Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway (2021) User Reviews

Not a fan and I enjoyed it

[adv_desnong · 8/10 · 6 August 2021]

I'm not a a fan of the series, but this movie came into my Netflix recommendation and I thought I'm gonna give it a try. I love it! I enjoyed it a lot.

First, I love the art, it's a classic style with a touch of modern animation technology. I feel like I watched a 80's anime but much better. Second, the ambience, there is a right amount of romance in the air and tbh, reminds me of James Bond's classic movie. There also fan service scenes, thankfully nothing vulgar. Third, the story might more enjoyable if I follow the series but I think it's enough for a non-fan like me. It makes me want to dig more into the series.

For die hard fans. Universal Century looks new

[ChimonMonkee · 6/10 · 2 July 2021]

The movie looks really good and has some beautiful character designs but other than that its a slog and is only recommended for die hard fans who are heavily invested in Gundam. Those new to the series will be extremely confused and will feel no real connection to the characters or story and may feel frustrated from the lack of any sort of refresher.

As a fan of Universal Century, the movie didn't elevate the rich history with younger, but familiar characters, sadly. The endless exposition will please those who like drama but someone seeking a more balanced mix of action will not find it here.

In summary, the movie looks good with sparse action scenes and a story that requires a quick rundown, Hathaway is a worthy attempt by Netflix to present Gundam to an audience who would've wanted a bolder and more thrilling addition to the franchise.

Incredible atmosphere and animation, only gundam fans will understand

[hanbulban · 8/10 · 17 July 2021]

First of all the animation, cinematography and atmosphere is incredible. World design is 10/10 and pretty decent writing and storyline. The night scenes were amazing and having to see mecha fights from perspective of people on the ground was very cool and you really feel the scale of it

Clearly only for gundam fans if you're new to gundam you'll probably be scratching your head.

I really enjoyed this movie but it has one major problem, the gundam fights and designs. Unfortunately you can barely see the gundams the director chose to keep them off camera for most of the movie and then in the end when they are fighting it's all happening in a flash, the gundam design actually looks horrible, possibly the worst gundams design so far, they took a very unusual route with the design making them look with big spikes and dragon like but it was poorly executed. And it's like they don't even want you to see them because the camera is mostly zoomed out and the fight is happening all in flashes , at some point you can't even tell which is which. This is very unfortunate as something gundam series is good at is showcasing the awesomeness of the gundams but we never get that opportunity here.

Gigi reminds of Dorothy Catalonia

[daisukereds · 7/10 · 1 August 2022]

Having seen only a few of the Gundam Series, this didn't make much sense straight out. You make out a couple of names, and references to Char Aznable.. so the context is set, and you can place your self in a timeline.

But this movie works more as a "First episode" anyway, with a story that is somewhat easy to follow. The writing is one that presents eloquent characters in a "smart setting".. that is to say it takes the viewer seriously. As a Gundam piece of content, it doesn't scratch any itch, but as a character study and setting, it is intriguing. Watch for Gigi's gorgeous animations, and every visual and design in general, if nothing else! And for the little bit of action it presents!

If you don't know the series, this film makes no sense. Plus, it's kind of boring.

[siderite · 6/10 · 1 July 2021]

The difference between a series episode and a movie is that, even if they are connected, the film attempts to provide a standalone story that anyone can enjoy. If you are a fan of the series you will enjoy the parallel story and the hidden gems, if you are not you might like the film and try the series. Unfortunately, Hathaway is not that.

I don't enjoy Mechas that much and the only reason I watched this was that I thought some of the Mecha stories were good stories. I can't complain about the story too much, other than it was filled with hard to believe coincidences just in order to keep the same characters in focus, but without being familiar with the stories you won't get what this film was about. Characters pop up, complete with names and former connections to existing characters, and you are supposed to know who they are. The world is not developed at all. Everything stands on your ability to have seen, liked and remembered the preexisting content. And to top it off, there are two battles in total involving Mechas, one of them seen from the standpoint of civilians running around dodging debris.

The animation was good, without being exceptional, the acting was OK, but I didn't get anything out of the story, didn't empathise with any character and I do not feel the need so see what happens next. All in all it was pretty boring.

Has potential, but the execution leaves something to be desired

[WeekendLethargy · 6/10 · 2 July 2021]

Any discussion of Gundam Hathway requires the disclaimer that an understanding of the Universal Century timeline is required; at the very least, Gundam 0079, Zeta, and Char's Counterattack. I suspect this limits the movie's overall appeal, since many people - even some Gundam fans - may have not seen any or all of those previously mentioned media. For the purposes of this review, I'll be approaching the movie as a film first and Gundam entry second.

The story is fairly straightforward - the enigmatic Mafty is waging de facto war on the Earth Federation, having assassinated many top officials. We're thrown into this story with an early action set piece set on a plane, which is fairly well-executed but ultimately doesn't do much to lead into the rest of the story; it's good filler, though, and introduces the characters well enough. It's the first of three major action set pieces, and I'd rank it as the middle best.

After the introduction is where the movie starts to get bogged down. The main character, Hathaway, is suddenly tied to the hip with a strange girl named Gigi, who in turn brings in the military character Kenneth (previously appears during the plane sequence but disappears for a bit afterwards). I'm not sure why Hathaway is enamored with Gigi apart from her beauty - even Hathaway remarks during the movie that he's not sure why he can't let her go during a crucial part of his plan as well. It's also during this part that the audience is introduced to Mafty's ideology, which is presented in pretty stark terms as police forces brutalize the populace - somewhat heavy-handed execution. I'm also not a big fan of the internal thoughts that Hathaway uses more during this part of the movie, which seems like a crutch as part of the adaptation process from novel to movie.

Thankfully, the second act is topped off by the best action set piece in the movie, which is a night-time raid by Mafty forces. Clever use of the darkness hides the 3D CGI mobile suit models, which would be jarring in light, and we're given a unique perspective as the main character runs for his life while giant robots do battle above him. Even something as simple as a mobile suit dropping its beam rifle suddenly becomes a dangerous situation for the people below, and the movie does a good job showing the scale of mobile suit combat in an urban area.

Unfortunately, we then arrive at the third act, which I would say is the weakest part of the movie topped by the weakest of the movie's three action set pieces. The pacing slows to an absolute crawl here, and the only noteworthy event in the story is that Mafty is to take delivery of a new Gundam model, which leads into the movie's first and only Gundam vs. Gundam battle. This battle is a disappointment - the entire set piece is so dark that the audience can barely see anything, which is likely to hide the fact that both Gundams are 3D CGI rather than 2D hand-drawn animation. Frankly, I'm not a fan of the modern 3D CGI-style animation for mecha, as the weight and intensity of the mecha get lost in the overly-shiny and jarring 3D CGI. However, Gundam Hathaway leans heavily into this, and as such, the set pieces need to be dark. This worked for the second set piece, but not the third.

Overall, the movie is somewhat disappointing as both a moviegoer and a Gundam fan. As a moviegoer, the movie is poorly paced and remnants of its past as a novel are clearly seen in the adaptation process. Even at its already-brisk 96 minute runtime, it feels slow as if there isn't quite enough story to match the runtime. The action is disappointing compared to Gundam's usual bombastic affairs, lacking any kind of emotional engagement or tension as we know that the main character can't lose and the relationship between the two combatants is non-existent. As a Gundam fan, the series doesn't tread over any new territory - anti-war and anti-authoritarian ideas have long been explored in a variety of Gundam media, and Gundam Hathaway is just the latest in that history. Without the usual flair of most Gundam series, Gundam Hathaway doesn't really stand out from the crowd.

Best Gundam movie of the decade!

[terran-55138 · 10/10 · 12 July 2021]

This movie was well worth the wait after numerous delays. This is the first in the trilogy of movies based on the novels written by Yoshiyuki Tomino. I love this movie, but I wouldn't recommend this to people who are new to the Gundam series, or specifically if you're new to the Universal Century timeline (Original Series). If you really want to watch Hathaway I highly recommend you to watch Char's Counterattack movie first before going in. You'd get more context of who the characters are and what lead Hathaway down his path. But overall the animation and cinematography in this movie is phenomenal, and the characters themselves feel really human. The Mobile Suit battles were AMAZING! My only gripe with the film was the last fight scene between the Xi and Penelope was a little too short. But overall I can't wait to see what's next in the other two movies.

Not Worth Being a Film

[hatfieldb-33691 · 4/10 · 2 July 2021]

I'm glad that this came out on Netflix and not in theaters. I would have been disappointed otherwise. Most of the time was spent with a pointless one-sided romance and what little action there was was too dark to see anything. You could barely see the mobile suits. And on top of that, it ended on a cliffhanger. Instead of three films, they should have just turned this into a short series without the Game of Thrones level of darkness. I barely recommend even if you're a diehard fan.

Amazing Movie, Not for newcomers to the Franchise

[jovborkovic · 10/10 · 11 July 2021]

This movie is so well made, and is only One of Three(1/3) movies being created to tell the overarching story. If the plot seems slim to many, which it surely will for newcomers to the franchise, I would recommend trying to get a quick rundown fo the Universal Century on youtube or watch Char's rebellion since it is directly related to this Movie.

This movie is perfect for Gundam Fans, and it only opens the doors to the other movies.

This is the beginning and I have to say it was a wonderful start, and one of my favourite Gundam films to date. LViewing the gundam fights and the movement and interaction with the charcters felt solid and in the "Real World" - How I would personally imagine a gundam battle going down - and the beautiful visual style as well as animation felt so smooth and iut fit the feeling that Gundam gives.

I'm not going to go into too many details but this was an excellent beginning that netflix has brought.

Maybe all the delays increased by hype a bit too much..

[jiujitsu-81164 · 5/10 · 15 June 2021]

So, this movie was well produced and looks pretty...when it's not painfully dark and night, which is 90% of the action scenes. Seriously what were they thinking, did they not want us to see what was going on or was it just cheaper to make it pitch black so it's easier to animate. Baffling...The story itself isn't bad, but it's not the entire plot, it ends just when it's starting to get good. And for a mecha franchise there are barely ANY mecha and even less Gundam action. Maybe 5 minutes total GundamVGundam at the end and even the fight was fairly disappointing(What you can see of it) I'll give it a 6 just out of my love for the franchise. CCA had more going on in the first 25 minutes than this entire film.

The Peak Point of Gundam

[yigithantibet · 10/10 · 13 June 2021]

Murase's glorious return to the industry and entry into Gundam is a visually stunning masterpiece. Feeling like the spiritual continuation of Ergo Proxy, Hathaway has added a new breath to Gundam with Murase's color tones, shadings, drawing techniques and minimal but uplifting music. But this movie is more than just a visual feast. Coming out of Gundam's now banal theme of "War's damage to society", the film perfectly handles the new perspective that Hathaway Noa added to the events and it manages to be an extremely superior work in terms of narrative and story. Contrary to the other Gundams, interior monologues and ethical dilemmas at the points where the movie rises too high are used much more effectively. The first masterpiece of the 2020s has been revealed.

What a disgrace.

[m2058930 · 1/10 · 22 June 2021]

This movie was like a soap opera. More talking than anything else. And the fight scenes were a complete mystery as you couldn't tell what the hell was happening. Someone forgot to switch on the light it seems.

Nexflix bet on Japanese anime

[bcnkor · 10/10 · 5 July 2021]

Nexflix has known how to bet on Japanese anime where they continue to have the best anime in the world, for a generation of parents and now children of followers since I created Mazinger Z that has continued to rise without stopping. The digital age has brought impressive visual effects, and improvement in anime work, without forgetting the sound that without it would not be the same, since images without a good sound accompaniment are not the same. This film has also brought some very real dark picture effects.

The plot of the film is very good, it deals with a revolution of a few, but we must not forget that the oppression of a system is not created only by the government but by the people who constantly feed that government with the vote. They looked at the reaction of society when the protagonist asks people what they think of that revolution where he is involved.

Very shallow

[lavgeber · 4/10 · 12 July 2021]

Sadly, its just boring. The characters are solid, but the premise, their actions and the entire story are just very basic attempts of discussing major themes. Also, the mecha battles are short and uninteresting, story goes to quickly and stuff just happens.

And yea, the the entire movue is bright except the fight scenes which end up looking messy. Had trouble following which mecha is which.

Only for die hard fans.

It's good movie for fans who have already watched the prequel series

[mxd-93004 · 8/10 · 18 November 2021]

It's good movie for fans who have already watched the prequel series. If you haven't, it may get pretty boring because you don't have prior knowledge of what's happening throughout the movie, so keep that in mind. And also, don't bother reading any more reviews as they will affect your viewing experience.

unbelievable weak plot

[iawebcv · 1/10 · 6 July 2021]

Why the rebellion leader is easily affected by a pretty stranger during an important mission?

Why the girl can sense he is the leader but not one of the team member of the rebellion?

Why the Kenneth Sleg can sense he is the leader but not one of the team member of the rebellion?

Why the leader just let the mission fail and hugging the pretty girl who he suspected was a spy, and his friend captured by the earth army may die for that.

Why the rebellion female member cry when doing the rubbish bin contact mission? Why she is so scare?

The emotion and the reaction and the plot the narrative, all are totally chaotic, and don't make sense.

For Fans Only

[Thear-15 · 10/10 · 12 February 2022]

This movie might not have a lot of mecha action. And if you're a Universal Century follower it'll be hard to really grasp the real reason why it's slowly paced. This movie was made to add to the UC lore. The next parts to the trilogy will be more exciting but this was made for the fans, if you know how this story ends from the manga you become excited seeing the build up to a climax in the future. If you're not a fan it won't be for you. But for fans who know what's going to happen you won't be disappointed. And for fans who don't it'll only get better.

Eventually, I don't know what I've seen.

[kennieshin · 1/10 · 9 July 2021]

Disappointed. No content, not connect anything. Just a movie PR the 2 Gundams. Nothing more.

God animation

[mmbyhgnz · 10/10 · 3 July 2021]

Everything looks realistic and beautiful.

If you are not the gundam UC fan just go watch 0079 and Charcounterattack,they are on Netflix.

Story has no impact like old-days of GUNDAM series

[KenzoMagaro · 5/10 · 6 September 2021]

5 stars for the arts but sub-5 stars for the storylines.. I'm one of very rich person in Asian , and im very die hard fans for some anime's like GUNDAM , i owned every titles/figures/limited edition stuff from 1st to the end.. I also sponsored twice and organize GUNDAM events in the past 5 years ago.. I really hope GUNDAM new franchise could bring the story more suprise and chaotic , the deep sound of GUNDAM should be ultra sound effect , of their gear changing , cracking , shooting , laser beam breath-taking sound and effect / etc too many too listed i guess GUNDAM new gundam franchise should refer to old story battle-way scene more dramatic , romance of uncensored , real-life action and with more ultra wars robotic scatter around the space and earth , and more blood scene , exploded peoples , should be show in the GUNDAM series.. This new title i dont see that much or very invisible to viewers eyes.. I hope GUNDAM franchise must read FANS survey , some of them has better idea of making GUNDAM more lively and best to watch based on what FANS feeling and like, that's what make the market of GUNDAM more profitable instead of using idea from the " INVESTOR or WHITE PEOPLES " that knows nothing about GUNDAM and only care about their profits or maybe just to clean their dirty money by using this investing method into animation industries and don't care about what FANS like , its like " THROW away the.opportunity of making good movie.. Animation nowdays the ARTS are getting better but the storylines are getting worst and worst , even FANS voice and idea , you all PRODUCERS don't ignored it.. Once you made things like this , in the future ,, fans peoples won;t pay what they don;t get in the first place.. too many wasted on scenes that has no value to watch for.. JUST my 2 cents!

Thank you...

More focus on the political thriller aspects of Gundam

[smithdylank · 8/10 · 1 July 2021]

Before you watch this, it's crucial that you watch every main line Universal Century series before this chronologically. It makes references to, and expects you to know most of the history that takes place up until this point. Its important so you can understand the Earth Federation and Mafty's goals.

That being said, I believe this movie is almost perfect for any Universal Century fan. However, if you're going into this expecting a ton of large scale mobile suit fights, you're going to be disappointed. Not to say that the movie is worse off without them though, since the movie is first and foremost a political thriller, it just isn't as action packed as NT or CCA. But when there is a fight scene, it is off the walls insane. The first mobile suit fight takes place in a city, and the movie does a phenomenal job showing the destruction and terror coming from the fight, as beams melt entire buildings and thrusters scorch streets.

The story is one of my personal favorites as they spend a ton of time exploring each character's motivations and how they interact with others. You see how, despite their actions, Mafty does care about the freedom of the people living on earth, and how the Earth Federation is working to actively suppress the civilians living in EFF occupied cities.

I feel like writing wouldn't do justice to the visuals. If you've seen the trailers you know how gorgeous this film is. What I wasn't expecting though, was how well the 2D and 3D animation worked together.

The main problems I had with the film were about the dialogue and pacing. It may have just been the netflix translation, but a lot of the dialogue was very awkward and didn't include the nuance I would have expected from this. The pacing was a little strange during some of the earlier parts of the movie, but it wasn't enough to really take me out of the experience.

If you want to watch a Gundam film exploring in-depth the Universal Century post CCA, this film is for you. If you're expecting an action packed story about the armed conflict between the Earth Federation and Mafty, you might end up disappointed.

Boring,mostly talks, night fighting

[lextermlee2003 · 3/10 · 5 July 2021]

This movie is boring that i didnt get the excitement for a gundam movie. There are violent scenes on the begining of the movie but thats just it. You could hardly see the fighting of the gundam and appreaciate the mech fights because the shot was at night. I just feel i just waisted my time watching this.

Best gundam movie ever.

[Kooooosk · 10/10 · 6 July 2021]

Conclusion: You should watch this movie.

This is the latest Japanese robot anime that has been around for decades, and is the most interesting Gundam anime since 2000. However, it may be unsatisfactory without knowing that it is just the first part of the trilogy.

Some people say the screen is too dark, but I didn't feel that way. What's more, you can adjust the brightness when viewing on Netflix. Brightness doesn't matter.

The biggest attraction of this work is that it shows the possibilities of new Gundam by effectively using modern images, CG, and electronic music.

It was said that it was difficult to express the battle in a video because there are many lines in the drawing of XI Gundam. With the development of CG, XI Gundam will engage in fierce battles with another Gundam, Penelope.

The music is very cool, influenced by Hans Zimmer, who is famous for the music of Blade Runner 2049.

The script was written by Yoshiyuki Tomino, the author of First Gundam. It is based on a novel over 20 years ago.

The theme is about dictatorship and terrorism, which is still modern. Citizens' frosty reactions to political activists with noble purposes are also found in the real world.

Story (quoted from the official website) It has been 12 years since the Second Neo Zeon War (Char's Rebellion).

U. C.0105--. Corruption of the Earth Federation Government accelerated the pollution of the earth, and also carried out an inhumane policy "human hunting" to forcibly take civilians into space.

The anti-Earth federal government movement "Muffty" started to resist with the fierce act of assassinating such a high-ranking federal government official. The name of the leader is "Muffty Nabille Erin". Its true identity was Hathaway, the son of Federal Colonel Bright Noa, who fought the One Year War.

Hathaway tries to pave the way as a warrior with the ideas, ideals and will of Amuro Ray and Char Aznable, but the encounter between Colonel Kenneth Sleg and the mysterious beautiful girl Gigi Andalusia changes his fate ..

No gundams till the last ten minutes

[TheHarbingerOfReason · 1/10 · 26 July 2021]

No gundams in it till the last five minutes the rest is decidedly boring faux politics. Not the Gundam film you were looking for.

I am an anime purest and I loved it!

[ddpntkwy · 8/10 · 31 July 2022]

I am often very critical of movies, especially anime. Gundam movies being some of my most memorable, yet criticized favorites. The animation style in this movie is absolutely gorgeous, the soundtrack amazing, the plot, sometimes predictable, but there is a great mix of action and drama.