Ranked #406

Macross Plus

Macross Plus is a 4-episode OVA series, produced by Studio Nue. Triangle Staff
and Bandai Visual. It was released in 1994, with an exceptional standard of production for its time, then oft considered the pinnacle of anime. Going back and watching the anime 12 years after it was produced, I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I knew very little about it, only that it had a good reputation. I soon discovered that I would not be underwhelmed by the OVA, which presented a lavish production, strong (although not flawless) characterisation, and a unique plot. I feel now that my expectations were too low, and although it could have been better, the show was certainly a remarkable achievement upon its release, and remains even now a stunning anime, with real emotional impact, and provoking science-fiction themes. While it has a number of flaws that stop it from being as great as other anime I have seen, it has not been outdated in its themes or in its animation, and is an irrefutably entertaining watch.

The animation is just fantastic; I can truly understand what older fans are referring to when they reminisce on the hand-drawn animation of days passed. Although some (minimal) CG was used in Macross Plus, it was traditionally produced before the age of digicel. As such, this means the show lacks the crisp and vibrant look of some of the better more modern anime, but in contradistinction, there is a higher level of detail than what we could nowadays expect from all but the finest in anime. This is especially true of mechanical objects, such as the mecha and jets, which are rendered in beautiful detail with every frame, allowing for some of the most spectacular mecha and aerial fight sequences I have ever seen. The level of detail is high, and the fluidity is astounding at times, to the point where there seems to be more happening on screen than you can possibly appreciate. The aesthetics of the anime shine in other ways as well, such as the colourful and vivid displays of Sharon’s concerts, which prove that there is more to the animation than technical excellence. Of course, this was all made possible by the bloated production values this OVA was blessed with, and they are certainly one of the reasons that this OVA is really elevated above the crowd.

There is one more element to the production that deserves appraisal, and that is the music, composed by the masterful Yoko Kanno, which compliments the visuals so beautifully at times that it transforms the events unfolding into a profound experience. Given that a part of the story revolves thematically around a singer, much of the emotion the OVA evokes is triggered through song, particularly the beautiful vocals. Few composers/singers can accomplish this so powerfully as Yoko Kanno/Gabriela Robin, and while the score overall is not one of her best, when it really counts, the music is there to move the viewer. Most notably, the track Information High launches the viewer into the fourth episode with a climatic and energetic feel, while the exotic, alien-esque singing of ‘Torch Song’ makes one of the final emotional climaxes unforgettable. Music is always very important to me, and without Kanno’s excellent score, and the vocal talent involved, Macross Plus would not have been nearly as memorable.

The story is an aspect of the show that is not so great. While the core ideas that the plot is built upon are highly original, and the show does explore some excellent science-fiction themes (such as the nature of artificial intelligence verses the real human consciousness), the problem is in its execution, and in the array of smaller details that surround the plot. I felt that the pacing of the show was flawed, as it did not seem to progress in the optimal storytelling pattern of building up to a climax, but until the final episode just sort of meanders. Fortunately, the very strong ending episode, which pulls in all the loose plot threads for a fantastic conclusion, does make up for the lacklustre plot progression of the majority of the series and, being an OVA (rather than a TV series) the effects of such flaws in the pacing are not so unfavourable. The other problem with the story would include the plot threads relating to the personal involvement of the main characters, and the way their relationship in the past is used as a plot device in the present. While the dialogue on the show was well-written, the way Myung, Guld and Isamu’s history is gradually brought to light seemed sloppily done, remaining obscured for too long, so that their dramatic conflicts were often baffling rather than profound. And when we finally found out about what had torn them apart, it was laughed off and did not provide any extra emotional ‘kick’ to the resolution. It was almost as though the twist that Gurd was the one at fault all along was added as some kind of afterthought or as a last resort to wrap up the conflict between him and Isaumu.

I have several nitpicks when it comes to some of the show’s logic, most prominently is the question of HOW the Sharon hologram was able to projected from all angles in all places? It might sound pedantic but I thought that was a rather major flaw for a show that supposes itself science fiction. I mean, sure, technology is much more advanced, but I don’t see how they could possibly create such a hologram (unless it is powered by tiny robots in the air, but they would have to be able to move as fast as a jet plane in that case (as her image was projected from inside the moving jet in several instances). Or was the audience supposed to assume that at that point Sharon had become some kind of hallucination caused by her tampering with their brainwaves through her singing? I was lost.

The characters were somewhat of a mixed success, in that the fundamental characterisation is really very strong, but before long it becomes apparent that they lack a certain depth and believability that comes with well-developed characters. Isamu is easily the most interesting of the three; he is hot-headed and reckless, and he makes no excuses for himself. He exhibits character traits not often found in anime, and that makes him instantly stand-out. At times his thoughtless actions were very annoying, but he has enough redeeming qualities to be enjoyed as the ‘hero’ of the story. He is a character you both love to hate and hate to love. Gurd, on the other hand, is very plain, following the age-old stoic and ‘mature’ archetype. While his presence is definitely felt, his indifferent nature makes it hard to sympathise with him, and for most of the series his sole purpose was to get in the way of Isamu. Both of these pilots were annoying at times, because of their aggressive nature towards each other, which did not feel at all justified in the end. While it was perhaps part of their characters to be physically competitive, their immature melees made it hard to appreciate them as protagonists.

Myung’s character was nothing exceptional, but she was sufficient for the role. It was almost refreshing to see a female character in anime not being written with ‘moe’ as the crux of her character, but that’s what you tend to get going back in the anime time machine a few years. Having said that, she is also lacking in appeal in almost every sense of the word; she is portrayed as being almost completely vulnerable and indecisive when it comes to Gurd and Isamu, and even to her own life. She does not display any strong traits of elegance, sexiness, or cuteness, but is a rather unlikeable character who serves purely as the object of affection of the two male characters, and to allow for the themes of artificial intelligence superseding real humans. As such, most of her character points revolve around how her work with ‘Sharon’ has affected her, and whether or not she loves Gurd or Isamu.

I was impressed by this OVA series, for its amazing production values, unforgettable music, and highly original storyline. It took a whole new angle in approaching a traditional sci-fi subject matter, and made it emotional gripping and oddly poetic. Despite its flaws in characterisation and pacing, the anime was simply awe-inspiring at times, and is overall highly enjoyable. I recommend this to all anime fans, as it has been recommended to me, but in addition, let me say that it is not exclusively for mecha or science-fiction fans, it has a story that I think everyone can appreciate. read more

It's unbelievable that there isn't a review extolling the virtues of this OVA so here's one. The Macross Plus series is directed by Shoji Kawamori and Shinichiro Watanabe (who later did Cowboy Bebop & Samurai Champloo), so Macross Plus is an early masterpiece and leading indicator/predictor that this Genius Anime Team will go on to make more masterpieces in the future.

It's been over ten years since I first watched Macross Plus (in 1994!) and I still remember nearly everything about it, probably because I've re-watched it many, many times.

*{{cue the time machine}}*
** note this was the dark ages before the internet got big and bittorrent became common, this was the age where Laser Discs were what anime was seen on as DVDs weren't ... there yet, yes I know, the Dark Ages **

Way back in 1994 I lived in Australia and them taking TWO whole years to licence OVA 3 and 4 (2 YEAR CLIFFHANGER) just about killed me and my Otaku buddies at the University Anime Club. The Club President even said at his re-election speech that he would not step down till AFTER he'd seen the end of Macross Plus, even if it meant him flunking out to stay at University one more year. Now that's dedication! Luckily they licensed it that year so we all watched it and then headed to the pubs to drink beer and discuss how GOOD it was.

The Story

Is a classic love triangle between the three protagonists who used to be childhood friends until a certain incident saw them go their separate ways. The first is Isamu, the reckless, rebellious, gung-ho fighter pilot who relies more on instinct than intellect. The second is Dyson, the responsible, mature, fighter pilot who flies his plane/mecha via a mental interface. The girl they are fighting over is Myung, who just happens to be the real voice behind the virtual superstar Idol, Sharon Apple. Myung returns for work as Sharon Apple is due to perform, and true to form the "men" just have to be manly men, fighting not only over her, but also over which fighter program - the manual vs. mental Fighter Jet will be ascendant, with the other program being "killed" ($$ taken away).

Character

Already there is great promise in the story but the way the 3 main characters act and react is .... perfect. You understand why every character does what he/she/it should do. The supporting cast is neither over nor under-utilized. I loved all 3 of them, strengths and weaknesses included.

Animation

This was very well done for the time. The fight scenes were smooth and the action choreography was tight. Effects on the virtual idol Sharon Apple were awesome as well.

Sound

To me, this is what turned this series from a great anime to a Masterpiece. The background music is perfect for every scene, and for the concert scenes the techno music is amazing. No one could be unmoved by "Voices", Myung's theme song, it sounds equally great when she sings it or when it's instrumental. The music is also central to the plot and characters in more than one way, it ties everything together by evoking the right actions and reactions so much so that the sound in this series is like another character.

The Macross plus soundtrack consists of many music genres which capture the mood of the series perfectly. After ~ In The Dark is still my favorite of them all. This is still my #1 anime OST album ever, although Escaflowne, Bebop and Eureka 7 are close behind.

Overall

Back then I thought Macross Plus was great, and after rewatching it, I still think it stacks up really well against the newer anime. A good story, characters you identify with, awesome soundtrack and well paced animation will never go out of style. Today I enjoy this as much as I did then. Please watch this if you haven't already!

P.S. IMO the OVA is still better than the movie.

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