The appeal and reviews of G-SAVIOUR: A must-see for Gundam fans

Comprehensive evaluation and recommendation of G-SAVIOUR

■ Public Media

TV Special

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

August 1, 1998 - January 1, 0000

■Broadcasting station

Broadcasting station: Nagoya TV Publisher: Bandai Visual

■Frequencies

73 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Mobile Suit Gundam

■ Director

Graham Campbell

■ Production

Produced by Sunrise, Polestar Television

■Works

©1999 SUNRISE Inc. SOTSU AGENCY

■ Story

The story takes place in the year 223 of the Universal Century. Due to the increasing population of the Earth, the organization that governs the world, the Earth Federation Government, decides to forcibly relocate people to space colonies. Time passes, and conflict arises between the people who want the colonies to be independent and the Federal Army, who are trying to prevent this. After conflicts break out in various regions, the story ends with a reconciliation between the two armies, and the colony achieves independence, changing its name to Settlement. However, the Illuminati, an organization that distrusts Settlement's heavy-handed methods, takes action to break the status quo...

■Explanation

It is a part of the TV anime series "Mobile Suit Gundam" and is characterized by its combination of computer graphics and live action. It is a joint production between Japan and the United States, and all the actors are foreigners. Initially, a short version was screened at events. Later, in 2000, a Japanese dubbed version with a unique adaptation of the entire version was aired by Nagoya TV Station.

■Cast

Mark Curran, Brennan Elliott, Cynthia Graves, Enuka Okuma, Lt. Col. Jack Hale, David Lovegren, Mimi De Beer, Governor General Catalina Conti Garneau, Chairman Kenneth Welsh Graves, Blue Mankuma

■ Main staff

Executive Producers: Takayuki Yoshii, Masuro Ueda, Anthony Scala, Philip Segal Producers: Koichi Inoue, Mimi Maynard, Catalina Conti, Chris Dobbs VE Supervisors: Bruce Bronit, JFK Parentu Writers: Mark Amato, Stephanie Peña Sy Director: Gram Campbell Cinematographer: Joel J. Ransom Production Designer: Richard Fudolin Designers: Kunio Okawara, Shigemi Ikeda, Masahisa Suzuki, Kevin Ishioka Costume Designer: Terry Burdon Casting Director: Lynn Callow Music: John Debney, Luis Febre ED
・Orb
・Singer: Emily

■ Main Characters

Mark Curran: A mobile suit pilot belonging to the Atlantic Deep Sea Agricultural Research Institute (commonly known as the Rig). He was originally a member of the Settlement Congressional Army, but a certain incident prompted him to abdicate. A young man with a strong sense of justice.

Cynthia Graves is a woman who continues to research bioluminescence in order to solve the global food crisis. She spares no effort to contribute to improving the environment on Earth.

Lieutenant Colonel Jack Hale is a lieutenant colonel in the Settlement Parliamentary Army. He is an excellent mobile suit pilot and a perfectionist. He will use any means to achieve his goals, and sometimes prioritizes his position over human lives.

Mimi Devere is a talented woman and Mark's girlfriend. She is a member of the Settlement National Parliament's Military Intelligence Department.
Governor Garno is the Governor of the Selzment National Congress Army and is in charge of governing the Earth Autonomous Region. In order to become a dictator, he toyed with increasing his own status.

■ Main robot items

・G Saver Zero Gravity Mode
A mode in which the G-Saber Origin is equipped with spacecraft-style outer shell armor. Since gravity reduction measures have been applied to the entire unit, it has high maneuverability and mobility even in space.

G-Saber Gravity Specification: A mode for operating under gravity, such as on the ground or inside a colony.

・Illusion (I Saber)
The ninth machine created by the Saber team. It was made to be used in zero gravity, so it has excellent maneuverability in space.

■ Related works

・TV anime "Mobile Suit Gundam"

■ Theme songs and music

・ED
・Orb
・Singer: Emily

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

■ Story and Theme

Set in the year 223 of the Universal Century, G-SAVIOUR depicts the conflict between the Earth Federation Government and the Settlement, as well as the complex political background of the Illuminati's intervention. This work is a story that pursues the traditional themes of the Gundam series: war and peace, and human dignity. In particular, it is noteworthy that it deals with the realistic issues of the Earth's population increase and food crisis. Cynthia Graves' bioluminescence research symbolizes the hope of contributing to improving the Earth's environment, and deeply moves viewers.

■Video and Technology

The most distinctive feature of this work is the visual expression that combines computer graphics and live action. In 1998, the incorporation of such advanced technology was extremely revolutionary. In particular, the use of CG stands out in the mobile suit battle scenes, creating a strong visual impact. However, some viewers may feel a little uncomfortable with the integration of live action and CG parts. Still, it can be said that it was an extremely challenging attempt considering the state of the technology at the time.

■Characters and Acting

Another feature of this film is that all the actors are foreign. In particular, Brennan Elliott's performance as Mark Curran is a realistic portrayal of a young man with a strong sense of justice, drawing the viewer's sympathy. Enuka Okuma's performance as Cynthia Graves also conveys her passion and dedication as a researcher, adding depth to the story. David Lovegren as Lieutenant Colonel Jack Hale skillfully portrays the cold-heartedness of a perfectionist, but his occasional displays of human weakness are also appealing. Overall, the acting skills of the cast are excellent, and are an important element in adding excitement to the story.

■Music and theme songs

The music by John Debney and Luis Febre effectively brings out the tension and emotion of the story. In particular, the music during the battle scenes has the power to draw the viewer in, coupled with the visual impact. The ending theme "Orb" features Emily's beautiful voice, giving the impression of gently wrapping up the end of the story. This song is an important element in allowing the viewer to linger on the afterglow of the story.

■ Background and influences

G-SAVIOUR is noteworthy for being a Japanese-American co-production. The collaboration between Sunrise and Polestar Television explored new possibilities for the Gundam series. Directed by Graham Campbell, the story was told from an international perspective, allowing it to appeal to a wider audience than just Gundam fans. The series can also be considered a pioneer in the live-action adaptation of the Gundam series, and has influenced subsequent Gundam works.

■ Recommendation points

"G-SAVIOUR" is a must-see for fans of the Gundam series. In particular, its combination of CG and live-action visuals and the performances by an international cast set it apart from other Gundam works. It also deals with realistic themes such as global environmental issues and food crises, which will deeply move viewers. It is also recommended for those who enjoy the development of the story and character growth. Overall, this work will give viewers a sense of new possibilities for the Gundam series and will provide many suggestions.

■ Related works and viewing order

"G-SAVIOUR" is an independent work in the Gundam series and has no direct story connection to other works. However, to understand the world view and themes of the Gundam series, we recommend watching "Mobile Suit Gundam" first. After that, by watching "G-SAVIOUR", you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the overall flow of the series and the evolution of its themes. Also, by watching other live-action and CG works in the Gundam series, you will be able to get a deeper sense of the significance and influence of this work.

■ Summary

"G-SAVIOUR" is a work that gives a sense of new challenges and possibilities for the Gundam series. The visual expression that combines CG and live action, the performances by an international cast, and the pursuit of realistic themes will deeply move and inspire viewers. This is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the Gundam series, but to all viewers who love science fiction and drama. Please discover new charms of the Gundam series through this work.