Reideen

Reideen is a phenomenal anime series launched in 2007 by the Japanese animation network WOWOW. This brilliantly crafted series, bearing the touch of modern animation styles combined with traditional elements, is a remake of the classic 1975 series "Yuusha Raideen." However, the new series impresses with upgraded artwork, plot complexities, and intense character development, making it a treat for anime lovers worldwide.

The protagonist of Reideen is a college student named Junki Saiga who lives an ordinary college life with a keen interest in archaeology, inheriting this passion from his father, Kanichi Saiga. The story begins when Junki's father unearths a mysterious artifact during an archaeological excavation and unfortunately passes away soon after. Tragedy strikes the Saiga family, leaving Junki, his mother, and younger sister to pick up the pieces.

Following the death of his father, Junki inherits an old and eerie family mansion, isolated away in the mountains. Unbeknownst to him, this inheritance turns out to be more than just a house. The mansion hides a tremendous secret, a colossal robot named Reideen, considered a divine entity. The house, in reality, serves as the docking bay for Reideen and becomes the locus of action throughout the series.

A twist of fate results in Junki somehow bonding with this deity-like robot and discovering his vested destiny in terms of an ancient prophecy that his father discovered. As the chosen one, Junki must pilot Reideen to protect Earth from the havoc wrought by an unknown hostile entity from outer space known as the "Saurians."

These Saurians, hell-bent on causing chaos and intolerance on Earth, add a thrilling dimension to the storyline. Meanwhile, Junki struggles to understand the true power of Reideen, wrestling with his responsibility as the protector of humanity. This struggle is both external, in the form of battles, and internal, grappling with the strain on his personal life and the fear of letting down those who depend on him. Reideen's abilities are vast and mysterious, given its divine origin, and watching Junki make sense of them throughout the series is genuinely captivating.

The character development in Reideen is impressive, with the anime focusing on Junki's maturation from a regular student to a mighty savior. It's a coming-of-age story, showing how he copes with the tremendous responsibilities thrust upon him, his interactions with Reideen, and how he blends his regular life with the extraordinary trials of being a defender of humanity.

The series introduces a host of other characters who add richness and complexity to the storyline. Maedasaki Taro, Junki's best friend, serves as the comic relief in the series. However, his unwavering support for Junki through thick and thin adds emotional depth. Hoshikawa Midori, the love interest, adds romance and drama, while her mysterious connection to the Saurians further complicates the plot.

Reideen is anything but a typical mecha anime. It beautifully blends its action sequences with emotional depth, adding personal elements to accentuate the struggles faced by Junki as he balances his day-to-day life with his monumental responsibility. Its finesse in storytelling and integration of traditional mecha elements with fresh modern angles sets it apart.

One of the visual strengths of Reideen is its animation style, a harmonious blend of 2D and 3D sequences that add dynamism to the battle sequences and depth to the characters. Its score is as much a part of Reideen as its cast. The background music and theme songs do an excellent job of setting the series’ tone, be it the suspense of impending battles or the emotional depth of Junki's personal journey.

As the narrative unfolds, the series explores deeper themes of duty, family, friendship, and humanism's essence, adding layers of complexity to the plot. Watching Reideen is not just about being immersed in gripping battle scenes but also about exploring the profound psychological aspects and emotional challenges faced by the young hero of the narrative.

To say that Reideen is only an action-packed mecha series would vastly undervalue its range. It's an amalgamation of myth, technology, mystery, and human drama. Combining epic robotic battles, pivotal character development, and deep-seated mystery with a hint of romance, this 2007 series delivers an ambitious reboot of the 70's classic that genuinely stands on its own merit.