Ranked #304

Macross: Do You Remember Love?

I just saw this for the first time, 20+ years after production and I am seriously impressed with this reinterpretation. I was/am a Minmay hater. She was the main reason why I couldn't get into the Macross tv series. But, she's actually likeable in this version. You almost can't hate her.

What I really enjoyed about this version is Misa Hayase's softer/vulnerable side. I think her sensitivity wasn't as obvious in the Robotech Macross series (or maybe my memory is just fuzzy because it was a long time ago). Here, while only a two hour film, her personality is quite likeable and you really feel for her.

As the previous reviewer stated, this movie should be (if not already) the benchmark of all anime movies. Animation, sound, story, characters are all great and still enagaging and exciting after more than 20 years since release.

I highly recommend this to those interested in some Macross nostalgia as well as those who want to see what makes 80's anime so classically historical and beloved. read more

When it was initially released, Macross: Do You Remember Love? was a benchmark by which other anime films would be judged. Its beautiful, detailed animation holds up even today, over 20 years later. This is in no small part due to the always gorgeous work of character designer Mikimoto Haruhiko, and now-legendary mechanical designer Kawamori Shoji.

In comparison to the TV series, Do You Remember Love? solves a lot of the problems people have with it. The animation holds up much better. There are no shortcuts or sudden drops in quality due to budget constraints. In addition, the movie format cuts a lot of the slower parts of the story that put off some fans. The pace is much more consistent, and downtime is minimal.

On the downside, the shorter format sends any development of minor characters out the window. Roy and Claudia's relationship, Max and Milia's relationship, all personality of Kanzaki, the bridge bunnies, and all of the Zentradi... these aspects are all greatly cut back if not gone altogether. This is a typical consequence of converting TV series to feature film format, so it's not something one can hold against Do You Remember Love. However, you will feel a better connection to these characters if you've seen the TV series first.

The music utilizes many of Minmay's songs from the TV series, with the addition of the title track "Do You Remember Love?" The song itself becomes a major plot point, and at about 9 minutes in length plays over the whole climactic battle sequence. Iijima Mari was also propelled into pop stardom in her own right due to the mainstream popularity of the single.

I definitely recommend Do You Remember Love? to anyone interested in the Macross franchise, as well as anyone interested in the best of 80's anime. read more