
Series Recommendation: Macross Delta Movie: Zettai Live
A fruit still green is one
Being attracted is two
My heart is burning…
Being attracted is two
My heart is burning…
After 1 year of waiting, fans around the world have had the chance to watch the final movie of Macross Delta: Absolute Live. The movie is the 2nd movie of the series, just like Macross Frontier, it is a completely new story that follow the same cast of characters (with some new ones as well). The story serve as the climax as well as conclusion to the saga of Freyja, Hayate and Walkure. As usual, the movie is a two-hour auditory and visual experience that will please even the most picky Macross fans.
Continuing from the first movie, Zettai Live started off with Windermere and the NUNS establishing a peace treaty. Delta Flight and Walkure was paying Winderemere a visit, which also mark the first time Freyja has come back to her hometown. New relationships are established, as well as new challenges and of course, a new enemy. A mysterious giant battleship appeared out of nowhere carrying an ominous song from beyond the void, with the intention of “liberating” the universe. Delta Flight and Walkure, along with their new allies, must rally to stop this threat and save the planet of Windermere.
+ Plot: Even though the plot of the movies are supposed to be standalone, it is very clear that they expect us to take the development of Hayate and Freyja’s relationship from the tv series, since they are moving quite fast (the same can be said with Frontier but not as much). Hayate and Freyja are definitely the focal emotional point of this movie in particular, as Kawamori managed to paint a very painfully beautiful relationship between them. Furthermore, other characters also received their own highlighted development by revolving around the Hayate-Freyja dynamic. It isn’t the main driving force, but it does help moving the characters along, which is a pretty neat move. The tv series failed to provide substantial development for characters that needed them, but the movies succeeded in providing everyone ample screentime (except Chuck, poor Chuck).
What’s even better is the fact that they put the power of love over the actual skill of the characters in the movie. We don’t see the main cast suddenly become ace pilots that can decimate rows of enemies at once, but they progress gradually in a very realistic way, driven by their heart’s desire. The main cast all feel pretty human with their own personal issues, but the villain sadly didn’t get the same treatment. The “bad guy” in the movie is quite shallow and seems like something they just made up for the sake of the plot. But at least they serve their purpose.
+ Plot: Even though the plot of the movies are supposed to be standalone, it is very clear that they expect us to take the development of Hayate and Freyja’s relationship from the tv series, since they are moving quite fast (the same can be said with Frontier but not as much). Hayate and Freyja are definitely the focal emotional point of this movie in particular, as Kawamori managed to paint a very painfully beautiful relationship between them. Furthermore, other characters also received their own highlighted development by revolving around the Hayate-Freyja dynamic. It isn’t the main driving force, but it does help moving the characters along, which is a pretty neat move. The tv series failed to provide substantial development for characters that needed them, but the movies succeeded in providing everyone ample screentime (except Chuck, poor Chuck).
What’s even better is the fact that they put the power of love over the actual skill of the characters in the movie. We don’t see the main cast suddenly become ace pilots that can decimate rows of enemies at once, but they progress gradually in a very realistic way, driven by their heart’s desire. The main cast all feel pretty human with their own personal issues, but the villain sadly didn’t get the same treatment. The “bad guy” in the movie is quite shallow and seems like something they just made up for the sake of the plot. But at least they serve their purpose.
+ Animation: Zettai Live is a Zettai Experience! This movie is no doubt the most beautiful movie the franchise has ever gotten. The animation from the action to the SoL scenes all look gorgeous. The action utilizes way more dynamic shot as well as a bigger focus on Battroid and Gerwalk mode than Fighter, which was very prevalent in the tv series and the previous movie. The good Fighter scenes are reserved for the enemy’s mecha which is also very beautiful and has a cyberpunk neon feel to them – which really reminds me of the song “Laser Speed Force”.
The movie consist of 1 CGI concert by Walkure, which is still a bit awkward for me. The movements are quite fluid, but still has some awkward moments. And the face model still hasn’t gotten to the satisfactory point yet. But still, it’s not a deal breaker.
+ Mecha Design: The main Valkyries are still the VF-31 Siegfried but with some extra twists. From the promo material, it’s really hard to not talk about them. The VF-31AX is basically a fusion between the Siegfried and Kairos, with some added Durandal in it as well. The wings are fromo Kairos, and the added Fold Mechanics is definitely inspired by the Durandal. And on Blu-Ray, they look absolutely amazing. Aside from that, we also got Armored Pack for all of the Siegs, and they got some really good screen time this movie, unlike the really brief display in Gekijou Walkure.
Now for the enemy mecha, which is one of the highlights as well. The SV-303 is definitely from an alternate cyberpunk timeline with all those neon patterns. Also it’s pretty much the first time we see Variable Ghost in Macross. To be fair, they are much bigger than Ghost and is essentially unmanned VFs. Their arsenal is pretty crazy too, it’s pretty ridiculous that Kawa-sensei cram that much stuff into those fighters. A bold move, but it is a breath of fresh air for Macross.
The movie consist of 1 CGI concert by Walkure, which is still a bit awkward for me. The movements are quite fluid, but still has some awkward moments. And the face model still hasn’t gotten to the satisfactory point yet. But still, it’s not a deal breaker.
+ Mecha Design: The main Valkyries are still the VF-31 Siegfried but with some extra twists. From the promo material, it’s really hard to not talk about them. The VF-31AX is basically a fusion between the Siegfried and Kairos, with some added Durandal in it as well. The wings are fromo Kairos, and the added Fold Mechanics is definitely inspired by the Durandal. And on Blu-Ray, they look absolutely amazing. Aside from that, we also got Armored Pack for all of the Siegs, and they got some really good screen time this movie, unlike the really brief display in Gekijou Walkure.
Now for the enemy mecha, which is one of the highlights as well. The SV-303 is definitely from an alternate cyberpunk timeline with all those neon patterns. Also it’s pretty much the first time we see Variable Ghost in Macross. To be fair, they are much bigger than Ghost and is essentially unmanned VFs. Their arsenal is pretty crazy too, it’s pretty ridiculous that Kawa-sensei cram that much stuff into those fighters. A bold move, but it is a breath of fresh air for Macross.
+ Music: Zettai Live bring Macross music to a whole new level. It isn’t just “pop idol” music anymore, but these are singers that put their heart, their soul, their love, their anger, into their voices. The emotion from every singers – especially Freyja – infuse into the lyrics and the melody they carry. It really remind me of the climax in Symphogear (make sense since it’s Satelight), where the songs aren’t just music anymore, but something with more heart and soul than ever. All the songs are fantastic, along with the way they were performed. Yami_Q_Ray and Walkure has demonstrated they can rival their predecessors and surpass them. Go buy their CDs and songs now, it’s worth it!
+ Conclusion: Zettai Live really elevated Delta into a very good series. The movie serve as a satisfying emotional roller coaster and visual masterpiece that it actually redeem the TV series. While the movies are their own contained series of events, having context from the tv series really bring more value to the movies, especially for Zettai Live. I wouldn’t say the two Delta movies together is better than the Frontier ones, but Zettai Live definitely shine above the rest. Really good development for all the characters, especially for the main couple. Zettai Live is definitely the movie that make it all worth it!
+ Conclusion: Zettai Live really elevated Delta into a very good series. The movie serve as a satisfying emotional roller coaster and visual masterpiece that it actually redeem the TV series. While the movies are their own contained series of events, having context from the tv series really bring more value to the movies, especially for Zettai Live. I wouldn’t say the two Delta movies together is better than the Frontier ones, but Zettai Live definitely shine above the rest. Really good development for all the characters, especially for the main couple. Zettai Live is definitely the movie that make it all worth it!
Check out more recommendations:

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.

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.

A new Gundam for a new era. Gundam Seed is one of the most popular modern Gundam series that has fans all around the world. And it also received much love from Sunrise as well.

A love letter to commemorate the pioneer of the Mecha genre, Mazinger Z Infinity remind us of the conviction and justice that the Iron Castle had, is, and will stand for.

A badass and action-packed super robot series with an age-gap marriage between the two main characters. A hearth-throbbing and passionate tale about love and perseverance.

A new story of the boy who awoken a machine. Casshern Sins follow a conflicting young man in a world where life seems meaningless, yet everyone yearn for it anyway.

Just when things have calmed down, the Gear Users once again face an apocalyptic threat from a mysterious high order. This put Hibiki and her friends at risk once more.

New threats emerged to threaten the world. But new allies also appear to bring the Gear’s songs to a new level. A new battle await the girls!

Mahou Shoujo x Tokusatsu combined with plenty of mecha references, Symphogear bring us an audio and visual experience that is just the beginning. of a great franchise.

A new nation, a new story, a new battlefield. The reborn Eighty Six must choose between a life of peace or death. Will the Reaper be able to move on?

The depressing, gripping yet hopeful world of Eighty Six brought to life with A-1’s adaptation. The vision of Asato receives a depiction so emotional like no others.

A fun dogfight experience with some mecha combat thrown into the mix, Strike Suit Zero scratches some of that Macross action game that PC gamer has been wanting.

With his life completely smashed apart and turned upside down, teenage boy Ayato had to navigate a new world while being the key to control the winged giant RahXephon.

Not just your usual 70s Super Robot, Zambot 3 is more than just a battle between good and evil, but also about endurance, perseverance and the unyielding heart to do what’s right.

Expanding upon the original work of Yokoyama-sensei, GR: The Day The Earth Stood Still introduces a world where the supernatural and super-technology co-exist. And in the midst of that is a Giant Robo.

If you fancy beautiful girls cladded in sleek power armor fighting cyborg crimes, then Bubblegum Crisis is the choice for you, with amazing 90s cyberpunk dystopia atmosphere!

The Cyber Beast Force may have disbanded, but their burning hearts are still raging. Dancouga combines once again to fight an unexpected enemy. Is it human, or something else much more sinister?

Suit up! It’s time for some Oni hunting! An anime tribute to the Tokusatsu genre, Shikizakura show us the power of hope, willpower and compassion to overcome any darkness.

The bullet-train robot is back! Two young kids take on a new threat to protect the world. Shinkalion Z takes off after its predecessor and set itself apart from other Takara series.

A song that rings during the apocalypse. Vivy is a bold idea involving a century of fighting and yearning. Vivy will bring your visual and auditory sense to the max!

What is a true Ally of Justice? What kind of “Heroism” is worth fighting for? Linebarrels of Iron is a manga that you won’t be able to put down!

Hot-blood, explosive and FIRE! S-CRY-ed tells a badass yet emotional adventure of two youths on their way to unravel the truth of a world changed forever.

Absolute music, Absolute animation, and…Absolute LIVE! Macross Delta Zettai Live brought the emotional climax of Hayate and Freyja story to a breathtaking conclusion.

A hidden gem of a steam-punk mecha anime. Gad Guard literally start from a hidden “gem”. If you fancy some noir mecha x vigilante style with awesome OST, this is the series for you.

A man who lost everything decided to throw away himself for revenge. A mysterious threat from space with an unthinkable objective. Experience the masterful visual of Argento Soma.

An alternate and expansion of the famous “Doan’s Island” of Gundam 0079, Cucuruz Doan’s Island focus on the characters that further show us the cruelty of war.

The finale of the Sidonia no Kishi animated saga. Ai no Tsumugu Hoshi gives us the climax of the Gauna War and conclude the story between Tanikaze and Tsumugi.

An alternate version of the tv series – Macross Delta Passionate Walkure condense the action, music and plot into one movie to setup for entirely new events.

Macross’ music power is taken to a new heights with Macross Delta – where an idol group fight alongside Variable Fighter pilots on the frontline.

A story about the beginning of the Macross saga. Macross Zero commemorates the franchise 20th Anniversary with a lot of love for the first Variable Fighters.

A new Iron Castle is in town! Shin Mazinger The Impact: Z-Chapter bring back the Iron Castle with the age-old question: Will you become a God, or a Devil?

The next and maybe final Fafner saga to conclude the journey for the Azure sky. Fafner: The Beyond bring us to the climax, both in terms of story as well as action.

A new saga opened after the movie, Exodus brought us the best Fafner experience yet. Amazing visuals with compelling story and character arcs, the Azure has returned for more!

It’s not just us that can appreciate the azure sky. Another decisive battle approaches Tatsumiyajima. With new animation and new design, where does Heaven and Earth bring us?

Deep in the azure sky, children are risking their lives for the survival of mankind. The start of an endless struggle for hope in the face of an unforgiving enemy.

The third and most different Aquarion series, Logos show us how powerful words can be. The concept is interesting and unique, however its execution still leave much to be desired.

A good old crossover between fan-favorite superheroes from Tatsunoko Pro. Four heroes come together to save a young girl as well as the fate of the universe(s).

The continuation of the first movie – and the end of the triangle. The wings of the Valkyrie wave its goodbye in Macross Frontier: Sayonara no Tsubasa.

A retelling of the Macross Frontier tv series – with new story, new VFs and new songs. Itsuwari no Utahime explore a different direction of the Triangle.

A short, impactful and gorgeous OVA, Gunbuster was Hideaki Anno’s first director work and definitely one of the best. A great starter for new and old fans.

Amidst world full of greed and power struggle between adults, the young children has to fight for their own survival. To protect their friends, they have to forfeit their humanity, to become a Liberator.

Every legend has a start. The most influential mecha franchise started over 40 years ago with an iconic anime that broke new grounds: Mobile Suit Gundam 0079.

Sunrise Beyond demonstrate how good they can draw mecha with Kyoukai Senki. A story where a normal boy rise up and struggle against his nation’s oppressors.

Faced with an alien invasion, a divided Germany stand on the frontline of two wars at the same time. It’s up to the 666th TSF Squadron – Schwarzesmarken – to pave the way for the future.

Faced with an alien invasion, a divided Germany stand on the frontline of two wars at the same time. It’s up to the 666th TSF Squadron – Schwarzesmarken – to pave the way for the future.

After thousands of years, the legendary Solar Wing awakened once again to protect humanity from extradimensional threat. Sousei Gattai! Go, Aquarion Evol!

An inspiring mecha journey from Peter Tieryas. Mecha Samurai Empire promises intense giant robot combat and an emotional coming-of-age story

Evangelion ANIMA – A story about self-growth, building determination and forging your own path. Along with badass mecha action.