| Text by Micheal Lee |
|
Special Thanks to Justina |
| Text by Micheal Lee |
|
Special Thanks to Justina |
Macross Plus is the most expensive OVA (Original Video Animation) created. Using the latest CG
(Computer Graphics) technology, the scenes in Macross Plus are brought to life with vivid colours and
fluid animation. Its soundtrack is recorded by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, while the vocals are
done by the notable Youko Kanno, who is the voice behind the exotic musical scores for the virtual reality
character: Sharon Apple. The producers, Ostudio Nue and Shoji Kawamori, creates an unique world
that enhances contemporary innovation with humankind’s historic achievements. "Dedicated to the
pioneers" of flight, Macross Plus takes a peek at the future of aviation. With the aid of outstanding
animation, the audience is placed in the seat of a fighter pilot’s cockpit.
The Macross cult first began with a television series, which was later transferred to a movie version
called, Do You Remember Love. Due to popular demand, many more series followed with titles such as
Macross Flashback 2012, Macross II : Lovers Again, Macross Plus, and Macross 7. Each series has a
common theme that revolves around the exploration of the human will. Though the theme has remained
constant, the days of big-eyed, small-nosed characters are long gone.
Macross Prologue
After the crash-landing of an alien vessel on Earth, humankind would be changed forever; finally the
outer limits of space were reachable. This sparks the beginning of the Macross saga and the voyages of
the SDF (Super Dimensional Fortress). Macross depicts the dawn of humankind’s exploration of deep
space. Spearheaded by the newly developed technology from the alien vessel, a bold voyage was planned
for the SDF. But before the mission could commence, Earth came under attack by the mysterious aliens
who wanted to reclaim their prize. A brutal war erupted from the encounter; victory would not come for
many years and not without casualties. With the alien threat removed, humankind was able to expand
and colonize new worlds. One of these worlds is Eden.
Eden, a paradise lost. This is the setting of a tale between three friends who were once bound by
camaraderie; but have abandoned their relationship for material wants - or is the story this simple?
Macross Plus builds a unique relationship between three main characters; Myung, Isamu, and Guld. The
story begins on the outer limits of the galaxy on a planet named Eden. Suitably named, Eden is a
paradise; a playground spared from adultery, but similar to its biblical reference, the innocence of its
inhabitants is destroyed by sin. Yet the sin committed remains unknown. Beginning with a single piece
of their history, the puzzle begins to unfold.
Character Sketch
Myung is definitely not a copy of her predecessors. The producers of Macross Plus wanted to create a
character who reflected the contemporary women. As an independent career woman, Myung has achieved
what she believes is the apex of her career. She is the producer of the most popular entertainer in the
galaxy, Sharon Apple, a virtual reality pop idol. Wealth, popularity, and power are the rewards for her
success, but she is not happy. Myung’s character is a reflection of our own misconception of success. It is
not the material that Myung desires, but the immaterial. What remains a mystery is what Myung truly
wants.
Guld balances his rival perfectly. Symmetric to Isamu in every way, Guld represents the other extreme in
personality. "Cool, calculating and conservative" best describe the test pilot of the prototype Valkyrie, the
YF-21. The introduction of a new mind-controlled fighter plane seems to fit his character perfectly. But
unbeknownst to Guld, he is being used in an experiment. Can the human mind work like a machine?
Tinkering with the idea of artificial intelligence replacing humans, Macross Plus shows a world where
technology is entirely embraced to the point where a machine is preferred over a human. While the
masses subscribe to this ideal, Guld cannot forget his humanity and his emotions. Because of the past, he
can never forget.
Isamu is a character who bears a strong resemblance to Tom Cruise. Cruise’s role as the hotshot fighter
pilot in Top Gun is the blue print for the main character in Macross Plus. For those who adored the
audacious character in Top Gun, Isamu is sure to be just as satisfying. Isamu’s animated movements and
facial expression display his determined, hot headed, gutsy character equal ( if not better ) to his live
counterpart. Whenever he walks into the scene, he lets his boyish innocence charm the audience. It is
apparent that Isamu wants to remain a boy forever, blind from the world around him, doing what he loves
most: flying. This characteristic is apparent in all of us; in a world that faces problems everywhere,
youthful innocence is priceless. But the price of innocence is even too great for Isamu, who finds no
challenge too grand, except the secret he keeps hidden within.
To be continued
Probably the most disappointing moment in Macross Plus is when the words "to be continued" appear.
Equally disappointing is the tentative release date of the much anticipated episode 4, which will be
available in May of 1996. Until then, here are a few things to look forward to. In the final episode of
Macross Plus, Isamu will finally get a chance to pit his skills against the machine controlled valkyrie the
X-9 Ghost. As well, the rivalry between Guld and Isamu will come to a conclusion, solving the puzzle
linked to their mysterious past. Though most surprising is the appearance of the SDF, reborn from the
original Macross, but this time Sharon Apple is at the helm.
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