After nearly 20 years, the long-awaited new installment in the “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” series, “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM,” is now streaming on Prime Video starting June 8. The “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” series, set in the “Cosmic Era” (C.E.), depicts the epic struggle between genetically enhanced humans (Coordinators) and naturally born humans (Naturals). The original series aired from 2002 to 2003, followed by its sequel “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY” from 2004 to 2005, with various media spin-offs keeping the story alive over the years.
The latest film, “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM,” hit theaters on January 26, 2024, marking a significant milestone by surpassing the 1982 release “Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space” in box office revenue. As of May 22, the film has grossed 4.82 billion yen and attracted 2.88 million viewers.
Fans’ excitement for the new release is palpable. To celebrate the streaming of “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM,” we at Anime! Anime! launched a reader submission project, inviting fans to share their thoughts and memories of the “Gundam SEED” series. The responses reflect the series’ broad appeal, resonating equally with both men and women.
Here are some highlights from the comments we received (Translated from Japanese):
• “I remember binge-watching it all the way to the final episode after a friend recommended it to me. Watching Kira struggle alongside his childhood friend Athrun made me ponder how they could stop the war together.” (Female, 40s)
• “I watched it in real-time and it was my first Gundam obsession. ‘DESTINY’ was tough to watch because of the hardships faced by Athrun, Cagalli, and Shinn.” (Female, 40s)
• “My first Gundam series was SEED. I stumbled upon it while flipping channels as a middle schooler 15 years ago and was instantly hooked by the amazing animation and the voices of Hoshi and Ishida. I wasn’t an otaku, but I became one just to follow the series.” (Female, 30s)
• “I got into Gunpla thanks to ‘Gundam SEED,’ my first Gundam series as an elementary school kid. I collected many SEED models.” (Male, 20s)
• “I watched SEED on DVD with my brother in middle school and fell in love with Athrun and Cagalli’s unresolved relationship. I even collected fan-made doujinshi about them.” (Female, 30s)
• “Unlike previous series, ‘FREEDOM’ uses a lot of CG for the mecha, which adds a new charm. The emotional scenes, especially Kira expressing his longing for Lacus, moved me to tears. The timing of the music, like ‘Meteor’ and ‘FREEDOM,’ was perfect. I love this movie and hope for a sequel.” (Female, 19)
• “I’ve been a fan since the original SEED. The 20-year wait for this movie was worth it. The battles are more intense and visually stunning. Seeing characters like Shinn, Athrun, and Cagalli evolve was fantastic. I loved the nostalgia and new experiences combined in ‘SEED FREEDOM.’ I can’t get enough of this series!” (Female, 40s)
• “The homage scenes to previous SEED series, like Duel Blitz’s Grapnel scene, were thrilling!” (Male, 20s)
• “After a friend got me into ‘Gundam SEED,’ my favorite scenes are all of Strike Freedom’s victorious battles. The acrobatic maneuvers and Kira’s triumphs are exhilarating. ‘FREEDOM’s’ Black Knight battle was especially thrilling.” (Male, 10s)
• “As a fan since the original SEED 20 years ago, this movie was worth the wait. Please make a sequel!” (50s)
• “Watching ‘SEED FREEDOM’ in theaters was nothing but emotional. It felt nostalgic yet new, with Kira still being Kira, Shinn maturing, and Athrun becoming an admirable adult. I loved seeing Maru and Mu’s relationship and the glimpse into other characters’ lives. The fall of the Archangel was surprising but fitting. The mecha designs are fantastic, and I can’t wait for the new Gunpla kits.” (Male, 20s)
Thank you to everyone who shared their heartfelt comments. Your passion for the “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” series shines through in every word. The HD remastered versions of the series are also available on Prime Video, so why not revisit the world of SEED and enjoy the new “SEED FREEDOM” release?
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