Similar to the previous film, the second installment is approximately 2 hours long. While that's quite lengthy for a movie, it's always worth noting that certain elements have been condensed to emphasize the film's core themes. This is by no means a real concern, as it provides a clear understanding of each character.
There's a substantial amount to unpack in this movie. The amount of information presented may be a bit overwhelming, but given the heightened stakes in this movie, it's understandable.
The bulk of the film centers around the main characters and the White Base in a significant military operation, among other battles. Additionally, the concept of Newtypes is explored, with many characters commenting on it, although they remain uncertain about what a Newtype is supposed to be. The film also delves into the morality of both Zeon and the Federation, depicting soldiers and officials engaging in actions that could be seen as both noble and questionable.
The title "Soldiers of Sorrow" is very fitting for this chapter, as there are several deaths in this film and a rather serious sequence of events throughout. The main character, Amuro, continues to have his will to go on tested, although he is not without his faults himself. We also witness the character development and the building of relationships between other characters such as Char, Sayla, Kai, and Frau.
Much like its predecessor, I would say this film effectively conveys its intended vision to the audience. It's a tightly woven story that, while condensed, certainly meets the expectations set by the previous one.
