Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space

This is a film compiling the events of Mobile Suit Gundam, from the aftermath of Jaburo up to the ending.

The film cuts quite a fair bit compared to the cuts from the previous two films, with the major cuts being the duel with M'quve at Texas colony, and the entire character of Challia Bull. It would be a fair argument to say these are inconsequential or even worthwhile cuts, but I think the decision to completely omit an ending to M'quve's character is pretty unsatisfying.

Not that the watcher really has time to lament any of that, as by far this film features the most exciting parts of the original series, Solomon and A Baoa Qu, and the spectacle is very well shown. The compilation films have gained a reputation for changing much of the original script to properly introduce and discuss the 'Newtype' theory that is placed at the forefront during the final parts of the series, which while in the first two films these changes made some scenes drag with philosophical nonsense, in this film, the viewer is given so much more visual reference for the abilities and realities of Newtypes, and makes for a pretty decent payoff, despite how explicitly Newtypes are foreshadowed.

The animation remains very distinct, as with the previous films, however on this occasion there have been far fewer touch-ups, as at around this stage of the original series, the art was actually pretty consistent. The new mecha introduced are absolute classics, with the Gelgoog being a standout, a really intimidating design that incorporates much of the designs of previous MS. The Gundam, however, stays the same, now at the end of its cutting-edge status. I do have to mention the iconic Big Zam, a genuinely terrifying mobile armor that serves as a fitting coffin for Dozle, may he rest in power. Although many of the stranger designs are cut from this film, there is still thankfully a presence of weirdness with the Big Zam, even if the Zakrello is cut.

As with the previous films the G-Armor is cut, a change courtesy of director Tomino's full control of the film, free of the grip of dastardly toy companies.

The ending song, "Meguriai" is just so amazing, and makes the ending scene incredibly powerful, definitely evoking the feeling of reuniting with family after so much hardship. Music on a whole maintains the quality established in the first two films and the series, and is definitely a strength.

It's quite difficult to say whether I recommend the compilation films over the series in most cases, and I tend to side with the series despite its pretty obvious (and charming) flaws, but for the third film, I would say it is worth watching, and can even serve as a replacement for the final part of the series. That is, provided you've at least given the original series a go.