Ranked #790

UFO Robo Grendizer

Grendizer AKA Goldorak or Goldrake is a very special case as it is the very first Japanese animation series to be very successful in Quebec, Italy, France and central Europe at the beginning of the eighties.

It was BECAUSE of this anime that audience from these countries became aware of what is Japanese animation, BECAUSE of this anime that parents and some politicians had a negative prejudice over Japanese Animation but more importantly BECAUSE of this anime big success that all the public and private channels had broadcasted almost everyday Japanese animation for more than a decade (until the beginning of the nineties : when Hokuto no Ken was broadcasted at a time when children was watching TV (!!!) it created a tremendous trauma to parents who then put pressure on TV channels to stop showing all these “stupid” cartoons from Japan). Therefore, you understand easily that Grendizer/Goldorak had directly and indirectly a phenomenal cultural impact. At that time, songs and themes specific for each country even get several Golden records. Nowadays, it still enjoy a cult status in many places (but of course among the eighties generation :-) ).

Be as it may, what about the anime itself?

Created by Go Nagai (Mazinger, Cutey Honey), the anime is a classic super robot anime focusing on the adventure of a team of young heroes struggling against invaders coming from outer space. Sounds like a simple plot full of Manichaeism but it gives the opportunity to develop cunning ploy, funny robot design and original ideas for each episode.

Ok Let’s face it, the art is completely outdated by today’s standards. But hey! This was the charm of the Seventies! Anyway it should be noted that Shingo Araki (Saint Seiya, Lady Oscar) was the animation director and was involved in the character design.

Because many songs was created for different countries’ audiences, depending on which language you speak, the songs could very enjoyable: good pop/rock heroic style.

Good character development through the episode as we understand the ties between the heroes. It is easy to feel empathy with the characters even the evil ones as they may be victim of their political system : instrument of a dictatorship, martyr of their people, brainwashed children, traitors and even lovers…

French Dubbing involved a great deal of effort and voice talents (especially Michel Gatineau and Daniel Gall), and is very enjoyable. I also heard that the Italian one is very good. Maybe some Russians can tell us about the Russian Dubbing? I have no clue about the English one if any.

Overall, this anime is part of a cultural phenomenon in Quebec and Continental Europe and if you can overcome the aged art, then you will discover a great heroic adventure full of optimism and charismatic characters and which have made a whole generation of children dream about future, space and hope for mankind…
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