Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island

"White Base" pilot "Amuro" is injured after a conflict on the "Island of No Return". He awakens to discover that he is being cared for by a group of youngsters led by "Doan" and after he helps them fix their water supply, is more warmly welcomed into this slightly sceptical group. Soon, though, aircraft arrive carrying "Zeon" robots and it's only then that we realise that "Doan" has a past - and together with the young "Amuro" they must arm themselves and strive to defeat their attackers. I did quite enjoy this but the story (based on characters from the 1979 television series) takes far too long to get going, it relies heavily on us already understanding the battle context of the characterisations, and I found the standard of animation here a bit limited. The ending hasn't really the least jeopardy to it, and the presence of the youngsters on their island dragged what pace there was down quite effectively. That said, it does move along well enough offering us messages about the value of teamwork, loyalty etc. But I just felt it was all just too lacking of any substantial - and interesting - narrative.

Only watch if you have watched and enjoyed the original series or compilation movies, because this film is more defined by its character interactions and dialogue than its action. Bright, Mirai, Kai, and Sleggar especially get some deserved spotlight with some solid scenes with Sayla, M'Quve, and the White Base kids.

The titular Doan is also well fleshed out and compelling. The mobile suit fights are well directed and carry emotional weight, though they are not the focus. Think of it as a drama movie with action rather than an action movie with drama.

If you didn't watch the original series, don't watch this.

If you didn't like the kids or the quiet moments from the original series, don't watch this.

If you watched the original series and only cared about Amuro and Char, don't watch this.

Otherwise, give it some time when you're in the mood for a touching, slow burn film largely about rural farm life during wartime and you're likely to be glad you did.

For non-Gundam fans:

This work follows the style of summer vacation movies. A southern island (no beach), foreign friends, a cute animal, a small adventure and success, and sci-fi robots.

It expects the viewer to know Gundam. However, the story is not flat. If you ended up watching with a child, you will not get bored.

The drawings of the giant mechs are excellent. It is not just detailed but consists of a uniqueness. The Gundam series developed a sense of speed, splendor, and flamboyance. This work, on the contrary, draws a sense of gravity and the horror of Gundam. RX-78-02 in this work is the Gundam that you don't want to turn into an enemy the most in history.

GOAT! You will see the essence of Japanese animation technology in the goat.

The main characters Amuro and Cucuruz Doan are neither completely moral nor unethical. It would be a good topic for discussion with children.

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For Gundam fans:

This work is unique for Mobile Suit Gundam.

It is because that almost adults in Gundam series are disqualified. Amuro's parents are nearly divorced and have not given him a proper education. Char in CCA uses Quess as a soldier.

Meanwhile, Cucuruz Doan is raising 20 children in a twisted way. Moreover, he is active and success to save his children.

And what Amuro experiences in this work is like educating him to "become a decent adult." It told him to get in shape, learn to farm, and learn to live without destruction. It is very different from the conventional "strongest new type soldier" Amuro.

This "film" is exactly what I feared. 20 minutes of filler stretched into 5 times that length. I don´t understand why the identically named 5 volume prequel manga about Cucuruz´s military career couldn´t have been reworked into the 1st and 2nd act with ep 15 from Gundam 79 being the film´s resolution. The production values are on par with The Origin and no one involved did a bad job but what is the point? Especially if you consider how condensed the Thunderbolt adaptation was.

Great pacing, characters were consistent and fun, action was intense, and it was overall heartfelt. If you come out of this film feeling nothing- you're heartless.

I will note: if you like the big silly transformations and constant yelling and violence- you will probably not enjoy this movie. It has slower pacing and lacks in that over-the-top anime acting.

If you are an MSG and/or ZETA fan, you will definitely like this. If you survived the first few episodes of double Zeta, you will 100% enjoy this film.

Last thing, to people who are expecting some story/world changing plotline- what were you expecting? It's Cucuruz Doan's Island!

Overall, great film full of heart, great action scenes, and a whole lot of detail in every scene.