Overall: 8.8
Adventure galore and a story to boot. Intriguing characters, great acting and an interesting script make "Endless Waltz" pretty darn good. And though the film tells a self contained story, much of the back story and the significance of character actions can't be fully appreciated without a broader understanding of the "Gundam Wing" universe.
Story: 7.0
At its foundation the film is simple, the Gundam pilots fending off a threat to Earth's peace. But the story is layered with human interest and weighty political themes.
Character Development: 8.0
Most of the character development that occurs spins off of developments from the TV series, although director Yasunao Aoki draws compelling emotional arcs regardless. Mariemaia, though she begins villainous, embraces a more humanitarian interpretation of her father's ambition.
Art/Animation: 8.0
Dynamic mecha battles are the name of the game -- the animation soars and zooms along with the gundam suits.
Translation/Acting: 10.0
Both acting and translation deserve top honors. Not a glitch hinder the translation and the entire cast voices talent.
MPAA Equivalent: PG
Fighting abounds, but there is nothing graphic.
Format:
The DVD extras are nothing to write home about -- Play, Scene Access, Credits (DVD credits only) and Trailers for "Mobile Suit Gundam," "Gundam 0083," "Gundam Wing" and "Blue Submarine No. 6."
X-Factors
Is That a Gundam in Your Pocket…Factor: 8.0
Size matters. Bigger Gundam Suits mean more power.
