Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway

The movie looks really good and has some beautiful character designs but other than that its a slog and is only recommended for die hard fans who are heavily invested in Gundam. Those new to the series will be extremely confused and will feel no real connection to the characters or story and may feel frustrated from the lack of any sort of refresher.

As a fan of Universal Century, the movie didn't elevate the rich history with younger, but familiar characters, sadly. The endless exposition will please those who like drama but someone seeking a more balanced mix of action will not find it here.

In summary, the movie looks good with sparse action scenes and a story that requires a quick rundown, Hathaway is a worthy attempt by Netflix to present Gundam to an audience who would've wanted a bolder and more thrilling addition to the franchise.

Before you watch this, it's crucial that you watch every main line Universal Century series before this chronologically. It makes references to, and expects you to know most of the history that takes place up until this point. Its important so you can understand the Earth Federation and Mafty's goals.

That being said, I believe this movie is almost perfect for any Universal Century fan. However, if you're going into this expecting a ton of large scale mobile suit fights, you're going to be disappointed. Not to say that the movie is worse off without them though, since the movie is first and foremost a political thriller, it just isn't as action packed as NT or CCA. But when there is a fight scene, it is off the walls insane. The first mobile suit fight takes place in a city, and the movie does a phenomenal job showing the destruction and terror coming from the fight, as beams melt entire buildings and thrusters scorch streets.

The story is one of my personal favorites as they spend a ton of time exploring each character's motivations and how they interact with others. You see how, despite their actions, Mafty does care about the freedom of the people living on earth, and how the Earth Federation is working to actively suppress the civilians living in EFF occupied cities.

I feel like writing wouldn't do justice to the visuals. If you've seen the trailers you know how gorgeous this film is. What I wasn't expecting though, was how well the 2D and 3D animation worked together.

The main problems I had with the film were about the dialogue and pacing. It may have just been the netflix translation, but a lot of the dialogue was very awkward and didn't include the nuance I would have expected from this. The pacing was a little strange during some of the earlier parts of the movie, but it wasn't enough to really take me out of the experience.

If you want to watch a Gundam film exploring in-depth the Universal Century post CCA, this film is for you. If you're expecting an action packed story about the armed conflict between the Earth Federation and Mafty, you might end up disappointed.

Murase's glorious return to the industry and entry into Gundam is a visually stunning masterpiece. Feeling like the spiritual continuation of Ergo Proxy, Hathaway has added a new breath to Gundam with Murase's color tones, shadings, drawing techniques and minimal but uplifting music. But this movie is more than just a visual feast. Coming out of Gundam's now banal theme of "War's damage to society", the film perfectly handles the new perspective that Hathaway Noa added to the events and it manages to be an extremely superior work in terms of narrative and story. Contrary to the other Gundams, interior monologues and ethical dilemmas at the points where the movie rises too high are used much more effectively. The first masterpiece of the 2020s has been revealed.

Having seen only a few of the Gundam Series, this didn't make much sense straight out. You make out a couple of names, and references to Char Aznable.. so the context is set, and you can place your self in a timeline.

But this movie works more as a "First episode" anyway, with a story that is somewhat easy to follow. The writing is one that presents eloquent characters in a "smart setting".. that is to say it takes the viewer seriously. As a Gundam piece of content, it doesn't scratch any itch, but as a character study and setting, it is intriguing. Watch for Gigi's gorgeous animations, and every visual and design in general, if nothing else! And for the little bit of action it presents!

I'm not a a fan of the series, but this movie came into my Netflix recommendation and I thought I'm gonna give it a try. I love it! I enjoyed it a lot.

First, I love the art, it's a classic style with a touch of modern animation technology. I feel like I watched a 80's anime but much better. Second, the ambience, there is a right amount of romance in the air and tbh, reminds me of James Bond's classic movie. There also fan service scenes, thankfully nothing vulgar. Third, the story might more enjoyable if I follow the series but I think it's enough for a non-fan like me. It makes me want to dig more into the series.