20 avaliações
This anime is a must-see for fans of Evangelion. It's an earlier work of Anno Hideaki, but his unrestrained, dramatic style is quite in place. Also, those who didn't like Evangelion might find this release to bit slightly more palatable. Gunbuster is rather unique to sci-fi anime in that it's actually based on real science. In fact, the show has several little "Science Lesson" interludes explaining the physics behind some of the events in the movie. One of the big dramatic points in the film is the relative passage of time at speeds near that of light. The series does a wonderful job of dealing with the imaginably traumatic experience of leaving earth on a six month mission traveling near the speed of light and returning to an Earth where ten years have passed. The main character remains age 17 or 18 throughout the entire series while almost all of the other characters age considerably. Be warned, this show is heavy on the sap at times. It also has a couple of the most wholly unmerited breast shots that I have ever seen. I found it fairly easy to ignore the skimpy uniforms and boo-hoo scenes, because the series is otherwise very good, but viewers with a low sap tolerance might want to stay away from this one. On an interesting note, Gainax, as always, managed to run out of money in the last couple of episodes. However, they managed to use black and white film and still action sketches to produce a good resolution anyway. The ending is a bit silly, but it left me with such a good feeling in my gut I couldn't help but love it. Gunbuster is, in my opinion, one of the finest pieces of Anime around.
- Zebetite
- 19 de abr. de 1999
- Link permanente
For a six episode miniseries Gunbuster (1988) is somehow able to cover all of the narrative requirements of a full length anime series. As Hideaki Anno's directorial debut some of the concepts and ideas he is well known for are explored here, though not to the same degree and scale of his more well known show "Neon Genesis Evangelion". Most of the focus of the show is placed on the continuation of the overall plot with a fair amount of time focused on the development and inner thoughts of the main character Noriko. The story is mainly focused on the idea of how light-speed travel distorts time, and based on that the show is able to deliver some memorable and emotional moments typically not found in series' of this short length. Some complaints I have with this show is how the first episode is painfully 80's (if that makes sense) and tonally doesn't transition well into the rest of the series. Another thing I didn't like is how the first instance of nudity felt very undeserved and inserted in for the sake of appealing to an older audience. Gunbuster is still however a great anime that should be used as a reference for future miniseries'.
- ExpNoob19
- 4 de jun. de 2018
- Link permanente
- Onderhond
- 28 de set. de 2003
- Link permanente
I rarely deliver 10 out of 10s. Such a work must be ambitious, highly produced, realistic, relateable, emotional. Essentially flawless. So when I say Gunbuster is great, it comes from the bottom of my heart. Its the best anime I've watched, and even beats almost all movies I've seen.
At first, Gunbuster seems like standard fare. Hostile aliens have entered our galaxy, so the nations of Earth must prepare for battle. Noriko is an inexperienced high school student, forced to be something more by a stern, biased coach. Can she succeed - or even survive - in the vast vacuum of space? Alien invasion stories have been done dozens of times, but none are as focused on character, nor have such a perfect aesthetic.
Despite technically a mecha/super robot anime, there are surprisingly few fight scenes. Its a character-driven series, where we see Noriko deal with her hardships and mature. The other characters are also very solid, likable, and three-dimensional. Nobody is annoying or contrived. When they succeed, you are cheering in your seat. When they are devastated, it feels like a jackhammer to your heart.
If you're a fan of 80s/90s anime, Gunbuster's animation is among the best. Especially the detail! The attention on spaceships, mechs, consoles, and aliens is great. If you loved the art of Cowboy Bebop, you should love this. And the score! The pop and "space opera" pieces excellently convey the tone. Gunbuster has the rare moments where the actions and emotion on screen synch perfectly with the soundtrack in our ears. I couldn't image the best moments of the series without this!
I cannot recommend Gunbuster highly enough. Its short length (6 episodes) means you have little to lose, but so much to gain. Its emotional, beautiful, even awesome...and the only movie/anime/television series to make me cry. An unmatched masterpiece
At first, Gunbuster seems like standard fare. Hostile aliens have entered our galaxy, so the nations of Earth must prepare for battle. Noriko is an inexperienced high school student, forced to be something more by a stern, biased coach. Can she succeed - or even survive - in the vast vacuum of space? Alien invasion stories have been done dozens of times, but none are as focused on character, nor have such a perfect aesthetic.
Despite technically a mecha/super robot anime, there are surprisingly few fight scenes. Its a character-driven series, where we see Noriko deal with her hardships and mature. The other characters are also very solid, likable, and three-dimensional. Nobody is annoying or contrived. When they succeed, you are cheering in your seat. When they are devastated, it feels like a jackhammer to your heart.
If you're a fan of 80s/90s anime, Gunbuster's animation is among the best. Especially the detail! The attention on spaceships, mechs, consoles, and aliens is great. If you loved the art of Cowboy Bebop, you should love this. And the score! The pop and "space opera" pieces excellently convey the tone. Gunbuster has the rare moments where the actions and emotion on screen synch perfectly with the soundtrack in our ears. I couldn't image the best moments of the series without this!
I cannot recommend Gunbuster highly enough. Its short length (6 episodes) means you have little to lose, but so much to gain. Its emotional, beautiful, even awesome...and the only movie/anime/television series to make me cry. An unmatched masterpiece
- DonaldDooD
- 24 de jul. de 2014
- Link permanente
- Noriko-Takaya
- 9 de mar. de 2004
- Link permanente
None of use ever have enough time because time never always moves at the pace we want it to go, there are times it goes fast, slow, medium but no matter what speed it goes it is always fleeting and so are our lives with it.
This is one of my favorite animes of all time. This mini series despite being a lot of fun is also is also one of the saddest I've ever seen.
The animation I think is great and holds up today, from the character designs but my favorite the Gunbuster mecha. It's just awesome looking and is also really powerful, it's always a lot of fun seeing the funcions of it utilized. The music is also great, I really love the theme song which is one of the best themes I've ever heard and is a personal favorite of mine.
However what truly powers it is in the story and characters. It's not just another mecha action story but it's also a time travel story and I think it's one of the best. I really love how this show played with the concept of time dilation which is similar to Joe Hademan's "The Forever War" which was also about a soldier as he continued to fight aliens on another planet time on earth moves faster.
The thing about the mecha is that it's a machine that can go up in space and move light speed fast which means that a lot of the alien threat will be decimated quicker and the odds will be more even. But there is a catch, from how quick the mecha runs time on earth moves quickly, where just a mere amount of minutes can equal a certain amount of years gone by.
The characters are great I like Noriko, she the typical rookie fiery cheerful determined heroine. At first with her at times you think she might not be spiritually strong enough or she in it for all the wrong reasons which at times we question if she is able to do what she should. But she is able to come though which is part of why she's enduring but she is also emotionally engaging which I'll get to latter.
However the character that is my favorite is Kazumi, whom is a little older than Noriko which makes her slightly mature but also the most emotionally engaging in my book. I really like how she is fiery and feisty but how she has strong feelings toward things.
Which is where the drama of the mini series comes in which I'll admit I found really moving but also at the same time really sad. We see how deeply the whole time dilation experience effects both of them when we see certain characters all age and become older than both Noriko and Kazumi. Due to the ages of some of them it makes their relationship with those people difficult and different due to the difference in age and their changes. Which is I'll admit can be an awful feeling know your friends have gotten older which means how long you've not been a part of their lives, it's a lonely feeling. This is the kind of feeling that most solders after a tour of duty have felt, when they went back to their home town nothing is the same because everything changes as they were away which is why they have trouble adjusting to our present day. Noriko despite her endless determination is deeply affected by this and can't help at times wonder if she really is using her time right or just wasting it.
Though to me the most affecting was with Kazumi whom we see loves the Coach but unfortunately he has a certain disease which has reduced his biological clock. We really sucks because due to her involvement in piloting the mecha with Noriko it means she'll lose the limited time with the one she loves which was the time she wanted to spend with the most. That's also really awful, unable to spend time with the one you love let alone friends in your life. You can say this dilemma she has is a lesson to show, we should spend as much time with our significant others and friends for as long as we can and while we have the chance because they won't be around forever and you never know when the next day with them could be the last.
There are themes of coming of age, but what sets this apart from most of those stories are it's on the awareness of time and age and that youth isn't forever. But also on how much solders truly sacrifice, it's not just innocence but time itself. It then comes down to an ending which I thought was really bittersweet which I'll admit put a tear in my eye.
Spend your time wisely, time is forever but we don't live forever.
Rating: 4 stars
This is one of my favorite animes of all time. This mini series despite being a lot of fun is also is also one of the saddest I've ever seen.
The animation I think is great and holds up today, from the character designs but my favorite the Gunbuster mecha. It's just awesome looking and is also really powerful, it's always a lot of fun seeing the funcions of it utilized. The music is also great, I really love the theme song which is one of the best themes I've ever heard and is a personal favorite of mine.
However what truly powers it is in the story and characters. It's not just another mecha action story but it's also a time travel story and I think it's one of the best. I really love how this show played with the concept of time dilation which is similar to Joe Hademan's "The Forever War" which was also about a soldier as he continued to fight aliens on another planet time on earth moves faster.
The thing about the mecha is that it's a machine that can go up in space and move light speed fast which means that a lot of the alien threat will be decimated quicker and the odds will be more even. But there is a catch, from how quick the mecha runs time on earth moves quickly, where just a mere amount of minutes can equal a certain amount of years gone by.
The characters are great I like Noriko, she the typical rookie fiery cheerful determined heroine. At first with her at times you think she might not be spiritually strong enough or she in it for all the wrong reasons which at times we question if she is able to do what she should. But she is able to come though which is part of why she's enduring but she is also emotionally engaging which I'll get to latter.
However the character that is my favorite is Kazumi, whom is a little older than Noriko which makes her slightly mature but also the most emotionally engaging in my book. I really like how she is fiery and feisty but how she has strong feelings toward things.
Which is where the drama of the mini series comes in which I'll admit I found really moving but also at the same time really sad. We see how deeply the whole time dilation experience effects both of them when we see certain characters all age and become older than both Noriko and Kazumi. Due to the ages of some of them it makes their relationship with those people difficult and different due to the difference in age and their changes. Which is I'll admit can be an awful feeling know your friends have gotten older which means how long you've not been a part of their lives, it's a lonely feeling. This is the kind of feeling that most solders after a tour of duty have felt, when they went back to their home town nothing is the same because everything changes as they were away which is why they have trouble adjusting to our present day. Noriko despite her endless determination is deeply affected by this and can't help at times wonder if she really is using her time right or just wasting it.
Though to me the most affecting was with Kazumi whom we see loves the Coach but unfortunately he has a certain disease which has reduced his biological clock. We really sucks because due to her involvement in piloting the mecha with Noriko it means she'll lose the limited time with the one she loves which was the time she wanted to spend with the most. That's also really awful, unable to spend time with the one you love let alone friends in your life. You can say this dilemma she has is a lesson to show, we should spend as much time with our significant others and friends for as long as we can and while we have the chance because they won't be around forever and you never know when the next day with them could be the last.
There are themes of coming of age, but what sets this apart from most of those stories are it's on the awareness of time and age and that youth isn't forever. But also on how much solders truly sacrifice, it's not just innocence but time itself. It then comes down to an ending which I thought was really bittersweet which I'll admit put a tear in my eye.
Spend your time wisely, time is forever but we don't live forever.
Rating: 4 stars
- hellraiser7
- 9 de set. de 2014
- Link permanente
I am Japanese anime fun.
This anime is very old.
But I think very good animation and SF.
This anime is very old.
But I think very good animation and SF.
- darthnavatar
- 19 de ago. de 2021
- Link permanente
- toqtaqiya2
- 18 de out. de 2010
- Link permanente
This anime is typical of the style used in many cheesy 80's production due to the upheaval in the economy at the time, but dawns on the hard working, yet peanut paid animators.
With most Space anime, there is only one goal is foccuss-- to engage the enemy in combat noisily, and take 'em down with an outrageously rapid feat of lighting shows. I've forgotten the story, but it revolves around the human race pitted against an alien invasion fleet in some 300 years hence, using the latest and greatest in combat technolodgy to tear then up good.
The story is moderate, and not at all garbage, but at times the fragile,sentimental side of things can really get under your skin...like when the girls are continously sobbing in their cheesy, skimpy spandex costumes. The best bits are the action sequences though.
The character design isn't that hot, but the mecha sequences are something else; with fluent, well drawn, carefully painted cels. The organic alien design is also unique as well, despite they're mostly slowly progressing cardboard cutouts. In the later part of the series, the colour is dropped to black and white for some unknown reason, maiking the 'watchability' of the anime go from strength to strength, but consistantly holding a drab atomsphere.
You have to give the studio credit for the epic, thought-provoking,and highly origional ending though. One solid fact I can hold about this show is that the exeptional quality of the animation is always consistant. A good watch ***6/10***
With most Space anime, there is only one goal is foccuss-- to engage the enemy in combat noisily, and take 'em down with an outrageously rapid feat of lighting shows. I've forgotten the story, but it revolves around the human race pitted against an alien invasion fleet in some 300 years hence, using the latest and greatest in combat technolodgy to tear then up good.
The story is moderate, and not at all garbage, but at times the fragile,sentimental side of things can really get under your skin...like when the girls are continously sobbing in their cheesy, skimpy spandex costumes. The best bits are the action sequences though.
The character design isn't that hot, but the mecha sequences are something else; with fluent, well drawn, carefully painted cels. The organic alien design is also unique as well, despite they're mostly slowly progressing cardboard cutouts. In the later part of the series, the colour is dropped to black and white for some unknown reason, maiking the 'watchability' of the anime go from strength to strength, but consistantly holding a drab atomsphere.
You have to give the studio credit for the epic, thought-provoking,and highly origional ending though. One solid fact I can hold about this show is that the exeptional quality of the animation is always consistant. A good watch ***6/10***
- framer94
- 4 de set. de 2002
- Link permanente
'Gunbuster'/'Aim for the Top' is rightfully considered a SciFi anime classic. While the epic space opera plot is somewhat reminiscent of Space Battleship Yamato, the show certainly has its unique flavour. Although the first one or two episodes are not all that serious as one may expect, the last few are a masterpiece of suspense and emotional impact. That said, the show is often sappy and even campy, somewhat one-dimensional, and certainly predictable.
Featuring two female leads is something I didn't expect from a Mech-centred anime of the late 80s. However, except for the final episode, one of those characters has an emotional breakdown at least once per episode that may very well be described as overly hysteric. Also, the women's uniforms consist of a cropped T-shirt on top of a high-leg swimsuit. Make of that what you will.
While the show features no graphic violence nor anything sexual, there is a surprising amount of bare breasts in Gunbuster. I couldn't help but laugh out loud when at the series' emotional high point one of the characters dramatically tore at her uniform and one of her boobs flopped out. C'mon, guys.
So, in total, there are more than just a few points where by modern standards you'll have to rub your neck in mild embarrassment. Other than that, Gunbuster is a surprisingly good show.
(This is based on the modern English dub, which is quite good.)
Featuring two female leads is something I didn't expect from a Mech-centred anime of the late 80s. However, except for the final episode, one of those characters has an emotional breakdown at least once per episode that may very well be described as overly hysteric. Also, the women's uniforms consist of a cropped T-shirt on top of a high-leg swimsuit. Make of that what you will.
While the show features no graphic violence nor anything sexual, there is a surprising amount of bare breasts in Gunbuster. I couldn't help but laugh out loud when at the series' emotional high point one of the characters dramatically tore at her uniform and one of her boobs flopped out. C'mon, guys.
So, in total, there are more than just a few points where by modern standards you'll have to rub your neck in mild embarrassment. Other than that, Gunbuster is a surprisingly good show.
(This is based on the modern English dub, which is quite good.)
- glumski
- 24 de mai. de 2025
- Link permanente
Almost like a preamble for Neon Genesis Evangelion but without its too philosophical ending and with a bit of silliness. The science fiction in this is extensively researched and mostly works with the existing theories of that time even though certain liberties are taken in including some rejected theories. But it never tries to give much exposition on anything. This highly intelligent side is covered with some sappy and silly stuff too which kind of doesn't make too much sense to me. The time warping is used as the main source for emotional narrative here way before Interstellar. The details of animation and the emotion created by it is the best things about this even with all these other factors.
- Jithindurden
- 5 de out. de 2018
- Link permanente
- bcnkor
- 4 de jan. de 2022
- Link permanente
I screened this before letting my son watch it. This probably shouldn't have a U rating, apart from the skimpy uniforms and breast physics there is a bath scene containing full frontal nudity in the 2nd episode. Not saying I didn't enjoy it lol, but it might be a bit much for an 11 year old.
- thoughton71
- 3 de mai. de 2022
- Link permanente
Viewed on: HiDive (via VRV).
Sci-fi epic that follows a young girl who goes from a bumbling recruit to being a key figure in defending Earth & humanity from an alien threat (one that killed her father, a starship captain, years prior) by piloting the "GunBuster" (an experimental giant robot, naturally).
The animation is absolutely stellar & it seems to have some great character arcs and narrative themes (I like that space travel has the consequence of time flowing differently for those going into deep space, so while only a few months/a year has passed for the main heroine, school friends she left behind on Earth become parents & middle aged during her return trips), but a lot of what are supposed to be powerful moments are absolutely ruined by the pacing. As mentioned in the header I viewed the film version, which was hobbled together by chopping up & condensing the original six episode miniseries, and it absolutely shows in the end product. Unfortunately the film version is the only one currently available in the US on modern platforms/media (as far as I'm aware), and while it's still a pretty cool sci-fi action adventure in that form (hence the 7), I think it'd truly be something great in it's original form.
Sci-fi epic that follows a young girl who goes from a bumbling recruit to being a key figure in defending Earth & humanity from an alien threat (one that killed her father, a starship captain, years prior) by piloting the "GunBuster" (an experimental giant robot, naturally).
The animation is absolutely stellar & it seems to have some great character arcs and narrative themes (I like that space travel has the consequence of time flowing differently for those going into deep space, so while only a few months/a year has passed for the main heroine, school friends she left behind on Earth become parents & middle aged during her return trips), but a lot of what are supposed to be powerful moments are absolutely ruined by the pacing. As mentioned in the header I viewed the film version, which was hobbled together by chopping up & condensing the original six episode miniseries, and it absolutely shows in the end product. Unfortunately the film version is the only one currently available in the US on modern platforms/media (as far as I'm aware), and while it's still a pretty cool sci-fi action adventure in that form (hence the 7), I think it'd truly be something great in it's original form.
- rr-56811
- 4 de mai. de 2021
- Link permanente
Gunbuster a early successful of Gainax studio in the mecha genre that I find myself get suck in the world and the characters when it touch many interesting aspect of travel through time and space and most importantly how people cope with in a world of rapid change.At first I don't find Noriko the main character to be admirable or reliable cause she spent most of her time crying and whining about how people look down on her despite clearly know why.Gunbuster don't deserve to be just a 6 episode OVA so I hope Gainax or Trigger will remake someday
- phanthinga
- 4 de fev. de 2018
- Link permanente
Marking Hideaki Anno's directorial debut and regarded as the spiritual predecessor to the critically acclaimed Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gunbuster is nothing short of a classic. Comprised of only 6 episodes, each a mere 25 minutes, Gunbuster makes for a quick and easy watch. Despite its short duration, it provides plenty to think about.
{ Story 7/10 } To put it bluntly, the first 2-3 episodes of Gunbuster suck. Character motivations make little sense and plot elements lack any reason behind them. Very little of interest happens in these first few episodes and the things that do happen really shouldn't have in the first place. To their credit, the mystery of the aliens plaguing mankind and their interesting designs do provide some intrigue, though it isn't explored extensively within these episodes. At best, they deserve a 5/10 for at least providing some semblance of continuity and not being entirely unwatchable. On the other hand, Gunbuster's final episodes are absolutely fantastic. They bring a concept I've yet to see elsewhere in Sci-Fi (except in the movie Interstellar), the idea that travelling at the speed of light causes the traveller to experience a distorted sense of time. With this comes the heartbreak of seeing childhood friends grow up in what seems like months to the person travelling. Off fighting the aliens threatening humanity, the main character, Noriko, is faced with this exact problem but must keep moving forward (both literally and figuratively). It creates a sense of isolation in that the world is moving on without Noriko and gives the second half a more depressing, melancholy mood. Gunbuster's slightly controversial final episode is one I found to be absolutely phenomenal and very emotional with its use of a sacrifice beyond that of even death. Though I'll admit it is a bit cheesy, its bittersweet finale has stuck with me as one of the best, if not the greatest, anime endings of all time (or endings, period). I found this to be surprising, considering it was only given 6 episodes of buildup; however, Gunbuster managed to pull off a memorable and emotional ending in a timespan I'd previously thought would make such a feat impossible. The jump in story quality for the last few episodes earn themselves a 9/10 as they yield a plot that's expertly told (ironically despite Hideaki Anno being an amateur at the time). Sadly, let down by its first episodes which are required viewing for the series, Gunbuster's story is hurt considerably.
{ Characters 5/10 } The characters of Gunbuster are about as flat as I've seen. Very little depth is given to its rather small cast of characters, though I suppose nothing more should be expected of a 6 episode series. One character in particular, Freud Jung, is the perfect example of a terribly written character, with her personality switching on the fly to suit the story. The side characters of Gunbuster; however, are not its focus. Noriko, being the main character, receives proper development and feels like a real human. Her upward climb to reach the top, lack of self-confidence to do so, struggle to come to terms with being responsible for another person's death, and the toll of light speed travel, among other things, are all well portrayed in Noriko's character. The difficulties she's faced with and her responses to them feel genuine; as though they make a permanent impact on her personality. In short, Gunbuster's overall character quality is hurt by its poor side characters, even if its main character is well written.
{ Art 8/10 } The animation of Gunbuster is dated, but looks great nonetheless, especially for its time. Character designs are alright, though hair color is the main distinction between the girls. The final episode, filmed in black and white, came as a surprise, but made the color used in its final moments stand out much more than it would have otherwise. Because they couldn't use hair color to identify the female characters in the final episode, a clever trick was used with regard to its plot (that I can't name for spoiler reasons) that simultaneously made the characters distinguishable and added to their character development in a meaningful way. The use of black and white in the final episode came off as more artistic than anything and was just as visually pleasing as the rest of the series. Though it's not fantastic by today's standards, the hand-painted animations still hold up remarkably well.
{ Sound 8/10 } Gunbuster's soundtrack screams 80's with its many old superhero sounding tracks and eurobeat-esque songs. For the most part, they sound nice and perform their job in adding excitement to the series, though they're nothing outstanding. The sadder and more emotional tracks of the show; however, are absolutely phenomenal, with some even being my favorite musical pieces in all of anime. Examples include Noriko's theme, Oneesama's theme, and Kanashimi, which all sound beautiful and invoke plenty of emotion during their respective scenes. As for the voice actors, they definitely have their moments where they're able to shine, but, generally, they sound pretty average. The series' wonderfully composed tracks are sadly dragged down by its other much more average sounding pieces.
{ Enjoyment 8/10 } The first few episodes were very difficult to get through. The sheer stupidity of them felt like an insult to my own intelligence and required some patience. Boy am I glad I stayed though, otherwise I would've missed the breathtaking final episodes and ending. My suggestion is to push through the boring beginning, especially considering it's only 2-3 episodes- a total of 60ish minutes, if only to watch the last few episodes.
{ Overall 7/10 } A trend that should've been made apparent throughout this review is that Gunbuster has many stunning elements to it- from its beautiful tracks, to its amazing use of the effects of light travel, to its well written main character- that all suffer from its other painfully subpar qualities. The final episodes alone would receive an easy 10/10 from me, but the shaky beginning that precede them do nothing but damage the series as a whole. In the end, Hideaki Anno's vision falls short of being a masterpiece due to the many half-baked components that compose its start. As poorly as I've described Gunbuster though, I feel it's an experience that should not be missed by anyone. I urge those reading to power through its first episodes and watch the entire show, something that'd only take a few hours considering how short the series is and could be realistically completed in a fraction of a day.
{ Story 7/10 } To put it bluntly, the first 2-3 episodes of Gunbuster suck. Character motivations make little sense and plot elements lack any reason behind them. Very little of interest happens in these first few episodes and the things that do happen really shouldn't have in the first place. To their credit, the mystery of the aliens plaguing mankind and their interesting designs do provide some intrigue, though it isn't explored extensively within these episodes. At best, they deserve a 5/10 for at least providing some semblance of continuity and not being entirely unwatchable. On the other hand, Gunbuster's final episodes are absolutely fantastic. They bring a concept I've yet to see elsewhere in Sci-Fi (except in the movie Interstellar), the idea that travelling at the speed of light causes the traveller to experience a distorted sense of time. With this comes the heartbreak of seeing childhood friends grow up in what seems like months to the person travelling. Off fighting the aliens threatening humanity, the main character, Noriko, is faced with this exact problem but must keep moving forward (both literally and figuratively). It creates a sense of isolation in that the world is moving on without Noriko and gives the second half a more depressing, melancholy mood. Gunbuster's slightly controversial final episode is one I found to be absolutely phenomenal and very emotional with its use of a sacrifice beyond that of even death. Though I'll admit it is a bit cheesy, its bittersweet finale has stuck with me as one of the best, if not the greatest, anime endings of all time (or endings, period). I found this to be surprising, considering it was only given 6 episodes of buildup; however, Gunbuster managed to pull off a memorable and emotional ending in a timespan I'd previously thought would make such a feat impossible. The jump in story quality for the last few episodes earn themselves a 9/10 as they yield a plot that's expertly told (ironically despite Hideaki Anno being an amateur at the time). Sadly, let down by its first episodes which are required viewing for the series, Gunbuster's story is hurt considerably.
{ Characters 5/10 } The characters of Gunbuster are about as flat as I've seen. Very little depth is given to its rather small cast of characters, though I suppose nothing more should be expected of a 6 episode series. One character in particular, Freud Jung, is the perfect example of a terribly written character, with her personality switching on the fly to suit the story. The side characters of Gunbuster; however, are not its focus. Noriko, being the main character, receives proper development and feels like a real human. Her upward climb to reach the top, lack of self-confidence to do so, struggle to come to terms with being responsible for another person's death, and the toll of light speed travel, among other things, are all well portrayed in Noriko's character. The difficulties she's faced with and her responses to them feel genuine; as though they make a permanent impact on her personality. In short, Gunbuster's overall character quality is hurt by its poor side characters, even if its main character is well written.
{ Art 8/10 } The animation of Gunbuster is dated, but looks great nonetheless, especially for its time. Character designs are alright, though hair color is the main distinction between the girls. The final episode, filmed in black and white, came as a surprise, but made the color used in its final moments stand out much more than it would have otherwise. Because they couldn't use hair color to identify the female characters in the final episode, a clever trick was used with regard to its plot (that I can't name for spoiler reasons) that simultaneously made the characters distinguishable and added to their character development in a meaningful way. The use of black and white in the final episode came off as more artistic than anything and was just as visually pleasing as the rest of the series. Though it's not fantastic by today's standards, the hand-painted animations still hold up remarkably well.
{ Sound 8/10 } Gunbuster's soundtrack screams 80's with its many old superhero sounding tracks and eurobeat-esque songs. For the most part, they sound nice and perform their job in adding excitement to the series, though they're nothing outstanding. The sadder and more emotional tracks of the show; however, are absolutely phenomenal, with some even being my favorite musical pieces in all of anime. Examples include Noriko's theme, Oneesama's theme, and Kanashimi, which all sound beautiful and invoke plenty of emotion during their respective scenes. As for the voice actors, they definitely have their moments where they're able to shine, but, generally, they sound pretty average. The series' wonderfully composed tracks are sadly dragged down by its other much more average sounding pieces.
{ Enjoyment 8/10 } The first few episodes were very difficult to get through. The sheer stupidity of them felt like an insult to my own intelligence and required some patience. Boy am I glad I stayed though, otherwise I would've missed the breathtaking final episodes and ending. My suggestion is to push through the boring beginning, especially considering it's only 2-3 episodes- a total of 60ish minutes, if only to watch the last few episodes.
{ Overall 7/10 } A trend that should've been made apparent throughout this review is that Gunbuster has many stunning elements to it- from its beautiful tracks, to its amazing use of the effects of light travel, to its well written main character- that all suffer from its other painfully subpar qualities. The final episodes alone would receive an easy 10/10 from me, but the shaky beginning that precede them do nothing but damage the series as a whole. In the end, Hideaki Anno's vision falls short of being a masterpiece due to the many half-baked components that compose its start. As poorly as I've described Gunbuster though, I feel it's an experience that should not be missed by anyone. I urge those reading to power through its first episodes and watch the entire show, something that'd only take a few hours considering how short the series is and could be realistically completed in a fraction of a day.
- LlamaLopez
- 23 de jul. de 2019
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Being an otaku since the days of Robotech, I can still say that Gunbuster is one of my favorite animes of all time. Considering when it was made, the animation is of superior quality. There are no loops and sequences in which the art decreases in quality. Although the final episode is in black and white, it does not detract from the enjoyment of watching the film. Although it has been described as being "sappy," it should be kept in mind that females do not react in the same way that males do. Since the main character is a female, it should be obvious that she does not necessarily need to resort to "macho-man" tactics in order to gain the respect of her peers. The seiryuu for Noriko, incidentally, also plays Akane in Ranma 1/2. Noriko is as 3-dimensional a cartoon can get; her personality captures the essence of a spirited girl who seems at first to be completely helpless but in the end succeeds through the strength of her will. The only complaint I have is that the mecha looked somewhat like teddy bears. Even the Gunbuster utilizes a rather dubious "Homing Laser" and "Buster Shield" (which is nothing more than having the machine wrap a giant velvety cloak around itself in true Dracula style) technique. I doubt that scene was meant to be funny, but it cracked me up. Yet all in all, I would rank Gunbuster in the top 20 anime of all time.
- Iria
- 12 de mai. de 1999
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The story is extremely unique.It's about these 2 pilots saving Earth from alien beings but they have to use a special speed that makes everything around them age rapidly.The whole series is about the pilots dealing with the loss of time,friends,and mentors.
The ending COULD have been fantastic.It started to end on a total down note and leave a real mark but instead ended on a super happy Disney note and annoyed me VERY bad.
The animation is decent for 89 but can't compare to nowadays.I have also heard many complain about the cheesiness of the nudity.I actually found it to be somewhat decent.The nudity for the most part was warranted except in episode 2 where there was an excess.
Overall it deserves a look but the ending keeps it from being a classic.
The ending COULD have been fantastic.It started to end on a total down note and leave a real mark but instead ended on a super happy Disney note and annoyed me VERY bad.
The animation is decent for 89 but can't compare to nowadays.I have also heard many complain about the cheesiness of the nudity.I actually found it to be somewhat decent.The nudity for the most part was warranted except in episode 2 where there was an excess.
Overall it deserves a look but the ending keeps it from being a classic.
- stanteau
- 25 de mai. de 2001
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Visually, "Gunbuster" is absolutely stunning, sporting that oh-so-delightful 80's anime aesthetic - sometimes in snappy colours, sometimes in gorgeous monochrome.
The narrative, however, leaves a few things to be desired. The main conflict always feels foggy, particularly in regards to the alien threat, which we never learn about (and thus leaving us with questions such as: er, are our protagonists perpetrating a genocide?). The reason why the fate of the world is left to Japanese teenagers is never explained, the character conflicts aren't particularly engaging, and the scenes that suddenly veer into full horniness are more confusing than alluring (not least because it is the "camera" - not the characters themselves - who venture into the world of the sexual).
Despite a mostly excellent (and - again - visually stunning) final episode, the series as a whole is mostly just memorable as "that thing Hideaki Anno directed before "Evangelion").
The narrative, however, leaves a few things to be desired. The main conflict always feels foggy, particularly in regards to the alien threat, which we never learn about (and thus leaving us with questions such as: er, are our protagonists perpetrating a genocide?). The reason why the fate of the world is left to Japanese teenagers is never explained, the character conflicts aren't particularly engaging, and the scenes that suddenly veer into full horniness are more confusing than alluring (not least because it is the "camera" - not the characters themselves - who venture into the world of the sexual).
Despite a mostly excellent (and - again - visually stunning) final episode, the series as a whole is mostly just memorable as "that thing Hideaki Anno directed before "Evangelion").
- artur-artborg
- 13 de abr. de 2024
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The only downsize of this series is the uber-loved last episode. Why people praises it to no end? because it's in B/W? Jung Freud (A.K.A. the best character of the whole series) acts completely out of character, the christian overtones are constantly bashed on your head like a jackhammer digging the road (who cares about god or miracles?!), and the over-the-top nature of the series is completely thrown away from a cheap, uberdramatic tone that doesn't fit well with the rest of the series (even with the drama of episode 5) nor with the last bit of fanservice. Is it because it showcases what will come out with Neon Genesis Evangelion? it doesn't make any sense at all. Without the ending it would have been an 8, with the crappy emo-leaning and preachy ending is a 7,5.
- TooKakkoiiforYou_321
- 18 de out. de 2020
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