Movie Review: Shin Kamen Rider – What Are You Fighting For?
HENSHIN! KAMEN RIDER ICHIGO!
Kamen Rider has been and is one of my favorite franchises. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve watched many Kamen Rider series and fell in love with these Masked Riders. Even so, during that time, I didn’t know much about the first Kamen Rider, Ichigo, except for Hiroshi Fujioka’s cameos in the crossover movies. Fortunately, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of this hit tokusatsu franchise, one of Kamen Rider’s biggest fans has taken on the task of reintroducing this great Showa-era hero to the current generation, and damn, that guy did a really good job.
Shin Kamen Rider is a remake project under the hands and eyes of famed director Hideaki Anno, on the 50th anniversary of Kamen Rider. The idea for the project arose in 2012, when Hideaki Anno proposed a retelling of the 1971 Kamen Rider TV series, with a producer of Toei Muneyuki Kii, after they formed a working relationship during the production of Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo. In 2016, after Shin Godzilla premiered, Muneyuki Kii along with another producer of Toei Shinichiro Shirakura greenlit Shin Kamen Rider and gave the project to Hideaki Anno. As a die hard fan of Kamen Rider, Hideaki Anno stated that he did not want to surpass the 1971 Kamen Rider series, but instead wanted to show the world today all the qualities of that series through Shin Kamen Rider, which became the premise for the production of the film.
Shin Kamen Rider is a remake project under the hands and eyes of famed director Hideaki Anno, on the 50th anniversary of Kamen Rider. The idea for the project arose in 2012, when Hideaki Anno proposed a retelling of the 1971 Kamen Rider TV series, with a producer of Toei Muneyuki Kii, after they formed a working relationship during the production of Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo. In 2016, after Shin Godzilla premiered, Muneyuki Kii along with another producer of Toei Shinichiro Shirakura greenlit Shin Kamen Rider and gave the project to Hideaki Anno. As a die hard fan of Kamen Rider, Hideaki Anno stated that he did not want to surpass the 1971 Kamen Rider series, but instead wanted to show the world today all the qualities of that series through Shin Kamen Rider, which became the premise for the production of the film.
//STORY//
Inspired by Shotaro Ishinomori’s manga, Shin Kamen Rider’s story follows Takeshi Hongo aka Kamen Rider’s battle along with his companion Ruriko Midorikawa to stop SHOCKER’s plans for world domination, the organization responsible for the turning him into a half-human, half-insect creature.
There are many people who complain that the pace of the plot is too fast, and I can see that, as the movie constantly jumps from battle to battle, and the plot of the movie moves quite quickly. But in my opinion, to be able to include all the battles against the Augs in the first 8 episodes of the 1971 TV series is a good excuse for its pacing. Action is a key element and one of the charms in the original Kamen Rider series, so it’s understandable why Shin Kamen Rider is so focused on action.
The progression of the plot and the characters in the film is quite simple and typical, but the film is still very emotional and impressive for me, thanks to the way it conveys the story. Beautiful scenes combined with commendable acting, music that matches the mood, deep and nuanced dialogue and many other details, create many memorable moments, such as when Takeshi Hongo watched the recordings left by Ruriko, or when Ichimonji Hayato dons his new Kamen Rider suit. The skillful interpretation brings a lot of value to the film in my eyes, and is one of the biggest plus points of the film.
Inspired by Shotaro Ishinomori’s manga, Shin Kamen Rider’s story follows Takeshi Hongo aka Kamen Rider’s battle along with his companion Ruriko Midorikawa to stop SHOCKER’s plans for world domination, the organization responsible for the turning him into a half-human, half-insect creature.
There are many people who complain that the pace of the plot is too fast, and I can see that, as the movie constantly jumps from battle to battle, and the plot of the movie moves quite quickly. But in my opinion, to be able to include all the battles against the Augs in the first 8 episodes of the 1971 TV series is a good excuse for its pacing. Action is a key element and one of the charms in the original Kamen Rider series, so it’s understandable why Shin Kamen Rider is so focused on action.
The progression of the plot and the characters in the film is quite simple and typical, but the film is still very emotional and impressive for me, thanks to the way it conveys the story. Beautiful scenes combined with commendable acting, music that matches the mood, deep and nuanced dialogue and many other details, create many memorable moments, such as when Takeshi Hongo watched the recordings left by Ruriko, or when Ichimonji Hayato dons his new Kamen Rider suit. The skillful interpretation brings a lot of value to the film in my eyes, and is one of the biggest plus points of the film.
“How do people without hope overcome despair and attain happiness?” The film takes the main theme of despair – an existential theme typical of Hideaki Anno. Through this theme, the director and screenwriter of the film conveys the heroic spirit of Kamen Rider quite well – under the weight of despair, Hongo Takeshi never gave up his kindness, never quitted believing in humanity, and was willing to give his life to save the soul of a stranger. It is that spirit – love of justice, tenderness and kindness, that resonates in my heart, and is what makes me love heroes in general and Kamen Riders in particular.
The film’s ending is an ingenious tribute to Shotaro Ishinomori’s original manga. Letting Hongo die and Ichimonji continue the legacy of Kamen Rider, using lines taken directly from the manga, Hideaki Anno creates a perfect bittersweet ending, with Ichimonji and Hongo riding the Cyclone under the theme song “Where you go” is forever burnt into my mind. Despite its simplicity and focus on action, Shin Kamen Rider still tells a great story filled with heart and humanity, thanks to Hideaki Anno’s genius writing and directing.
The film’s ending is an ingenious tribute to Shotaro Ishinomori’s original manga. Letting Hongo die and Ichimonji continue the legacy of Kamen Rider, using lines taken directly from the manga, Hideaki Anno creates a perfect bittersweet ending, with Ichimonji and Hongo riding the Cyclone under the theme song “Where you go” is forever burnt into my mind. Despite its simplicity and focus on action, Shin Kamen Rider still tells a great story filled with heart and humanity, thanks to Hideaki Anno’s genius writing and directing.
//CHARACTERS//
Although the film has a lot of characters, the story focuses on four characters: Hongo Takeshi, Ruriko Midorikawa, Ichimonji Hayato and Ichiro Midorikawa.
[HONGO TAKESHI]
Hongo Takeshi played by Sosuke Ikematsu is an interesting version of this classic superhero. He is more gentle than Hiroshi Fujioka’s version, as shown by the way he behaves and talks throughout the film. From the very beginning, viewers were able to feel it through the fact that he shuddered at the killing he caused. Gentle and kind, these qualities of Hongo are one of the themes that run through the film. His kindness is constantly questioned and tested, not only by his enemies or those who fight with him but also by the very power he wields. In the end, though, that kindness still shone through every trial, helping to change and save most of the people he met. Sosuke Ikematsu does a great job portraying the quiet and sentimental Hongo Takeshi, and his performance in the scene watching Ruriko’s will is quite special and commendable.
The situations that Hideaki Anno puts Hongo in, from the way he tries to control the tremendous power he has, to the way he deals with his own despair, and the way he confronts Ichiro, all clearly highlight the good qualities of Kamen Rider. Although the film is action-centric, Hideaki Anno still shows viewers that, behind all the Rider Kicks and Rider Chops, what makes a real hero is their heart.
[RURIKO MIDORIKAWA]
The version of Ruriko played by Minami Hamabe is quite different from the version of the TV series. She is an artificial person created and raised by Professor Hiroshi Midorikawa, has the ability to hack into other people’s prana, and has a cold personality. Contrary to 1971’s Ruriko, who appeared in only 13 episodes and had an insignificant role, this Ruriko is an important character of the story. Besides, she seems to be based on Rei Ayanami’s character type – cold and aloof at first, but after interacting with the main character, they gradually change.
“It felt really nice riding behind you. It felt like I was giving you my prana. I truly feel happy. I think I finally understood the meaning of happiness.”
The way in which Ruriko’s attitude gradually changed was implemented quite well. Through each battle with the Augs, she gradually felt the warmth from Hongo’s heart. From someone who doesn’t trust anyone and has a pessimistic view of people, she slowly opens her heart to the people around her, reveals her weaknesses, and has faith in people. The culmination of this development was the will and smile she left for Hongo. Minami Hamabe’s acting and lines written by Hideaki Anno really make this change so convincing.
Although the film has a lot of characters, the story focuses on four characters: Hongo Takeshi, Ruriko Midorikawa, Ichimonji Hayato and Ichiro Midorikawa.
[HONGO TAKESHI]
Hongo Takeshi played by Sosuke Ikematsu is an interesting version of this classic superhero. He is more gentle than Hiroshi Fujioka’s version, as shown by the way he behaves and talks throughout the film. From the very beginning, viewers were able to feel it through the fact that he shuddered at the killing he caused. Gentle and kind, these qualities of Hongo are one of the themes that run through the film. His kindness is constantly questioned and tested, not only by his enemies or those who fight with him but also by the very power he wields. In the end, though, that kindness still shone through every trial, helping to change and save most of the people he met. Sosuke Ikematsu does a great job portraying the quiet and sentimental Hongo Takeshi, and his performance in the scene watching Ruriko’s will is quite special and commendable.
The situations that Hideaki Anno puts Hongo in, from the way he tries to control the tremendous power he has, to the way he deals with his own despair, and the way he confronts Ichiro, all clearly highlight the good qualities of Kamen Rider. Although the film is action-centric, Hideaki Anno still shows viewers that, behind all the Rider Kicks and Rider Chops, what makes a real hero is their heart.
[RURIKO MIDORIKAWA]
The version of Ruriko played by Minami Hamabe is quite different from the version of the TV series. She is an artificial person created and raised by Professor Hiroshi Midorikawa, has the ability to hack into other people’s prana, and has a cold personality. Contrary to 1971’s Ruriko, who appeared in only 13 episodes and had an insignificant role, this Ruriko is an important character of the story. Besides, she seems to be based on Rei Ayanami’s character type – cold and aloof at first, but after interacting with the main character, they gradually change.
“It felt really nice riding behind you. It felt like I was giving you my prana. I truly feel happy. I think I finally understood the meaning of happiness.”
The way in which Ruriko’s attitude gradually changed was implemented quite well. Through each battle with the Augs, she gradually felt the warmth from Hongo’s heart. From someone who doesn’t trust anyone and has a pessimistic view of people, she slowly opens her heart to the people around her, reveals her weaknesses, and has faith in people. The culmination of this development was the will and smile she left for Hongo. Minami Hamabe’s acting and lines written by Hideaki Anno really make this change so convincing.
[ICHIMONJI HAYATO]
“Me? I just became SHOCKER’s enemy. Humanity’s ally. I am Ichimonji Hayato and, Kamen Rider.”
Ichimonji Hayato is probably my favorite character in Shin Kamen Rider. Contrary to Hongo, he is easygoing and likes to joke around. He expresses a variety of emotions throughout the film: humor, anger, grief, etc., and actor Tasuku Emoto conveys those emotions really well. The story of Ichimonji in the movie revolves around his loneliness. Previously, he was a journalist, a very dangerous profession, especially for those who dare to expose the truth. With such a life on the edge, it was hard to trust anyone, and this made him almost inseparable from solitude.
“You can enjoy solitude on a bike. That’s why I like them.”
However, thanks to Hongo’s and Ruriko’s kindness, he realizes that he finally has someone to trust, thereby deciding to become Kamen Rider No.2 and fight alongside Hongo. Although it only took place for a short time, the strong comradeship between the two is expressed very well. The way the two Riders address each other, their battle scenes with the SHOCKER Riders, and Ichimonji’s dazedness and grief as he watches Hongo disappear before his eyes, make the viewers feel the connection between the two.
A nice detail of this comradeship that Hideaki Anno cleverly adds, is this quote from Ruriko to Hongo: “If you add just one horizontal line to the character for pain(辛), it becomes the character for happiness(幸).” Ichimonji’s name, 一文字, contains a horizontal stroke, indicating that he is the perfect partner for Hongo, the one who turns his pain into happiness.
“We are not alone anymore. It’s you and me. We will fight SHOCKER together.”
Director Anno ends the film and Ichimonji’s character arc with the images of the hero carrying the wills of both Ichimonji and Hongo riding into battle with SHOCKER, a beautiful scene that immortalizes the comradeship of the two Kamen Riders. For me, Tasuku Emoto’s acting excellence along with Hideaki Anno’s directing and scriptwriting talents have brought about a very memorable and profound version of Kamen Rider Nigo.
[ICHIRO MIDORIKAWA]
Mirai Moriyama character serves as a mirror image of Hongo Takeshi. He also went through a traumatic past like Hongo, which is to witness his loved one “fall victim to human absurdity”. However, the way Ichiro reacted to that event was the exact opposite of Hongo: while the second found inspiration in grief, the first found hatred.
At the end of the fight between the three Kamen Riders, director Anno seems to have “imitate” the duel between Simon and Anti-Spiral in the Gurren Lagann movie Lagann-hen, stripping away all the pomp in the action scene, leaving Ichiro and Hongo wrestled each other as primitively as possible. At that time, the two opponents no longer fought each other with strength, but with faith in their philosophy. And in the end Hongo’s faith prevailed, confirming the strength of his kindness. While Mirai Moriyama’s performance isn’t that impressive, Ichiro Midorikawa is still a pretty decent character to me, and a great test for Hongo’s kindness.
“Me? I just became SHOCKER’s enemy. Humanity’s ally. I am Ichimonji Hayato and, Kamen Rider.”
Ichimonji Hayato is probably my favorite character in Shin Kamen Rider. Contrary to Hongo, he is easygoing and likes to joke around. He expresses a variety of emotions throughout the film: humor, anger, grief, etc., and actor Tasuku Emoto conveys those emotions really well. The story of Ichimonji in the movie revolves around his loneliness. Previously, he was a journalist, a very dangerous profession, especially for those who dare to expose the truth. With such a life on the edge, it was hard to trust anyone, and this made him almost inseparable from solitude.
“You can enjoy solitude on a bike. That’s why I like them.”
However, thanks to Hongo’s and Ruriko’s kindness, he realizes that he finally has someone to trust, thereby deciding to become Kamen Rider No.2 and fight alongside Hongo. Although it only took place for a short time, the strong comradeship between the two is expressed very well. The way the two Riders address each other, their battle scenes with the SHOCKER Riders, and Ichimonji’s dazedness and grief as he watches Hongo disappear before his eyes, make the viewers feel the connection between the two.
A nice detail of this comradeship that Hideaki Anno cleverly adds, is this quote from Ruriko to Hongo: “If you add just one horizontal line to the character for pain(辛), it becomes the character for happiness(幸).” Ichimonji’s name, 一文字, contains a horizontal stroke, indicating that he is the perfect partner for Hongo, the one who turns his pain into happiness.
“We are not alone anymore. It’s you and me. We will fight SHOCKER together.”
Director Anno ends the film and Ichimonji’s character arc with the images of the hero carrying the wills of both Ichimonji and Hongo riding into battle with SHOCKER, a beautiful scene that immortalizes the comradeship of the two Kamen Riders. For me, Tasuku Emoto’s acting excellence along with Hideaki Anno’s directing and scriptwriting talents have brought about a very memorable and profound version of Kamen Rider Nigo.
[ICHIRO MIDORIKAWA]
Mirai Moriyama character serves as a mirror image of Hongo Takeshi. He also went through a traumatic past like Hongo, which is to witness his loved one “fall victim to human absurdity”. However, the way Ichiro reacted to that event was the exact opposite of Hongo: while the second found inspiration in grief, the first found hatred.
At the end of the fight between the three Kamen Riders, director Anno seems to have “imitate” the duel between Simon and Anti-Spiral in the Gurren Lagann movie Lagann-hen, stripping away all the pomp in the action scene, leaving Ichiro and Hongo wrestled each other as primitively as possible. At that time, the two opponents no longer fought each other with strength, but with faith in their philosophy. And in the end Hongo’s faith prevailed, confirming the strength of his kindness. While Mirai Moriyama’s performance isn’t that impressive, Ichiro Midorikawa is still a pretty decent character to me, and a great test for Hongo’s kindness.
//VISUAL//
Shin Kamen Rider’s visuals are another highlight of the film. The fact that Hideaki Anno was able to capture much of the feel and atmosphere of the 1971 TV series solely through the visual aspect is astounding.
I really like the action scenes in the movie. A lot of people complain about the action scenes being cut too much, using too many weird angles and CGI, but I’m okay with those issues. Regarding the constant cuts in the action scenes, this technique was used heavily in the original Kamen Rider show, to make up for the shortcomings of technology, so Hideaki Anno didn’t want the fight scenes to look seamless and too choreographed. The constant cuts in Shin Kamen Rider, in my opinion, also increase the power of Kamen Rider’s punches and kicks many times over.
I heard that, during the production, Hideaki Anno suddenly turned from using real actors to using CGI for action scenes, in order to best convey his intentions for the film, and I think this is a good decision. Although it is true that the CGI in Shin Kamen Rider looks quite fake (because Anno completely skipped the pre-visualization), thanks to CGI we have extremely creative and unique action scenes. In particular, thanks to CGI, the Rider Kick scenes in the film are extremely spectacular, and definitely the highlight of each action scene. Anno’s imagination and creativity really beat the technological difficulty in Shin Kamen Rider.
Not to mention the excellent cinematography and editing of the film. I still can’t believe that Hideaki Anno and the film crew were able to recreate footage from the 1971 TV show so accurately. If you watch comparison videos online, you can see that many scenes in Shin Kamen Rider are similar to scenes from the original Kamen Rider series down to every frame and every little detail. Without mentioning Hideaki Anno’s tribute to the original TV series, the film still has a lot of memorable scenes, such as two extremely emotional parallels of Hongo and Ichimonji standing on the same beach, or the very badass scene where Hongo transforms for the first time on the Cyclone.
A lot of thought and ideas were put into the designs in the film. Hideaki Anno’s respect for the late artist Shotaro Ishinomori is reflected in the costumes, which are largely inspired by the looks of Ishinomori sensei’s characters, such as Kikaider, Inazuman, Kaiketsu Zubat, etc. However, the director did not forget to let the designers express their own creativity in their designs. I love all the innovations in the Augs’ costumes, along with the themes that come with them, and the details on them.
Kamen Rider Ichigo and Nigo’s costumes retain most of the original design and only modernize some details. I think this is a good choice, because those costumes both give a classic feel like Hideaki Anno wanted, and also fit the times, especially true for the mask (I quite like the detail of Hongo’s hair sticking out of the helmet) and the Typhoon belt. The trench coats are really great additions, as they look COOL AS HELL when worn by the Riders. The new design of the “battle bike” Cyclone is also really badass.
Shin Kamen Rider’s visuals are another highlight of the film. The fact that Hideaki Anno was able to capture much of the feel and atmosphere of the 1971 TV series solely through the visual aspect is astounding.
I really like the action scenes in the movie. A lot of people complain about the action scenes being cut too much, using too many weird angles and CGI, but I’m okay with those issues. Regarding the constant cuts in the action scenes, this technique was used heavily in the original Kamen Rider show, to make up for the shortcomings of technology, so Hideaki Anno didn’t want the fight scenes to look seamless and too choreographed. The constant cuts in Shin Kamen Rider, in my opinion, also increase the power of Kamen Rider’s punches and kicks many times over.
I heard that, during the production, Hideaki Anno suddenly turned from using real actors to using CGI for action scenes, in order to best convey his intentions for the film, and I think this is a good decision. Although it is true that the CGI in Shin Kamen Rider looks quite fake (because Anno completely skipped the pre-visualization), thanks to CGI we have extremely creative and unique action scenes. In particular, thanks to CGI, the Rider Kick scenes in the film are extremely spectacular, and definitely the highlight of each action scene. Anno’s imagination and creativity really beat the technological difficulty in Shin Kamen Rider.
Not to mention the excellent cinematography and editing of the film. I still can’t believe that Hideaki Anno and the film crew were able to recreate footage from the 1971 TV show so accurately. If you watch comparison videos online, you can see that many scenes in Shin Kamen Rider are similar to scenes from the original Kamen Rider series down to every frame and every little detail. Without mentioning Hideaki Anno’s tribute to the original TV series, the film still has a lot of memorable scenes, such as two extremely emotional parallels of Hongo and Ichimonji standing on the same beach, or the very badass scene where Hongo transforms for the first time on the Cyclone.
A lot of thought and ideas were put into the designs in the film. Hideaki Anno’s respect for the late artist Shotaro Ishinomori is reflected in the costumes, which are largely inspired by the looks of Ishinomori sensei’s characters, such as Kikaider, Inazuman, Kaiketsu Zubat, etc. However, the director did not forget to let the designers express their own creativity in their designs. I love all the innovations in the Augs’ costumes, along with the themes that come with them, and the details on them.
Kamen Rider Ichigo and Nigo’s costumes retain most of the original design and only modernize some details. I think this is a good choice, because those costumes both give a classic feel like Hideaki Anno wanted, and also fit the times, especially true for the mask (I quite like the detail of Hongo’s hair sticking out of the helmet) and the Typhoon belt. The trench coats are really great additions, as they look COOL AS HELL when worn by the Riders. The new design of the “battle bike” Cyclone is also really badass.
//AUDIO//
The audio aspect of the film is also very well taken care of. Composed by Taku Iwasaki, the talented composer of many popular anime series such as “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (part 2), “Bungo Stray Dogs”, “Kakegurui” and “Gurren Lagann”, the soundtrack of Shin Kamen Rider left nothing to be desired. Some songs like “metamorfose” and “Falling velocity” also feature the voice of Lotus Juice, the famous rapper of the Persona series, astonishing me because I did not expect Kamen Rider and rap to be so BEST MATCH. Besides the extremely cool and energetic songs, slow songs like “Where you go” also evoke a lot of emotions in me.
The most outstanding feature of the soundtrack is probably the two tracks “Let’s Go!! RIDER KICK! 50th” and “Let’s Go!! RIDER KICK desperate ver.”, two remixes of the 1971 TV series’ opening. Both songs sounded amazing, keeping the eloquent tunes of the original version and adding modern sounds that boosted the eloquence. Besides, Hideaki Anno of course did not forget to add the familiar sound effects of the original Kamen Rider TV series such as the sound emitted when Kamen Rider transforms. Through the sound array, Shin Kamen Rider continues to let viewers feel the vibe of the original TV series, while still showing its own unique and beautiful creativity.
//CONCLUSION//
Shin Kamen Rider is truly one of the best superhero movies I’ve seen, although not without flaws. Hideaki Anno did exactly what he said, conveying in the most true and complete way the appeal of the 1971 Kamen Rider TV series and Shotaro Ishinomori’s Kamen Rider manga. Shin Kamen Rider itself is a great movie, with eye-catching action scenes, good music, and above all a well-delivered emotional plot. I’m really hoping that the planned sequel “Shin Kamen Rider: Masker World” will be made.
The audio aspect of the film is also very well taken care of. Composed by Taku Iwasaki, the talented composer of many popular anime series such as “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (part 2), “Bungo Stray Dogs”, “Kakegurui” and “Gurren Lagann”, the soundtrack of Shin Kamen Rider left nothing to be desired. Some songs like “metamorfose” and “Falling velocity” also feature the voice of Lotus Juice, the famous rapper of the Persona series, astonishing me because I did not expect Kamen Rider and rap to be so BEST MATCH. Besides the extremely cool and energetic songs, slow songs like “Where you go” also evoke a lot of emotions in me.
The most outstanding feature of the soundtrack is probably the two tracks “Let’s Go!! RIDER KICK! 50th” and “Let’s Go!! RIDER KICK desperate ver.”, two remixes of the 1971 TV series’ opening. Both songs sounded amazing, keeping the eloquent tunes of the original version and adding modern sounds that boosted the eloquence. Besides, Hideaki Anno of course did not forget to add the familiar sound effects of the original Kamen Rider TV series such as the sound emitted when Kamen Rider transforms. Through the sound array, Shin Kamen Rider continues to let viewers feel the vibe of the original TV series, while still showing its own unique and beautiful creativity.
//CONCLUSION//
Shin Kamen Rider is truly one of the best superhero movies I’ve seen, although not without flaws. Hideaki Anno did exactly what he said, conveying in the most true and complete way the appeal of the 1971 Kamen Rider TV series and Shotaro Ishinomori’s Kamen Rider manga. Shin Kamen Rider itself is a great movie, with eye-catching action scenes, good music, and above all a well-delivered emotional plot. I’m really hoping that the planned sequel “Shin Kamen Rider: Masker World” will be made.
Check out more recommendations:
Let’s turn and burn! A movie about futuristic stealth fighter and AI-jet. Sounds familiar? This is Macross Plus live action with a sprinkle of Ace Combat and Yukikaze.
The first Super Electromagnetic robot! Combatller V combined a fast-paced Monster-of-the-week with dramatic development, taking advantage of the 5-man team format.
A combination between Japanese myths and mecha. An intricate relationship between 2 girls and one guy, with intense Super Robot combat in-between.
An original Toku-themed anime that is packed with action. While facing the challenges of full 3DCG animation, Shikizakura delivered an inspiring and emotional story for would-be heroes.
A chance to see the A.D Police from Bubblegum Crisis in honorable action. Two detectives take on cases of rampage Boomers, unraveling a sinister plot that can change the world.
An apocalyptic tale of burning sand and monsters. A young man set out for vengeance, acquiring the usual hot chick and robot buddy on the way.
A refreshing tale about how the best of friends became sworn rivals. A vibrant, well animated movie where characters shine through their own merits, and bring a new wind to the franchise.
The fruit of collaboration with Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the air combat scenes of this anime is what set it apart
A futuristic world where sports are played in the most dirty way possible, a team of good-hearted robots gather to prove that good sportsmanship can prevail in any era.
Despite often being overlooked by newer fans, After War Gundam X is a must watch for any Gundam lovers.
The fusion of Man and Beast and Machine. Dancouga became an iconic Super Robot that merged aspects of Super Robot with Real Robot.
Passion makes satisfaction. A group of student show what they can accomplish with a mecha short film that leaves you desperately wanting more!
The end of a legend dragged through the mud from the peak of success. Studio Gainax is a regrettable case where high execs ruin a respectable legacy.
A man thrown into a stranger world naked ended up fighting against god. What more could you ask from a mecha show? Eh…maybe better writing?
With utmost love for the Super Robot Wars series, Obari crafted one of the most prominent Mecha anime of modern generation.
A seemingly impossible task of building Mazinger Z hangar in real life. A ragtag team of a planning company assembled the Fantasy Division to turn fiction into reality.
A light-hearted series that turned into intense space opera. The Girl Who Leapt Through Space leaps through many genre to deliver a unique experience and turn everyone’s expectation upside down.
A desolate planet now submerged in liquid. A totally unique and fresh mecha series where all the robots are underwater. Oh and there’s also a talking whale.
A love story that spans through 12000 years. The war between Angels and humans fueled by passionate emotions. Shoji Kawamori shows us why he’s the master of the sky.
What happens if we mix Mahou Shoujo, Mecha and Battle Royale into one? We get Granbelm – an emotional story about the lives of young girls entangled in an ancient war.
In the city of smoke and steam, a young kid works as a detective alongside his nurse and butler to protect the peace. An old classic for fans of the steampunk style.
The 2nd season of the lovely Mass-Produced Riko series. Join Riko and co as they embark on an all new venture, while drawing interesting lesson from building plastic models.
The long-awaited continuation of the mecha isekai of pain. Season 2 of Muv-Luv Alternative is definitely trying to woo you by slamming intense scenes at you – but is it worth it?
One of the most difficult to adapt Mecha series, Muv-Luv Alternative anime started off with a questionable season, but you should still check it out.
A remake of another Tatsunoko hero. The Space Knight returns with a completely new story, design and brings us on an emotional journey of a tragic hero.
An OVA that took place between the movie and Exodus, Behind The Line shows us how the characters mature throughout the season, with a hint of retrospective nostalgia.
The continuation of the hot-blooded saga, this time filled with emotional drama and even more badass action. A great video game adaptation but not without flaws.
The long awaited legend’s return that satisfy all mecha fan’s longing for a good game. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is an experience you have to play to believe.
Universes collide as the cast of Gridman and Dynazenon is caught in a dimensional anomaly. But what’s more troubled is Yuuta – who has to become Gridman again with a troubled heart.
When you talk about the most badass mecha, you have to mention SRW OG and Masami Obari. And when these two combine, you get the best SRW anime of all time.
A unique series where the true pacifism versus justice. A bold premise and interesting gimmick make Planet With a very selective series in terms of audience – but it definitely deserves a chance.
From the studio that created Buddy Complex and Valvrave, Cross Ange is another Sunrise’s original that challenges the limit of its audience once more .
What will you do if you’re teleported to a time with giant grotesque monsters? For teenage student Daisuke Doujima, it’s a perfect chance for him to become a hero, and a saviour. But can he?
After 2 lukewarm series, Gundam Build rose to form again with Re:Rise. A story with deep characterization for a diverse and likeable cast and awesome Obari action.
Time to go digital! Build series is going full SAO and virtual with Build Divers – a light-hearted series and fun to enjoy without the need to complicate things.
The Super Graviton God is back! And this time the threat just got more vile. But Gravion also receive an upgrade…in true Obari fashion. Let’s see how the sequel holds up!
Following GBF, Sunrise wanted to capture the magic with TRY. However, they fell just short of greatness but still create a series with amazing Gunpla battles.
A hobby turned combat sport. Sunrise’s effort to attract new fans turned into a compelling series with gorgeous battles featuring iconic MS from the franchise.
The first animated Build series, Beginning G opened up new venues and excitement for the hobby, with light-hearted yet intense traditional MS battle.
The shortest tv series Gundam ever, but was one of the most popular. G-Witch put Gundam back on the mainstream map, but do fans love it like non-fans do? The answer is quite divisive!
A heavy-weight in Masami Obari’s repertoire. Choujuushin Gravion is average in production quality, yet it is imbued with the spirit of the most badass over-the-top director of all time.
Do you want a Gundam series with a brighter tone but still has banger battles? Then Metal Armor Dragonar is a perfect series for you!
A Super Robot versus Alien mecha series, but this time it’s also infused with the intricacies of human’s most sacred bond: Marriage. Godannar put that relationship to the test!
A series about building regular model kit, and using them to find inspiration in life. A very uplifting and chill series for mecha fans to change their perspective on their hobby.
The sequel to SEED – a series that brought Gundam on top of the radar. Destiny is a sequel that earned both the intense love and hate within the fandoms.
The 3rd Tokusatsu series by Director Anno Hideaki. Shin Kamen Rider revisits the core message of what it means to be a Rider and to fight for justice while putting a modern spin on it.
The most ambitious superhero crossover is here! Infini-T Force is where heroes from different universes come together to save a girl and protect the multiverse.
An anime adaptation of a sci-fi novel with the same name, Yakitori really stir up the scene with its unusual storytelling and animation style. However, the characters really hold the series up.
A Fafner novel written by Tow Ubutaka – the person who understand Fafner the most. Explore Kazuki’s POV and his relationship in a way you’ve never seen before.
After the Transformers wave subsided, Takara made a bold move by partnering with Sunrise to produced one of the best Mecha franchise ever. Start the Brave journey with Exkaiser!
