May 30, 2014
When somebody says the word "mecha", we would immediately think action and robot vs robot flying and fighting each other. Yes, muv-luv did have these elements, but it also included the mindset of the characters in it.
I'll get straight to the point, Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse was a great anime that was overlooked by a lot of people.
I'll first mention why I really loved this anime.
Storyline:
I feel like the storyline for Muvluv is very original especially since we get to see and experience what is happening in the backlines during an all-out war.
It starts off by giving us a feeling of despair and
...
darkness because even the most advanced mechas get taken down by the B.E.T.A.. However, after the first two episodes it shifts the point-of-view of the anime towards the events happening in the back lines of the fight. Because of this view, we are given front row seats to see the character relationships and experience the character development more in depth. Although the action is lacking compared to some other mecha anime, MuvLuv makes up for it by showing us the mindset of the people and why they do what they do. But nevertheless, the action scenes were still gorgeous. The story not only tackles issues that are personal, it also ponders national and even global themes. I really love how accurate they show human reaction especially during the brink of despair.
Characters: The characters were very dynamic in a sense that even the interactions were very entertaining. Also, the character development was very interesting to watch, especially for our three "main" characters. Yuuya Bridges, Yui Takamura, and Cryska Barchenowa. First about Yuuya, he starts off as a cocky young pilot who thinks he is the best in the world, but then after experiencing near death situations with his comrades, he began to develop not only a sense of humility but also a sense of caring and responsibility. Yui Takamura, a member of the japanese guard on the other hand started off acting like a stuck-up woman to her comrades especially Yuuya. She always was pushing others away and testing them because it was her job. But as the series goes on she eventually removes herself from isolation and accepts the help of others and even make others her role model.
Cryska, a member of the soviet flight, started out as a really cold persona, all she cared about was doing the job that was set-out for her and taking care of her "sister" Inia. Though, through interactions with the other characters in the story she gradually changes ad in the end found something very worthwhile for her to protect. However, thats not all, the side characters were also very interesting. They were not only there to serve as side characters, a lot of them became catalysts so that the main characters can act on something of have more development. Another addition is that all of the actions of the characters have a drive for it, not just done without just reason.
Art and Sound: The art used in this anime is really beautiful considering the budget allotted for it. The character designs were very detailed and the mechas looked awesome, even the aliens looked crisp and colorful. As for the sound, the first opening, "Go to the Top" was very catchy and was destined for this series.
Slight Nuances(spoilers):
The love triangle that is Yui, Yuuya, and Cryska felt a litle forced at times but was never an actual hindrance to the story. If they wanted to highlight this relationship, they should have done so otherwise utting it to the side might not be a bad idea. They also could have improved the fight scene music to give it a more "epic" feeling.
Overall: MuvLuv contains enjoyment that is not found in the surface level. You have to look at the intricacies of the characters and the story itself. Ultimately this was still a very good show that gives us a new view of things both personally and beyond.
If you enjoy mecha anime that involves much mindset and character development this show is a definite much watch.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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