity has resided on the Moon while the Earth and its few survivors recover. For years, the "Moonrace," the people of the Moon, have continued to check if Earth is fit for resettlement.
A boy named Loran Cehack and two others are sent down to Earth for a reconnaissance mission. Loran ends up spending a year on the planet working for the Heim Family, aristocrats living in a Victorian-like society. This family, like others of similar wealthy status, celebrates one's coming of age with a ceremony involving a giant stone statue known as the "White Doll."
To Loran's surprise, the Moonrace suddenly touches down on Earth with the intent of taking it by force. During the attack, the White Doll is broken apart, revealing a mobile suit called the "Turn A Gundam" inside. With Loran in its cockpit, the Turn A causes a standoff between the forces of Earth and Moon. The young pilot, along with the people of both sides, must keep the peace and avoid another all-out, catastrophic war.
Anime Review: Man and Machine Collide in “Turn A Gundam”
Can humanity and technology coexist? This is the question at the heart of “Turn A Gundam”. This richly woven narrative is set at the turn of the 20th century, showcasing a post-apocalyptic scenario where the Earth has been plunged into a technological regressive state due to past devastating wars known as “Dark History”. The current civilization functions similarly to that of 19th-century society – a peaceful pacifist settlement devoid of advanced technology.
Our protagonist, Loran Cehack, is a member of the Moonrace, an advanced civilization that detached from Earth thousands of years ago. He has been living on Earth for years as a spy but maintains a cordial relationship with the earthlings. Things take a drastic turn when the Moonrace decides to reclaim Earth, resulting in an unexpected conflict. Amidst the chaos, Loran discovers an ancient mobile suit – Turn A Gundam. With this powerful machine, he undertakes a mission to prevent the Earth from descending into another catastrophic war.
Storyline and Characters
“Turn A Gundam” embraces a familiar Gundam trope – war and peace. Yet, it manages to add a fresh twist, creating an enthralling narrative that is as complex as it is enjoyable. What sets “Turn A Gundam” apart from other entries in the franchise is its depth of character development. Loran, as our pacifist protagonist, excellently portrays internal conflicts that give a human touch to this technologically-based narrative.
Animation and Sound Design
The anime’s aesthetics beautifully capture the era’s rustic charm while incorporating high-end sci-fi elements. The character designs by American artist Syd Mead further elevate its visual appeal. The sound design is exceptional, enhancing the dramatic scenes and battles with sweeping orchestral pieces.
Final Thoughts
“Turn A Gundam” is an intricate yet accessible entry in the Gundam franchise. It holds its own with a thought-provoking narrative, interesting characters, and stylistic visual presentation. It may take a while to get used to the unique elements that “Turn A Gundam” brings to the fray, but once you’re hooked, it’s a roller coaster ride of emotions that you wouldn’t want to miss!
As the seasoned “Anime Critic”, I must say this anime is a ‘must-watch’ and should be on every anime lover’s bucket list. Irrespective of being a Gundam fan or not, “Turn A Gundam” provides a standalone storyline that engrosses you entirely. So, if you’re debating whether to buy, rent, or stream this anime, I’d say it is definitely worth owning to revisit time and again!
Turn A Gundam: A Tale of Man, Machine, and their Symbiotic Relationship
Overall, I’d rate “Turn A Gundam” a solid 9/10 for its narrative depth, stunning visuals, stellar sound design, and its ability to stay true to Gundam themes while still pushing boundaries. Skipping over this anime would really be a missed opportunity!
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