Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky
General Info
| Genres | Military science fiction |
|---|---|
| Music By | Naruyoshi Kikuchi |
| Edited By | Daisuke Imai |
| Film Name | Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky |
| Starring | Yūichi Nakamura, Ryohei Kimura, Toa Yukinari, Sayaka Ohara, Daisuke Hirakawa |
| Languages | Japanese |
| Directed By | Kō Matsuo |
| Produced By | Sunrise |
| Release Date | 2016-06-25 |
| Running Time | 70 minutes |
| Screenplay By | Kō Matsuo |
| Original Title | 機動戦士ガンダム サンダーボルトDECEMBER SKY |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| World Premiere Date | 2016-06-25 |
| Production Company Name | Sunrise |
| Production Company Website URL | http://www.gundam-tb.net/ |
Overview
The plot centers around two great pilots, Io Fleming of the Earth Federation and Daryl Lorenz, a Zeon pilot. Fleming, a jazz aficionado, pilots a Gundam mecha suit and engages in intense combat with his rival Lorenzo, a war-worn sniper piloting a customized Zaku mobile suit. Action-packed scenes are perfectly juxtaposed with powerful moments of reflection, showcasing the personal warfare that wreaks havoc on the human psyche.
The masterful use of jazz and pop music, accompanied by brutal on-screen destruction, juxtaposes the intensity of combat with rhythm, creating a unique aesthetic that has captivated Gundam fans. Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky offers not only immersive mecha combat, but also a deep look at the softer, more human side of the main characters. This is a must have for Gundam veterans and newcomers alike.
Trailer
Screenshots
Plot
The story follows Federation pilot Io Fleming as he battles Zeon's deadliest ace Daryl Lorenz. Having recently received the highly mobile but experimental RX-78 Thunderbolt Gundam, Io is tasked with capturing the Living Dead Division, a group of Zeon soldiers who have all lost body parts and their mobile suits are controlled by prosthetics.
On the other hand, Daryl, a survivor of the destroyed Zeon space colony, is the new pilot of Zeon's deadly mobile sniper suit, the Zaku II High Mobility Type (Thunderbolt Ver.). With a deep hatred for the Federation that destroyed his home, Daryl is determined to defeat his enemies at any cost. Against the grim backdrop of war, their rivalry intensifies, leading to a clash in the ruins and echoing a symphony of personal wars. Bearing losses and the hardships of survival, the two pilots endure a gruesome battle and bear the terrible cost of war, capturing the very essence of the anti-war sentiment of the Gundam universe.
After experiencing the harsh realities of war through the eyes of these two pilots, the other characters add depth to the story. Io's love Claudia struggles to keep the ship and its crew together, while Zeon scientist Karla struggles with the horrors her prosthetic technology brings to war.
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky features intense mecha combat and compelling drama in the world of Universal Century, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a soldier in a long space war.
Production
From the beginning, the team was committed to figuring out the smallest details for each mobile suit. The animation team, led by Hirotoshi Takaya, ensured that the suits exuded a realistic war-torn appearance while reflecting the majestic power they possessed.
The music of December Sky brought its own unique touch to the Gundam universe. Although the story unfolds through a dark, war-etched lens, the jazz tones combined with traditional orchestral arrangements are more than enough for the difficult task of giving the film its own personality. Music director Naruyoshi Kikuchi-inspired solutions create a sonic feast that perfectly complements the visual delight.
While creating the torment and strife, the production team paid special attention to bring out the raw emotions of the series' old and new characters. They've struck a delicate balance between maintaining the gritty grit that's integral to the Thunderbolt arc and the franchise's iconic grandeur.
By pushing the boundaries of technology and staying true to the essence of the series, the production team was able to offer fans more than just an addition to the Gundam franchise. They have created a cinematic masterpiece, a new peak for future Gundam productions.
Release
Reception
The jazz-infused score was a stunning element that heightened the dramatic intensity throughout the film. Critics praised the unique combination of jazz music and intense battle sequences, which gave the film a distinct pace and momentum.
The Gundam World movie was also rated. It broke away from overused clichés and added a new perspective to the Gundam universe. The audience was intrigued by the director's way of playing with the ambiguities of war, revealing the gray areas of good and evil.
Also notable is the show's portrayal of disability, where disability is not projected as weaknesses, but as different abilities. Overall, Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky was an amazing and memorable cinematic experience that made a significant contribution to the Gundam franchise.
Cultural impact
Unlike the flashy mecha wars usually celebrated in popular culture, this film delves into the excruciating trauma and sacrifices that soldiers experience in such conflicts. The realistic portrayal of these themes initiated a dialogue about how we interpret and present war and conflict in the media.
Thunderbolt's distinctive jazz-infused soundtrack is another notable aspect that sets it apart from other films in the genre. Jazz, generally considered to be upbeat and upbeat, was uniquely used to bring a raw and brutal quality to battle scenes, further enhancing the chaotic and destructive nature of war. This musical choice changed the audience's expectations and added to the way the battle sequences were interpreted.
Its impressive visual aesthetic, which emphasizes real mechanical details and harsh battlefield manifestations, combined with an impressive storyline, has inspired many creators of the mecha genre. Not only was it a major contribution to the Gundam universe, it changed the style of war stories and showed how a war-based story could engage and educate viewers about the dark side of conflict.
This film also transcends the boundaries of the mecha genre and explores dark themes with adult content, further increasing its cultural impact. There is no doubt that Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky has played an important role in portraying war, conflict and its psychological consequences in the world of anime and manga.