Mobile Suit Gundam 0080 review: The thrill and realism of war in your pocket

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080 review: The thrill and realism of war in your pocket

"Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket": A story of tragedy and friendship in war

"Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket" is a Gundam series released as an OVA in 1989, and was produced to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Gundam's birth. This work is known as one of the Gundam series that delves deeply into the themes of tragedy of war and friendship. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as recommended points.

Overview

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket was released as an OVA on March 25, 1989, consisting of six episodes. It was produced by Sunrise and Bandai, and directed by Fumihiko Takayama. It was written by Hajime Yatate and Yoshiyuki Tomino, and the screenplay was written by Hiroyuki Yamaga. The character designs were by Haruhiko Mikimoto, and the mechanical designs by Kunio Okawara.

story

The story is set in the neutral colony Side 6 at the end of the One Year War. Al, an elementary school student who dreams of joining the military, meets Bernie, a special forces member of the Zeon military who has infiltrated the colony. The two learn that the Gundam NT-1 that Zeon is after is hidden in the colony, and begin searching for its location. However, the relationship between Al and Bernie is shaken by the cruelty of war and the conflict of friendship.

character

The main characters are as follows.

  • Al : Voiced by Daisuke Namikawa. A pure-hearted boy who dreams of joining the military, his encounter with Bernie changes his life dramatically.
  • Bernie : Voiced by Koji Tsujitani. A special forces member of the Zeon military, he is loyal to his duties while building a friendship with Al.
  • Chris : Voiced by Megumi Hayashibara. Al's friend who influences his actions.
  • Steiner : Voiced by Akimoto Yosuke. A commander in the Zeon army and Bernie's direct superior.
  • Garcia : The voice actor is Hiroshi Shima. He is a member of the Zeon army and a friend of Bernie.
  • Misha : Voiced by Shimada Bin. Al's friend who supports his actions.

Rating and Features

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket is highly regarded among the Gundam series for delving deeply into the tragedies of war and themes of friendship. Below are its characteristics and reviews in detail.

The tragedy of war

This work makes use of its setting at the end of the One Year War to depict the cruelty and meaninglessness of war. In particular, through the relationship between Al and Bernie, it realistically depicts the extent to which war affects the lives of individual people. By depicting the tragedy of war, it is a work that will move viewers deeply and encourage reflection.

The conflict of friendship

The friendship between Al and Bernie is the central theme of the film. Although the two trust each other, they are conflicted when they face the reality of war. The portrayal of this friendship evokes deep empathy in the viewer and enhances the tragedy of war.

Character and mechanical design

Haruhiko Mikimoto's character designs express the emotions of the characters realistically, eliciting sympathy from the viewers. Kunio Okawara's mechanical designs add new appeal while continuing the traditions of the Gundam series. The design of Gundam NT-1 in particular has been highly praised among fans.

music

The music by Tetsuro Kashibuchi is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. In particular, the background music in the film skillfully expresses the tension of war and the warmth of friendship, enhancing the emotions of the viewer.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

  • Episode 1: How Many Miles to the Battlefield?
  • Episode 2: Reflections in Brown Eyes
  • Episode 3: Where's the Rainbow End?
  • Episode 4: Across the River and Through the Trees
  • Episode 5: Tell Me It's a Lie, Bernie
  • Episode 6: War in the Pocket

Recommended points

"Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket" is a work that is recommended not only to fans of the Gundam series, but also to viewers who are looking for a story about the tragedy of war and friendship. Here are some recommended points.

A realistic portrayal of war

The film depicts the cruelty and senselessness of war in a realistic way, inspiring viewers to reflect and reflect deeply, particularly through the relationship between Al and Bernie, showing how war affects the lives of individuals.

A deep portrayal of friendship

The friendship between Al and Bernie is a central theme in the film and one that will evoke deep empathy in viewers, as their mutual trust in the face of the reality of war is sure to touch viewers' hearts.

The appeal of character and mechanical design

The character designs by Haruhiko Mikimoto and the mechanical designs by Kunio Okawara have inherited the traditions of the Gundam series while adding new appeal. The design of Gundam NT-1 in particular has been highly praised among fans.

The appeal of music

The music by Tetsuro Kashibuchi is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. In particular, the background music in the film skillfully expresses the tension of war and the warmth of friendship, enhancing the emotions of the viewer.

summary

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket is a Gundam series that delves deeply into the themes of tragedy and friendship in particular. Through the relationship between Al and Bernie, the cruelty and meaninglessness of war are depicted realistically, inspiring viewers to feel deeply moved and reflect on themselves. Other appealing elements include character design by Haruhiko Mikimoto, mechanical design by Kunio Okawara, and music by Tetsuro Kashibuchi. This work is recommended not only for fans of the Gundam series, but also for viewers looking for a story about the tragedy and friendship of war.

<<:  The appeal and evaluation of Urusei Yatsura "Howling at the Moon": Review of the 7th screening of the series

>>:  The appeal and reviews of "The Night Song of the Stars": A thorough analysis of the moving story and beautiful visuals

Recommend

Snyder: The director's cut of Justice League will also have a big trailer

Zack Snyder's Justice League cut is set to re...

Matthew McConaughey Turned Down HBO's The Last of Us

HBO once extended an olive branch to Matthew McCo...