Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway

Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway, a highly anticipated animated film on Netflix, is the latest entry into the expansive and beloved Gundam franchise. This movie, which was released in 2021, has roots deeply embedded in the long-running franchise, both contributing to and extending its rich narrative tapestry. Those who are on the lookout for heart-stopping action, a robust plot featuring high-tech mechanized suits, and deep character development should find the movie fulfilling.

The film stems from the popular Gundam series, known for their epic space wars, political intrigue, and massive humanoid mobile suits. The narrative is set in the Universal Century, a common timeline in the Gundam universe, roughly a dozen years after the events of the film “Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack”. In this continuation of the Gundam series, the world is once again enmeshed in conflict and tension, a prelude to a dramatic story.

The story brings to the forefront Hathaway Noa, the son of a revered Federation officer Bright Noa, who had minor roles in previous Gundam narratives. In this film, the story of Hathaway is extensively investigated, hence the title, as he becomes the lead protagonist.

If you’re new to the universe of Mobile Suit Gundam, Gundam Hathaway reintroduces you to the universe, its conflicts, and its delicately created politics. Hathaway, the titular character, is a complex individual. Because of a past filled with pain, and being witness to the futility and devastation of war, Hathaway is burdened by a sense of obligation to change the world around him. With his newly adopted alias, Mafty Navue Erin, he resorts to radical actions for the greater good of mankind. He becomes the universe’s modern-day Robin Hood, piloting and leading a clandestine group known as “Mafty” in a revolt against the Earth Federation.

The film effectively marries mecha battles with political drama, examining global power dynamics and challenging the moral fabric of its characters. It forces Hathaway to question his capacity for violence and assess the weight of his actions, providing the viewers with thought-provoking material beyond just aesthetically pleasing mecha battles. Therefore, while the mobile suit battles are the pulse of the anime, it piques viewers’ intellect equally.

The production offshoots of Sunrise, the reputable studio responsible for the entire Gundam series, did a remarkable job with the animation and design elements of Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway. The movie is a display of excellent animation mating traditional anime styling with modern CGI, effectively rendering the mobile suits' extremities with a level of detail that would satisfy the most ardent mecha fans. The animation portrays gargantuan Gundam battles magnificently, ensuring the viewers feel the weight of every blow.

Meanwhile, the character designs, military uniforms, machine interfaces and their details are retained in all their glory, maintaining the authenticity of the manga series, a treat for the long-standing Gundam fans. The environment is pictorially striking as it transports you to a futuristic world of space colonies, high-rise cities, and barren deserts. Each frame appears to be carefully curated, lending to the overall cinematic experience of the film.

The action sequences are paced well, and the narrative is allowed ample breathing space for the audience to understand the characters, their motivations, and their struggles. The script never feels rushed, offering a rich dose of Gundam's political narrative and emotional drama. The film’s soundtrack further enhances these sequences, making the overall experience thoroughly immersive.

Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway caters to new and returning followers of the franchise. Nonetheless, prior knowledge of the Gundam Universe, specifically the original Mobile Suit Gundam and its sequel Char’s Counterattack, would enhance the viewing experience, filling in subtle references and understanding character histories. But even as a standalone, Hathaway’s tale is engaging, allowing new viewers to comfortably immerse themselves in its world.

Overall, Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway is a profound addition to the Gundam universe, upholding the franchise’s thematic complexity and offering intense mecha action. It is a must-watch for Gundam enthusiasts and an excellent entry point for those new to the series.