From: 4mckenzie_m@spcvxb.spc.edu
Newsgroups: rec.arts.anime
Subject: Re: GUNDAM: CHAR'S COUNTERATTACK:  So, what's the big deal?
Date: 11 Jan 93 18:42:35 GMT
Organization: St. Peter's College, US

In article <1i8f0iINN45u@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu>, bn981@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Ryan Mathews) writes:
>  
>>So, what's the big deal about this, supposedly one of the best pieces of
>>Gundam fiction out there?

> Well, I'll add my article to the slew that will undoubtedly follow.
 
Me too. 

>It was actually the first Gundam I ever saw, which may have something to do 
>with it, but I can also give specific reasons.

It was the first Gundam picture that I saw, also.  I had read bits and pieces 
about it, but when I got it I had no script and no general idea about what was 
going on.  After countless viewings and a script, I have a complete idea of the 
film.  I do like it above other Gundam features that I saw (0083 comes close; 
and I never saw 0080), and it is A LOT better than F-91. 

> -- The animation is probably the best of any Gundam feature yet produced.
> The battle scenes are "kick-ass", for lack of a better phrase.  I especially
> like the tricks the Nu Gundam is able to do with the "funnels" it launches
> from its back.

My thoughts exactly.  People who've borrowed CCA from me have their socks 
knocked off the first time they see the Sazabi launching.  The battle scenes 
were well done, and the animation was flawless. 
>I like the  soundtrack.  Can't really get to specific as too why; I just
> thought it was well-done.

Don't be ashamed.  I thought the soundtrack was fantastic, ranking right up 
there with the STAR WARS or STAR TREK films.  
  
> -- As for the story: I have to give the writer credit for having the guts
> to create a completely unsympathetic character.  Quess is a spoiled,
> annoying, little shit and she's supposed to be that way.  In a very real
> sense, she's more the villain that Char is...
>Char uses the girl like a tool, all while she believes she's using him.

Good point.  She a psycho, right down to her bones.  The fact that she was a 
Newtype didn't help, either.  The sad thing is that Char used her as a means to 
an end--a tool, as you said.  However, I think she was just obsessed with 
Char--she didn't believe she was using him.  Just my HO.

> 	I also like CCA because it explores the characters of Char and Amuro
> and brings their struggle to a dramatic conclusion.  The story ended the
> only way it could end, in mutual death.  (Sorry, Sea Wasp. :-) )

That was one of the most emotional movie scenes I ever saw.  A cousin of mine 
cried when he saw it (had to explain it to her).  Freinds of mine thought it 
odd that the two main characters should die, but that was the only way the 
story could be concluded, like you said. 

> CCA does have its flaws.  Amuro and Char arguing sociology and politics as 
> they fight to the death seemed a little odd the first time I watched it.  
> When Char's rival for Quess' affections is blown up, the event happens so 
> suddenly that I often miss it and have to rewind the tape.

That much is true about Amuro and Char.  Face it--in the middle of a fight in 
deep space, who the f**k has time to spout this stuff?  Gyunei's death at 
Amuro's hands is very quick, and you do miss it on the first try.
 
> Still, like I said, this movie is definitely one of my favorites.

It's one of mine too.  It's worth watching, definitely. 

> 			---------- Ryan Mathews
>

M. Mckenzie
St. Peter's College
"Kill me? Those are pretty tough words for a pussy!" 
              --Jean LacQuemonde, from STRIKER
Newsgroups: rec.arts.anime