 | | ▪ | RELEASED BY: | | BANDAI VISUAL USA | | | ▪ | ASPECT RATIO: | | 16:9 WIDESCREEN ANAMORPHIC | | | ▪ | AUDIO: | | JAPANESE DD 5.1 & 2.0 | | | ▪ | RUNNING TIME: | | 62 MIN | | | ▪ | RATING: | | 13UP | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 06/26/07 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 04/25/2007 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | HOLLY ELLINGWOOD |
In the aftermath of the Titan Incident, the Topless have been grounded, their powers sealed, and the youth treated as if they are diseased. The military sees them as a threat, and they leverage the government to do all they can to keep the former space pilots under an invisible lock and key. The origin of the space monsters and the real threat is unveiled to the horror of all. Now it will take drastic measures to save humanity, but can they do it without the Topless?
This final volume of the series ends with a bang, in a very real, very emotional sense. At fist the series starts off a bit wacky, and with a lot of comedy, but then it builds to a strikingly dramatic finale in these two last episodes. The emotional momentum the anime has, starts off subtly, barely noticeable, but by the final episode it hits like a freight train to the chest as everything, absolutely everything comes to a head and full circle.
The actions of the military after the Titan Incident are traumatic. To seal off the abilities of the Topless would be the near equivalent of binding someone’s arm – forever. But when the military finds itself overwhelmed by the space monsters, Nono may not be enough to save the day, despite the amazing abilities she has. Lal’C joins the fight after being freed, but it is not without a certain cost, not only the cost of lives, but the cost of innocence. However, with Nono’s sudden disappearance, no explanation given, we see Lal’C’s cynicism take hold and a certain apathy presents itself. Like in the original Gunbuster, a giant weapon is being forged for one pilot, a very special pilot, to go on a desperate mission to save humanity, one which she is unlikely to return from.
The danger the Sol System is in is shown with stunning animation as we witness people fleeing Earth and the system entirely. Literally it is the end of the world, at least for Earth, which may be needed as a sacrifice to save all of humankind from the terrifying true monster. Lal’C meets this fate of being the sacrificial lamb to save humanity, with something akin to apathy. Throughout this time, she is seen yearning for Nono and the friendship that has come to mean so much to her. In the face of the threat and the reunion with her friend, Lal’C’s heart is restored even as she faces probable imminent death against the enemy. This combination of soaring emotions crossed with distress at the loss of such a bright life creates an incredible, astonishing emotional climax. As the truth behind the Buster Machine is revealed as well as Nono’s origins, the show comes full circle with the original OVA series, and therein lies the brilliance of the writing.
The sudden and shocking reveal as to how Gunbuster 2 connects with Gunbuster the first anime was so well done I’m still in awe. The show truly comes full circle in an almost literal sense. I admit I doubted that any anime could compare to the high emotional depth of the ending of the first Gunbuster, but if anything, Gunbuster 2 just might outdo it. However, without the first Gunbuster, this anime wouldn’t have the emotional resonance it does when it comes to the powerful finale that will sweep you away with the sheer dramatic magnitude of it all.
The animation is outstanding and has been since the beginning. The battle sequences in these final episodes steps things up even more to give viewers striking visual sequences, even mind-boggling ones. Moving planets, the doomsday machine to save humanity, all of it displays a creative flair and wonderfully absorbing sci-fi visuals.
EXTRAS:
Bonus features include a theatrical trailer and the last book insert. The third and final booklet is also 20 pages including the covers, and holds anime images from the series, character summaries with background notes, full color art work and character sketches, similar background notes and images for some of the Buster Machines and spaceships seen in the anime, staff credits, and various interviews. These interviews include a brief one with Takumi Yamazaki who was the voice of Casio and has worked on another legendary anime such as Macross Plus. More extensive interviews include Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Character Designer), Yoshitsune Izuna (Buster Machine Designer), Okama (Future Visual Creator), Hiroki Sato (Producer), and Kazuya Tsurumaki (Director and Original Planner) with Yoji Enokido (Scriptwriter).
IN SUMMARY:
Gunbuster 2 is a masterful feat of powerful story telling and astonishing visuals. It is a truly awe inspiring science fiction anime series. It will leave you humbled.
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