Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space: A Thorough Analysis of the Emotional Climax and Profound Themes

The appeal and evaluation of "Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space"

■Overview of the work

Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space is a theatrical animation film released on March 13, 1982, and distributed by Shochiku. Its Eirin rating is 110634, and its total running time is 141 minutes. The film is based on the storyline of episodes 32 to 43 of the TV series, but most parts have been redrawn, and more than half of the cuts are new, making it a near-total remake. The original story was written by Hajime Yatate and Yoshiyuki Tomino, and Yoshiyuki Tomino also served as general director, and the film was produced by Nippon Sunrise. The copyright is owned by Sotsu and Sunrise.

■ Story

The White Base once again takes to space, tasked with acting as a decoy unit for the Federation fleet's invasion of the Zeon homeland. Amuro, who has become an ace with astounding military achievements, meets Lalah, a newtype girl discovered by Char, and awakens to the possibility of revolutionizing humanity. However, at the end of their encounter on the battlefield with Char, a tragic fate awaits. This story is quoted from "Sunrise Complete Works Collection."

■Explanation

Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space is based on the storyline of the TV series, but most parts have been thoroughly redrawn, with more than half of the cuts being new, making it a near-complete remake. The film's refined direction was the highest of the trilogy, with the dramatic theme song by Daisuke Inoue continuing from the previous film, and it was highly praised by fans. This commentary is also quoted from the Sunrise Complete Works Collection.

■Cast

The main cast includes:

• Amuro Ray: Toru Furuya
• Bright Noah: Hirotaka Suzuoki
• Kai Shiden: Toshio Furukawa
• Hayato Kobayashi: Kiyonobu Suzuki
• Sleggar Law: Makio Inoue
• Mirai Yashima: Fuyumi Shiraishi
• Sayla Mass: Inoue You
• Frau Bow: Rumiko Ukai
• Kamran Bloom: Akira Murayama
• Tem Ray: Motomu Kiyokawa
• Char Aznable: Shuichi Ikeda
• Lalah Sune: Keiko Han
• Kycilia Zabi: Mami Koyama
• Dozle Zabi: Tesshō Genda
• M'Quve: Kaneto Shiozawa
• Narrator: Ichiro Nagai

■ Main staff

The key staff members are:

• Produced by: Yoshinori Kishimoto
• Planning: Eiji Yamaura, Masanori Ito
• Original author: Hajime Yatate, Yoshiyuki Tomino
• Screenplay: Hiroyuki Hoshiyama, Yoshihisa Araki, Yu Yamamoto, Kenichi Matsuzaki
• Character design: Yoshikazu Yasuhiko
• Mechanical design: Kunio Okawara
• Art Director: Mitsutake Nakamura
• Animation Director: Yoshikazu Yasuhiko
• Edited by Tomoaki Tsurubuchi and Fumihide Kataishi
• Audio Director: Yasuo Urakami
• Music: Takeo Watanabe, Yuji Matsuyama
• Floor Director: Osamu Sekita
• General Director: Yoshiyuki Tomino
• Producers: Masuro Ueda, Masami Iwasaki, Yasuo Shibue

■The appeal of the work

Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space is an appealing work with its depth of story and characters, as well as the sophistication of its direction. In particular, the encounter between Amuro and Lalah and the subsequent developments delve deeply into the concept of Newtypes, and include many scenes that make viewers think about the future of humanity. In addition, the confrontation scene between Char and Amuro is beautifully depicted with tension and dramatic developments, drawing viewers in.

■ Evaluation and acceptance

This work has been highly praised by fans, and is considered the most sophisticated of the trilogy. Daisuke Inoue's theme song is also memorable and plays a role in livening up the atmosphere of the entire work. In addition, the work has been significantly redrawn from the TV series, allowing fans to enjoy the world of Gundam from a new perspective, and is loved by many fans.

■ Recommendation points

Here are some reasons to recommend Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space:

• A story that delves deeply into the concept of Newtypes
• Amuro and Lalah's encounter and subsequent developments
• A tense showdown scene between Char and Amuro
• Daisuke Inoue's memorable theme song
• A new perspective that has been completely redrawn from the TV series

■ Related works

Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space is part of the Gundam series and is related to the following works:

• "Mobile Suit Gundam" TV series
• "Mobile Suit Gundam I"
• "Mobile Suit Gundam II: Sorrowful Warriors"

■How to watch

This work is available on DVD and Blu-ray, and may also be available on streaming services, so please check before watching.

Conclusion

Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space is one of the most highly acclaimed works in the Gundam series, with the depth of its story and characters, and the refinement of its direction making it an appealing work. There are plenty of highlights, including a story that delves deeply into the concept of Newtypes, and a showdown scene between Char and Amuro. This is a work that can be recommended not only to Gundam fans, but to all anime fans, so please give it a watch.