Story & Writing: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Art: 3.5/5
Sound: 5/5
Avg: 8.8/10
Beyond just the action and intense mecha battles, Gundam I also has a terrific balance of drama, character development, a flawed protagonist, memorable enemy characters that you slightly cheer for, and very realized factions on each side. The story starts off quickly, but takes time to world build and allow for slight realism of letting us watched inexperienced 'good guys' trying to figure out how to fight back and survive. But after the initial build-up, it doesn't let up, surely buoyed by cutting out hours of extra time from the original show. The slowly developing "Newtype" concept is intriguing as well.
The writing actually most excelled for me when building characters, taking time to show their personalities, the power plays, motivations, and dilemmas they deal with. Char, without much screen time, steals the show on a charismatic level. Amuro is frustrating and melodramatic, but he's also a moody teenage boy, and not a soldier, and it would be less believable if he behaved otherwise. They build appeal with side characters as well, who are understated but distinct, and grow on you. This movie shows instead of tells, doesn't waste time, and takes itself seriously enough that you can immerse into the world of the Universal Century.
The art is passable but surely good for its time. Oh and can we talk about that sound editing!? Great Japanese voice acting, and music, but the sound when it comes to ships and mechs as they take off, fire weapons, and the dynamic stereo utilization of passing mechs and vehicles, is impeccable. Underrated in my opinion.
