Giant Robo the Animation: The Day the Earth Stood Still is a tale of love, peace, war and scientific triumph. It is ultimately about a global energy crisis which results in the founding of a renewable energy source, the "Shizuma Drive". The allure of inventing such a groundbreaking energy device invites the co opted scientists to betray one another in pursuit of fame and fortune, an unfortunately common occurence seated within the seeds of human progress. As the story unfolds, we meet a diverse cast of characters each with their own desires, dreams and regrets. The main character "Daisaku Kusama" is a 12 year old boy who was left with the invention of his father "Giant Robo". He is taken under the wing of a global security force known as "The Experts of Justice" and learns the values these parental figures instill in him, of what it means to be an adult. Throughout the course of this narrative, he experiences the great sacrifice and inevitable tragedy of war, in the pursuit of an ideal. Much of the conflict stems from the inner turmoil of these characters who've lost their father figure.
A question arises, "Is it possible to achieve happiness without sacrifice?". This question is posed many times to our protagonist as he searches for his own meaning within this struggle. The loss of his father instills in him a purpose to carry out his father's wishes of saving the world and making up for his past misdeeds. This drive is contrasted with Genya's goals of world domination, who mistakenly believes it is his sole purpose to exact revenge on mankind for their ignorance, propelled by the dying words of his own father who never revealed the entire truth to him. For Ginrei, this compassion for her father is in conflict with her purpose and makes her conflicted about where her true loyalties lie. It is in believing the words of our fathers that sets us in to motion, for better or worse. Giant Robo embodies the good in humanity, he acts as a surrogate father to Daisaku, serving to remind him of his final words, it gives him the strength to move on. This strikes at the heart of what Giant Robo is about, gone are the days of youth, we must learn how to live when the ones we care about are gone. It is in this shared experience that compassion is born from. Ginrei and Tetsugyu are reminded of themselves in these brave acts by Daisaku and take the first step towards healing, engaging honestly with themselves and the people around them. Just like Daisaku was inspired by Taisou, so too does he inspire others. Taisou does not ultimately die for the grand goal of saving the world or even the powerful Giant Robo. He does so to encourage Daisaku to learn from his failures and try again, to live, we're all in this together.
"The beautiful night" is a phrase that appears throughout. It alludes to the history of mankind discovering fire, illuminating the night and thus freeing us of our fear for the unknown. In other words, it makes known of mankind's great qualities and is the most paramount example of man's journey and progress. Giant Robo is no stranger from indulging in what it thinks is "cool" and is a beautifully directed piece drawing inspiration from many sources. Notably it draws many character designs from the Edo period of Japan. It contrasts this historical period with a more modern setting and future technological advances to create a unified image of human history where progress and innovation are ever persistent forces supporting each other. It also just looks visually cool.
Giant Robo doesn't give a conclusive answer on "Is it possible to achieve happiness without sacrifice?". What it does do however, is give meaning to the people who give their lives for what they believe in. In the words of Daisaku himself "I can't come up with an answer for that, but I'm going to fight the best I can". There is meaning in finding the answers to the question itself. Daisaku's declaration empowers Giant Robo to keep fighting, losing its left eye in the proccess, a clear callback to Daisaku's father missing his left eye and scarred. Images of his family and friends who gave their lives come to his mind and run alongside him, pushing him to take a stand alongside Giant Robo.
For Daisaku, the memories he forged with his loved ones are what gave him the strength to move forward. Conversely, Genya is on the verge of collapse, clinging to the memory of his father and forsaking the beautiful present. It seems, in his anger, he kills his sister. A recording of Genya's father plays and explains to him the entire truth finally, asking not to begrudge the other scientists as they too are concerned with the earth's energy crisus ultimately, even if they were seemingly in it for selfish reasons, we're given a more wholistic view of their character and the multi faceted nature of mankind. Genya finally contemplates what it is he's been doing for the last ten years wallowing in revenge and asks Daisaku what it is he would have done differently. The answer is clear, Daisaku never allowed for the memories of the fallen to put him on the wrong path, he fought for what he believed in was right and came to self actualisation.
As previously stated, Giant Robo isn't conclusive about answering the question of sacrifice. The epilogue reveals a new conflict to come between the "Big Fire group" and the "Experts of Justice", an allegory for the ongoing development in to adulthood and striving for self improvement within Daisaku and all of humanity. We bear the responsibility to remember our forefathers and correct the mistakes of the past. In doing so, we remember those who lived. This time we might actually be able to attain a beautiful night that everyone will desire.
19 out of 20 users liked this review
