"Gundam Seed" review on Crunchyroll: Mecha for a masterful ode to peace

The Gundam saga, launched in 1979, quickly established itself as a, if not LA, reference in mecha in the sphere of japanimation. Declined in many universes and eras, it is as rich and diversified as it is interesting for the messages and values it transmits to the viewer. Gundam Seed* is no exception and proves to be one of the greatest successes of the cult franchise.

* This is not about Season 2 Gundam Seed Destiny which adopts a relatively similar storyline, even if it brings different answers and messages. To see anyway, for the interested.

Mobile Suit Gundam Seed

Original title: 機動戦士ガンダムSEED – Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED

Alternative title: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

Genre: Mecha – Action – Science – Fiction – Romance – Drama – War

Type : Shônen

Timeframe: October 5, 2002 to September 27, 2003

Platform: Crunchyroll

Number of episodes: 50

Studio: Sunrise (Code Geass, Gintama, Accel World), Bandai

3D Studio: Ufotable

Original story: TOMINO Yushiyuki, YATATE Hajime

Screenplay: MOROSAWA Chiaki, YOSHINO Hiroyuki, KOGURE Kyoko

Director: FUKUDA Mitsuo

Character designer: HIRAI Hisashi (Gyn-Hiro no Olynssis, Ginga Kitokai Majestic Prince (Spec))

Mécha Designer : YAMANE Kitomishi, AKUTSU Junichi, OKAWARA Kunio

Composer: SAHASHI Toshihiko (Reborn, Hunter x Hunter, Full Metal Panic)

Synopsis

Cosmic Area, year 71.

For the past year, war has been raging between ZAFT and the Earth Alliance. In the wake of the Bloody Valentine's Day Tragedy, the conflict has continued to drag on. In this world in flames, Kira Yamato and her friends lead a peaceful existence on Heliopolis, a neutral space colony. However, the Earth Alliance is secretly developing new weapons, capable of shifting the balance of power. The fate of these teenagers will change when a division of ZAFT's special forces is sent to seize them…

A futuristic and deep universe

Like any self-respecting Gundam , Gundam Seed has set up a futuristic but relatively plausible universe. It may seem somewhat cliché at first, since it features two entities confronting each other in a war that seems endless and to which it is teenagers who will find the answers. Nevertheless, the anime stands out for its depth, both in terms of the questions it raises and the characters it portrays. The suspense also keeps the viewer in suspense and creates a real addiction until the last episode.

Gundam Seed immerses the viewer in a futuristic world in which technology has enabled the conquest of space, the development of new weapons (mobile suits, a kind of combat armor) and large-scale genetic modification. It is, moreover, around the latter that the intrigues, stakes and tensions are articulated. Indeed, a part of humanity has managed to increase its natural abilities by resorting to the manipulation of genes. The mental and physical abilities of the coordinators are thus increased tenfold. However, this engenders jealousy, envy and misunderstanding among the Naturals, who, as their name suggests, were not "modified" before their birth. From these growing tensions, the large-scale conflict is gradually born, during which the anime takes place. Nevertheless, this lack of understanding of the other and its particularities leads to a rise towards extremes, towards increasingly deadly decisions whose infernal cycle does not seem to be able to be broken.

A mature title, in many ways

Integral parts of this conflict that degenerates over the course of the plot, the main characters identify less and less with a camp, since both are capable of atrocities. War will lead them to really evolve psychologically over trials and battles, to the point of questioning their reason for fighting, or even existing. The battles that follow one another at a frantic pace are as pleasant to follow visually for the viewer, as they are trying for the characters confronted with their fears, their limits and the loss of loved ones.

The story, whose scenario is not necessarily the most original, is made really interesting by the characters who punctuate it. The anime being quite long, they are as fleshed out as they are endearing. As for the storyline itself, it is very well done. Although the beginning of the series is relatively flat despite the action, the second part takes place on a frantic pace that makes the spectators live a real emotional rollercoaster, until an end in apotheosis. Both sides sought to end the war but ultimately inflamed it more and more, to the point of no return. The "script" is constructed in such a way that the viewer identifies sometimes with the camp of the Earth Alliance (Naturals), sometimes with that of ZAFT (coordinators), which makes it possible to create a very interesting non-Manichean vision: Each side, despite its questionable actions, thus has a more than understandable reason to continue the fighting. This observation also applies to the characters, who each have flaws and qualities that make them all the more human and do not leave insensitive.

On the other hand, the events accurately transcribe the atmosphere and monstrosity of war, its deaths and sacrifices. This realistic side gives Gundam Seed a maturity and credibility that makes those who watch it think all the more.

A rhythmic and frantic animation

From the visual and auditory points of view, the anime is generally up to par. In general, the animation is not out of the ordinary but remains very pleasant. The spatial plans, very successful, give a real visual content to the anime. For their part, the mechs are convincing and very diverse; Their visual really pleasant and quite impressive. In addition, they evolve over the course of the story and become more and more powerful, which makes it even more interesting. They allow you to live very engaging and absolutely exciting battles. The animation of the fights, although sometimes repetitive, leaves no downtime and allows to highlight these particularly successful mechas. The only real graphic flaw of the series lies in the weakness of the charadesign. Not really troublesome, it remains relatively neutral. Therefore, the physical potential of the protagonists is not always fully exploited.

Finally, the quality of the OST and the various generics is of the order of the exceptional. The music perfectly accompanies the fights and punctuates the moments of tension and emotion. For example, "Anna ni issho datta no ni", "Find the Way", "Fields of Hope" or "Meteor" stand out. This is one of the big strengths of this Gundam.

Endearing and worked characters

For their part, although weak graphically, the characters are eminently endearing. Each benefiting from a unique personality, they all make themselves precious in the eyes of the viewer. Human and rather realistic by their respective shortcomings, they allow a real identification. The relationships they maintain among themselves, sometimes friendly, sometimes in love gives them even more relief.

Seemingly silly and naïve, the young Kira Yamato will gradually evolve, refine and play a central role in the plot. His loyalty, fidelity, simplicity and love of life leave no stone unturned. At the same time, his childhood friend Athrun Zala and enemy of circumstance, has a real charisma. Sometimes clumsy in his words and choices, he is one of the most interesting characters. We must also mention Lacus Clyne who will play a key role and whose casual and gentle personality, symbol of peace and love, hides an immense determination. Cagalli Yula Athaa, with a strong character, also brings a certain freshness, although sometimes excessive. Note that Raaw Lecreuset and Patrick Zala allow to have antagonists both written and complex. There remain a multitude of other characters with more or less important roles, on which it will not be possible to dwell. Let's mention all the same, pell-mell, Muu Lafraga, Nicol Amalfi, Maryu Ramius, Yzak Joule, Andrew Watfled or Dearka Elsmann.

Also, it is important to emphasize that the characters have a rich and rather well developed past that gives them an extra dimension.

Current reflections and strong values

Finally, Gundam Seed is not just a simple action anime with endearing characters. It raises many issues and offers a real reflection in many respects. The latter are also particularly relevant in today's world. Thus, the anime, whether by some of its characters or the unfolding of the story, is a true ode to peace. Discussion and attempts at understanding are better than fights that always end up degenerating and revealing man's worst vices. He also takes the opportunity to highlight the paradoxical nature of weapons: To acquire the power to protect is also to acquire the power to cause suffering. Without advocating excessive pacifism, he demonstrates the infinite sadness that wars engender. Above all, he wonders about the cause of the use of the latter, present whatever the eras. Is man doomed to be his own enemy and to the point of destroying himself?

The series also highlights the beauty and strength of friendship and love, loyalty and heroism. It also conveys a certain idea of more transversal concepts such as freedom or justice. It is no coincidence that two of the most important mechs are called "Justice" and "Freedom".

In addition, it values tolerance and acceptance of others, whoever they may be. In this way, he implicitly denounces extremism that aims to reject the other, or even deny his existence.

Similarly, and this is an essential part of the work, it raises questions relating to the use of genetic manipulation, cloning and man's desire to go further and further beyond the limits imposed on him by nature. The anime seems to condemn these practices quite strongly, albeit implicitly.

Finally, it seems essential to highlight the fact that most of the names of mechas, military bases or weapons are not innocently chosen. This is the case for "Justice" and "Freedom" but also, for example, for the base of ZAFT Boaz (one of the two columns of Solomon's temple for the Hebrews) or the weapon Genesis which refers to biblical Genesis and refers in some way to a new birth.

In the end, Gundam Seed stands out as much for its scenario and its characters as for the questions it raises and the messages it seeks to convey. He is, in a personal capacity, THE reference in terms of mecha's anime; A real touching and moving crush. Rich in its frantic action, its endearing characters and its multiple reversals of situation, it will not leave you indifferent. No more hesitation, time for action: go see this classic Mecha!