The latest film in the animated film series Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash(directed by Murase Shukou), Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash 'Hathaway's Flash garnered much attention for its stunning visual beauty. While mobile suit (MS) battles have a history of evolution, Hathaway's Flash seems to represent something even further. In this fifth installment of our series explaining Hathaway's Flash, we delve into the appeal of the visuals of the MS battles.
◇The fear of being thrown into a battlefield
One of the most memorable scenes in "Hathaway's Flash" is the street battle in Davao between the Earth Federation Forces' Penelope and the anti-Earth Federation group, the Mufti. Penelope cuts through the night air, its metallic and propulsive sounds shaking eardrums. The sound Penelope makes sounds like the roar of a monster.
From the perspective of Gaumann Nobile, piloting the Messer, we feel the fear of an unknown enemy (Penelope) speeding across the street to attack. Furthermore, the battle is depicted from the perspective of people on the ground, such as those fleeing, and the viewer feels as if they have been thrown into the battlefield.
The film makes us realize how powerless humans are in front of the gigantic MS. It expresses the reality of war, but the sparks from the Messer as it is impaled by the beam sabre look like fireworks and are also beautiful.
◇ Impressive funnel missiles
Another highlight is the fierce aerial battle between the XI Gundam and Penelope. In the unobstructed night sky, the two giant mobile suits clash violently on trajectories that seem to manipulate wind pressure. Changes in altitude and air resistance are precisely depicted.
The depiction of the funnel missiles is particularly impressive. The explosive tail of light, the coordinated movement of the swarm, the ear-piercing sound of their thrust... the sheer volume of information stimulates the senses of sight and hearing. It's not just cool, it also makes you feel the terror of battle.
There are many scenes in the MS battles in "Hathaway's Flash" that impress upon us that the MS are not just weapons, but giant robots. The MS are piloted by humans, and we are reminded that it is humans who are caught up in the battles. It also seems to question what it means for giant mobile suits to fight, and to express a sense of reality.
It's been about five years since the release of "Hathaway's Flash." We can expect to see even more evolved mobile suit battles in "The Witch of Circe." (Anima Mitsuru/MANTANWEB)
