Gundam Seed review by Xenogears

My friend once said to me, "Gundam SEED really addresses some prevalent themes" to which I responded, "No, it's just racism." And basically, this is true. However, when you factor in the high-speed mecha combat, the intense, emotional power, the frequent-and-well-placed plot twists, the great artwork and music, and the locusts of war - you get one hell of an anime. You get Gundam SEED.
But then again, some might tell you, "Gundam SEED has to suck. I mean, it's AC Gundam!" Don't listen to these UC purists, because you're bigger than that. Just let them miss out. Don't let your biases or groundless claims stand in the way of SEED (or any AC series, for that matter).

Set in a deeply colonized space, like any other Gundam series, SEED starts in the colony, Heliopolis; a peaceful, sunny colony, filled with bright young technical students and facilities. For the past year or so, a harsh war has raged on between ZAFT (Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty) and the Earth Alliance. Here is where the background is in order: ZAFT is composed of genetically-altered, and frankly, superior human beings, known as coordinators. Back on Earth, they were the target of jealously, hatred, and eventually, aggression. Breaking off into their own little nation, they settled inspace, while a fierce dichotomy arose between the "naturals" and the coordinators. But it was not until Unius_7 is bombed by nuclear weaponry, that the war really broke out. While expected to be short (heh, so was World War I, and look where that got us), and in favor of the Earth, it has managed to drag on, until involving Heliopolis. Enter Kira Yamato, a brilliant coordinator, studying at Heliopolis, with natural friends.

They live in harmony, until they are rudely interrupted by the festivities of war. While working at a facility on Heliopolis, a transport of a new model of mobile suits arrives - however, ZAFT raids the facilities, and steals all of them, save one. It is not until Kira rises to the occasion, completely reprograms the operating system, fights off ZAFT, and decimates Heliopolis in the process, that the plot takes off.

So they all join Earth's military (Kira causing controvery, because he is a coordinator). You can guess what happens from here - traverse the galaxy, go onto Earth, fight the war, etc. - Oh wait, no you can't, because that's where the plot twists come in. Now I could go off into one of my little tangents, and type up a huge, long analysis on Gundam SEED and how it is so relevant contemporarily, but I refuse to spoil a single episode of this series for you. You're going to have to find out, the mind-blowing, old fashion way - because it really makes the series a whole lot better.

Now, Gundam SEED hasn't risen to the title of "My All Time Favorite Gundam Series" with punching, stereotypes, and creepy French guys in spandex suits... no, G Gundam tried that, and it failed. SEED took a much more effective approach: For starters, it has an excellent soundtrack. The background music is fitting, and the opening/closing songs just blow all other Gundam themes away. I've gotta say that Realize, Believe, and Invoke (but not Moment, although it's awesome) join the ranks with Midnight Showers, Driving Myself, and Cloud Age Symphony, for best, songs, ever. Another plus, is the superb animation and artwork - with clean colors, smooth action, and beautiful artwork. The character designs are done by the same Hirashi Hirai responsible for Scryed, another favorite of mine, and produce gorgeous characters like Lacus Clyne. The series shifts from a multitude of great terrains - space, ocean, snow, desert, space again, metallic metropoli - it's just gets better and better.

The plot is as complex as it is compelling; however like with most Gundam series, the true power lies within the characters. SEED is no exception. Character development is in abundance and is used effectively throughout. Each main character experiences some kind of mind-altering event, and they all change dramatically, but with perfect graduality throughout the series. With everything from a hot-traumatized-psycho-bitch to a boy torn between race and friends - the ensemble is pretty much complete, and diverse. And with all Gundam series, each army is portrayed with both empathatic traits, and atrocious ones.

With excellent dialogue and existential characters (although I think some actually do know who they are, but are just not telling us), Gundam SEED sets the scene for a drama, but incorporates stunning action. With everything from 4-vs.-1 Gundam battle-royales, to undersea bash-o-ramas, to voracious knife fights, SEED captures the watchers heart with not only love and tragedy, but also with an enormous sword that can pierce through cruiser armor. Explosions ensue. Gundam SEED has everything that a

Gundam fan needs, and anyone who is biased towards UC and is predisposed to hate it, due to it's AC'ity, is an idiot. And I strongly, strongly pity them for the masterpiece that they're missing. With heart-wrenching emotion, pants-wetting plot twists, eye-popping visuals, ear-pleasing music, and orgasmic action, Gundam SEED tops the charts of Gundam with flying colors. A+ for sure, and definite must-see.

Oh, and to address the opening statement - while the prevalents themes really are just racism; they address it pretty damn well. And in retrospect, I guess there are a few more (but in my defense, we had this discussion when episode 20 had just been released).

More detailed info:
Episodes: 50, approx. 24 minutes each
Release Year: 2002-2003
Creator: Hajime Yatate & Yoshiyuki Tomino
Animation Studio: Sunrise