DIEBUSTER The Movie

In the realm of anime, DIEBUSTER The Movie stands as an energetic space saga filled with intense drama and extreme mecha action. Voiced by a renowned ensemble of voice actors like Yukari Fukui, Maaya Sakamoto, Miyuki Sawashiro, Mitsuo Iwata and Takumi Yamazaki, this movie takes viewers on an exhilarating journey where the capacities of friendship, loyalty, and determination are tested in the grand cosmos.

DIEBUSTER The Movie is a grand presentation of the six-part OVA series "Gunbuster 2" reconfigured into a feature-length film. The movie serves as a sequel to the acclaimed anime series "Gunbuster," adopting similar themes and inspiration. Although set thousands of years after the original show, there's an underlying connection that frames a broad narrative arch, resulting in a thrilling space epic that stands as a climax of the series.

At the core of this interstellar voyage, audiences find themselves engrossed in the journey of Nono, voiced by Yukari Fukui. Nono is a gutsy young woman from a backwater Martian town who dreams of becoming a top-tier space pilot, a "Topless," like the rest of the characters. Her tenacity sees her cross paths with Lal'C Mellk Mal, a bona fide Topless rendered by the familiar voice of Maaya Sakamoto.

Their unexpected meeting leads to an alliance that results in an array of turbulent adventures in the vastness of the galaxy. Both characters learn valuable lessons about youth, friendship, duty, and the price of ambition, drawing the audience into the breadth and depth of their evolving relationship.

Miyuki Sawashiro lends her voice to Tycho Science, another integral character in the movie, while Mitsuo Iwata and Takumi Yamazaki offer their vocal talent to other roles, each adding to the richness and vividness of the narrative.

The movie showcases a universe enlightened and threatened by technology and invasion from alien entities. The plot indulges in dramatic intergalactic conflicts that command attention with breathtaking confrontations between colossal mechanoids, a throwback to classic mecha animes. The heart of the movie rests within the stirring personal trials Nono and her friends must overcome, embodying the internal battles that resonate universally with the audience.

Director Kazuya Tsurumaki, a protégé of Hideaki Anno, delivers an exciting interpretation of the universe initially created by his mentor. He encapsulates the signature kinetic style seen in the predecessor, Gunbuster, while layering a fresh and distinctive approach to the reconfiguration of the storyline as a movie. Tsurumaki’s utilisation of vibrant animation, along with innovative and intense battle sequences, gives DIEBUSTER The Movie the leverage to stand alone as an epic mecha space opera even for audiences unfamiliar with the Gunbuster series.

The cinematography can be described as powerful and dynamic, threading the narrative together with compelling visuals that embody the depth and complexity of the storyline. The character designs are unique, multifaceted, and are gained from the original minds behind the acclaimed Gainax animation studio.

The soundtrack heightens the movie's emotions, with unforgettable scores that sync perfectly with intense battles and nostalgic moments. Accompanied by the talented voice acting cast, the audio and graphics work hand in hand to bring landscape, characters, and emotions to life, creating an immersive viewing experience.

DIEBUSTER The Movie, in its essence, is a homage to classic mecha anime that appeals to new viewers and rewards the long-time fans of the genre. Akin to other Gainax productions, the movie excels in striking a balance between sci-fi drama and emotional relationships. The storyline, combined with budding character development and an overarching narrative that strings together two separate eras, makes DIEBUSTER The Movie a compelling watch that tugs at the heartstrings.