Mobile Suit Gundam III: Incontro nello spazio

Encounters in Space (bad name, but whatever) feels like an actual film much more than the other two entries. Perhaps because it *is* originally designed as an ending; it doesn't feel weirdly truncated like the prequels.

This entry also has by far the best animation of the three. The writing has been epic before, but here the visuals live up what was promised.

The level of brutality on display is also more in line with what's happening in the story, and a few of the deaths were quite impactful.

I'm moving onto Zeta Gundam now (the show, not the films this time) and am very excited to see where the franchise goes. This trilogy was a great foundation for a hopefully expansive universe.

Simply put, this is perhaps the best Gundam animation released in America yet.This is actually the last thrid of the TV series compressed into a film.70% of the animation was redone so it looks alot better than the first two films.Also the film changes some things from the show such as replacing the Guntank with another Guncannon,changing around the sequence of events(for the sake of drama) and cutting out some of the silly enemy mobile suits from the orginal such as the Braw Bro.Like the others the chartecterization is strong and the realism of war brutal.No Gundam fan should be without it *****/*****

The war between the Principality of Zeon and the Earth Federation continues as the crew of the White Base and newtype Gundam pilot Amuro Ray return to space for a final confrontation with Zeon as the infighting among the Zabi family continues and Char Aznable intends to finish off Amuro and the Gundam once and for all.

The final film in the compilation film trilogy of Mobile Suit Gundam's first series, Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space is noted for containing the most new footage of the three films added by Yoshiyuki Tomino. The movie is the best of the of three Mobile Suit Gundam compilation films because it has the most "complete feeling" to it with adequately established stakes and a sense of finality that leaves it a satisfactory conclusion to the trilogy.

Pretty much every point established is paid off here from Amuro's conflict with Char, to Sayla Mass and her relationship with Char as her long lost brother, and Char's conflict with the Zabi family. All the primary and secondary characters feel like they've come full circle at this point with harrowing action sequences and striking moments of emotional resonance that kept me engaged throughout the 2 and ½ hour runtime. A solid inclusion to this movie is definitely in regards to the Zabi family who's backstabbing and conniving makes them really strong characters who feel like they could've been the basis of a series unto themselves, but we're just given tidbits as to what goes on with them unfortunately. Amuro and Char's conflict is also given more weight with the inclusion of another newtype named Lalah who like the Zabi family feels like she could've been further developed and established.

Encounters in Space does a mostly successful job of closing the book on the theatrical retelling of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. There's a sense of desperation in the stakes as well as a sense of finality that makes this entry the most fully realized film of the trilogy and hits all the key points of Gundam and its foundations. While it does rely on you seeing the first two movies, it's a mostly successful payoff to two films worth of build-up.

The NewType concept takes away from the Gundam story. It has a lot of potential, but to me it distracts from the main message that war is hell and people are dumb. I would have loved, for example, to have this NewType thing being thrown around as a political token and as a genuine concern or fascination, only to discover that no, there is no new stage of human evolution, just some people who worked at it and some who didn't. But it wasn't to be. For the sake of this idea, poorly developed characters are introduced, given a lot of importance and then killed off. It did not help the story at all.

There are a lot more fights and there is some closure, but story-wise and on pure enjoyment level, I liked the second film in the series. I was about to look for the Gundam series only to discover that in fact this IS the series, reedited, quality improved and compressed into three films. They should do this with all anime :)

Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (1982) is the epic finale to the original Mobile Suit Gundam trilogy, delivering an emotional, action-packed conclusion to the monumental conflict between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. Directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, this film encapsulates the drama, heartbreak, and thrilling space battles that have come to define the Gundam franchise, solidifying its status as a must-watch for fans.

What makes Encounters in Space stand out is its ability to balance intense mecha combat with deep character development and emotional stakes. This final installment brings together all the threads from the previous films, focusing on Amuro Ray's growth and his ultimate confrontation with Char Aznable. The personal stakes of their rivalry reach a boiling point, with both characters' paths driven by their ideals and deep-seated emotional trauma. This makes the movie not only a spectacle of mecha action but a poignant exploration of the cost of war, the complexity of personal conviction, and the toll it takes on those involved.

The animation in Encounters in Space wa stunning for the time, with impressive space battles that showcase the raw intensity of combat. The scale of the battles feels vast and consequential, with each Gundam fight adding emotional depth to the story. The design of the mobile suits, including the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam, remains a high point of the series, with fluid, dynamic animation that captures the thrill of piloting giant robots in outer space.

The film's soundtrack, composed by the legendary Takeo Watanabe, is a standout feature. The music complements the tone perfectly, from the stirring orchestral themes during key battles to the somber, reflective pieces that underscore the film's more introspective moments. The emotional resonance of the soundtrack enhances the film's depth, making the stakes feel more personal and the characters' struggles all the more intense.

The film's pacing is excellent, smoothly weaving action with moments of introspection and personal conflict. The resolution of the Amuro and Char storyline feels earned, providing a satisfying conclusion to their epic rivalry.

Ultimately, Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space is a masterpiece. It's a movie that successfully blends thrilling action, complex characters, and emotional depth. Its portrayal of the horrors of war, the growth of its protagonists, and the epic scale of its battles make it an unforgettable experience, and one of the best entries in the Gundam franchise. With stunning visuals, a powerful soundtrack, and a deeply satisfying conclusion, this film is a must-watch for any mecha or anime fan, earning a perfect 10/10.