Hathaway's Flash
Recalling the period in 2021 when the pandemic was still raging, I thought I would never have the chance to witness the sea battle between Ξ Gundam and Penelope in a theater. Time has flown by in a blink, and unexpectedly, this year, with the long-awaited release of the second theatrical film, Circe's Witch, Hathaway's Flash also hit the big screen. This epic chapter, originally destined for the cinema, has now arrived with a thrilling intensity, once again immersing audiences in the merciless bombardment of the Universal Century.
Even though I had revisited the plot many times, sitting in the dark cinema, calming my mind, clearing my thoughts, and quietly enjoying the dazzling sparks erupting from the Messer units, the mesmerizing beam rays crisscrossing the city, and the deafening rocket launch scenes that vibrated even the seats – all these sensory stimulations were magnified countless times by the theater's equipment. Even days after watching the film, that visceral experience remains vivid. The moment Hathaway entered the cockpit, just as he was about to be shot down by the "Big White Goose" (Penelope), and the Ξ Gundam made its debut, extending its massive hand – the shock I felt, even after watching it a hundred times, still gives me goosebumps. The plot then escalated through a series of desperate battles, reaching its climax until Penelope was utterly destroyed by psycho-frame missiles and plunged into the sea. Only then did everything draw to a close in the faint light of dawn. As the prelude to Alexandros's Senkou, the ending theme, began, the fervent emotions were hard to quell, and the inner cosmos ignited once more.
Circe's Witch (Spoilers Ahead)
With the lingering emotions from the first part still fresh, I held very high expectations and entered an IMAX theater for the first time to experience an even better viewing, ready to fully immerse myself in the baptism the second theatrical film was about to deliver.
As for the plot details, I'll leave them for you to experience firsthand in the cinema. However, as many online reviews have mentioned, the second part features a significant amount of dramatic dialogue, not only showcasing Hathaway's struggles between desire and emotion but also brutally depicting the inhumane atrocities committed by the Kimberly Force in Aunbell, highlighting the anti-war essence of this series. While some aspects of the plot might feel a bit somber, there are occasional moments of fan service. However, there are simply too many revealing shots of a certain character (and no, I'm not talking about the lightly dressed Gigi), which could honestly be trimmed down a bit – perhaps replace them with more cute cats! But the most amusing moment in the film has to be Lane, who sees through the chaos of the adult world, delivering that epic century-long roast: "Why would Mafty be at a tourist spot?!"
After over an hour of anticipation, the long-awaited final battle finally arrived at the end of the film. Lane, piloting the Arios, an assembled training machine based on the mass-produced ν Gundam, once again confronted Hathaway. This segment can truly be described as the director's ultimate love letter to every Char's Counterattack fan, brimming with nostalgic value. It also showcased the Ξ Gundam's awe-inspiring and brutal combat. Finally, to the classic Guns N' Roses song Sweet Child O' Mine, in the post-credits scene after the intense action, the Ξ Gundam officially revealed its true identity: "I'm not some fake Gundam!"
"I am Gundam!"
