
Series Recommendation: Mobile Suit Gundam – Cucuruz Doan’s Island
It’s the scent of battle that draw conflicts to you, Doan….
I will get rid of it for you.
I will get rid of it for you.
The infamous episode of the original Mobile Suit Gundam – “Doan’s Island” – has been made into a feature length movie by Sunrise – with updated graphics, animation and story. There’s a lot of controversy around the episode, particularly that Director Tomino himself wasn’t very fond of the episode and that the art direction still left much to be desired. However, if we just take the film at its own merit, it is a good expansion on the actual episode itself.
Cucuruz Doan’s Island tell the story of a small landmark in the ocean – where the White Base was ordered to investigate an SOS signal by the Federation. Amuro and the team sortied with their Mobile Suits to the strange island, and the White Base team was greeted with some…unusual inhabitants. Things took a turn for the worse when Amuro and the Gundam fell off a cliff and declared missing. But of course, our hero isn’t about to lose his life from a simple fall, and he found himself lying on a strange bed, and experiencing a strange life that he has never seen before. All the while the Federation and the Zeon Principality continued to extend their threat of war.
+ Plot: The movie expanded the basic plot of the original episode and add some more intricacies to it. It didn’t actually clash directly with 0079 but still have many different events that played out differently. They had to tell a more compelling story into 1 hour and 48 minutes. Although this movie is more focused on the Amuro’s interaction with the inhabitants of the island and Doan himself. Well, if you watch this movie, then you either must have watched the original Gundam series, or this movie will feel completely alien to you, and this recommendation would probably make not much sense.
Doan in this episode is pretty much the same Doan in the tv series, the only things that changed, or rather, gets added is Amuro’s changes around the kids on the island, as well as the children themselves. There’s much more focus on them and Doan became a perfect foil for all of them – Amuro, Cara, Marcos, etc… The movie emphasizes the life of the children on the island, expanded upon doan’s background and a bit of politic between the Federation and Zeon at the time, basically a bit of everything in the actual episode itself.
+ Plot: The movie expanded the basic plot of the original episode and add some more intricacies to it. It didn’t actually clash directly with 0079 but still have many different events that played out differently. They had to tell a more compelling story into 1 hour and 48 minutes. Although this movie is more focused on the Amuro’s interaction with the inhabitants of the island and Doan himself. Well, if you watch this movie, then you either must have watched the original Gundam series, or this movie will feel completely alien to you, and this recommendation would probably make not much sense.
Doan in this episode is pretty much the same Doan in the tv series, the only things that changed, or rather, gets added is Amuro’s changes around the kids on the island, as well as the children themselves. There’s much more focus on them and Doan became a perfect foil for all of them – Amuro, Cara, Marcos, etc… The movie emphasizes the life of the children on the island, expanded upon doan’s background and a bit of politic between the Federation and Zeon at the time, basically a bit of everything in the actual episode itself.
+ Animation: If you’ve seen Gundam the Origin, then Doan’s Island is pretty much the same look. The character designs are modernized and drawn with more details and expressions, although it also makes everyone looks a bit older than they are, particularly Amuro and Doan himself. Of course there’s some awkward Origin faces in there – mostly when “bad guys” accentuate their expressions too much, but overall it’s tolerable.
Mecha action are all CGI (just like The Origin). The weight of each unit can be felt with each step they take and the sound effect that comes with it. But sometimes they moved as if they are literally a fighter in an armored suit with incredible dexterity and agility. It’s quite a bit of suspension of disbelief but this is how Gundam works – especially 3DCG ones. The fights are well-animated but very scarce – a bit disproportionate compared to the movie’s runtime. But still, it does looks good.
+ Mecha Design: The titular RX-78-2 Gundam is the Origin’s design (with the new shoulder and everything), instead of the old 0079 version. This might be due to Sunrise simply reusing the model they have on hand. Might be a bit noticeable for the hardcore fans but to the majority of the audience, it wont be that impactful. The big hook is definitely the Zakus. With a pretty “funky” design that elongated the “nose” of the head – which is a nod to the weird animation model back then in the episode. You know how it was back then, Sunrise was small, and everyone was struggling to even keep the show on air. This is just a simple nod to the humble origin of the franchise back then.
Mecha action are all CGI (just like The Origin). The weight of each unit can be felt with each step they take and the sound effect that comes with it. But sometimes they moved as if they are literally a fighter in an armored suit with incredible dexterity and agility. It’s quite a bit of suspension of disbelief but this is how Gundam works – especially 3DCG ones. The fights are well-animated but very scarce – a bit disproportionate compared to the movie’s runtime. But still, it does looks good.
+ Mecha Design: The titular RX-78-2 Gundam is the Origin’s design (with the new shoulder and everything), instead of the old 0079 version. This might be due to Sunrise simply reusing the model they have on hand. Might be a bit noticeable for the hardcore fans but to the majority of the audience, it wont be that impactful. The big hook is definitely the Zakus. With a pretty “funky” design that elongated the “nose” of the head – which is a nod to the weird animation model back then in the episode. You know how it was back then, Sunrise was small, and everyone was struggling to even keep the show on air. This is just a simple nod to the humble origin of the franchise back then.
+ Music: Well, this movie’s OST certainly isn’t Unicorn-tier or Narrative-tier (where the music just kinda steal the show). The OST in Cucuruz Doan’s Island is just enough to communicate the emotional tone of the scene without overpowering it. It’s got a decent soundtrack too – a bit reminiscent if you’d like to call it that way.
+ Conclusion: The movie is not actually a “replacement” for the original episode per se, but rather an “expansion” of it. The events in the movie is an alternate version of what happened in 0079, but the characters are basically the same. Cucuruz Doan’s Island is basically a character-driven movie that serves to expand more on what the characters were like if the events were more fleshed out. The production quality is decent, and overall, an entertaining 2 hours movie.
+ Conclusion: The movie is not actually a “replacement” for the original episode per se, but rather an “expansion” of it. The events in the movie is an alternate version of what happened in 0079, but the characters are basically the same. Cucuruz Doan’s Island is basically a character-driven movie that serves to expand more on what the characters were like if the events were more fleshed out. The production quality is decent, and overall, an entertaining 2 hours movie.
Check out more recommendations:

A combination between Japanese myths and mecha. An intricate relationship between 2 girls and one guy, with intense Super Robot combat in-between.

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

Despite often being overlooked by newer fans, After War Gundam X is a must watch for any Gundam lovers.

Passion makes satisfaction. A group of student show what they can accomplish with a mecha short film that leaves you desperately wanting more!

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.

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.

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.

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 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.