Gundam 0083

Gundam 0083, officially titled "Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory," is a brilliant 13-episode anime OVA (Original Video Animation) series commissioned by Bandai in 1991, serving as a sequel to the original 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam series, set in the Year 0083 of the Universal Century timeline. The series also fills the narrative gap between the original Gundam series and "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam," supplementing one of the darkest timelines in the Gundam franchise.

The story of Gundam 0083 unfolds three years after the One Year War. Peace seems to have returned with the defeat of the Principality of Zeon, the majority of whose politicians and military leaders are either jailed or in hiding. However, a detachment of zealous Zeon remnants dodge justice and conceive Operation Stardust, a daring endeavor to reignite the flames of war by dropping a colony on Earth. This plot forms the heart of the story of this mini-series.

The series introduces new characters into the Gundam universe. The protagonist is Kou Uraki, an Earth Federation Forces test pilot stationed in Australia. Uraki is an ambitious, fearless, and sometimes naive pilot who happens to be in the wrong (or right) place at the wrong (or right) time for the events to unfold. His life takes a dramatic turn when he steps into the prototype Gundam GP-02 equipped with a nuclear warhead to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Zeon insurgent, Anavel Gato - a renowned war veteran known as the "Nightmare of Solomon."

Gato, who is a key antagonist in the series, is one of the few remaining proud Zeon officers. His charisma, fighting prowess, and unyielding devotion to Zeon inspire not only his followers but also set standards of an enemy pilot in Gundam series. Their shifting rivalry and desperate warfare shape the dynamics of the story, rising and falling against the backdrop of politics, warfare strategies, and broader ideological conflicts.

Character development is vigorous in Gundam 0083, and relationships are depicted in an adult and mature way. Besides the hero-villain dynamic between Kou and Gato, the series showcases a complicated love triangle involving Nina Purpleton, a hard-nosed yet resourceful engineer who designed the GP Gundams. The relationship conundrums that these three characters face add a significant depth of human drama to the series and elevate it beyond a simple war story.

The technical aspects of Gundam 0083 deserve a special mention too. The animation standard set by this series was unprecedented during its time. The series exhibits some of the best mechanical designs with high attention to detail, ushering in the golden era of 'real robot' anime. The action sequences, characterized by intense mobile suit battles, are incredibly dynamic and visually impressive. The background space and Earth landscapes are depicted vividly, creating atmospheres befitting the tense and dramatic storyline.

"Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory" is further adorned with an impressive score. Composed by the renowned Mitsuo Hagita and veteran Gundam music producer, Takanori Arisawa, the series' background music serves as the emotional spine, elevating the drama and tension throughout the series.

As expected from a Gundam series, Gundam 0083 doesn't shy away from depicting the horrors of war and the devastating impact it has on human lives with a strong anti-war sentiment. The complex story interweaves military tactics, political tensions, personal betrayals, and the raw realism of a space opera set in a post-war scenario.

To summarize, Gundam 0083 stands as a phenomenal installment in the Gundam franchise, well worth the attention of 'real robot' fans for its well-rounded characters, intricate storytelling, and the visually delightful mecha battles. As it fills crucial gaps in the Universal Century timeline, it's also a must-watch for anyone invested in Gundam's core narrative universe. Its unique mix of deep space drama, matured romantic triangle, and gritty war realities make it a truly standout series in the wide ocean of anime.