Gundam Reconguista in G III: Legacy from Space

Gundam Reconguista in G III: Legacy from Space – A Hot Mess or Hidden Gem?

Let’s cut to the chase: Gundam Reconguista in G III: Legacy from Space is not your average Gundam flick. Directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino (the guy who started it all with the original Mobile Suit Gundam) and animated by Sunrise, this 2021 movie is the third installment in a five-part compilation series. It’s supposed to wrap up loose ends from the 2014 TV show, but let’s be real—most fans are still scratching their heads over what’s actually going on.

First off, the plot. The movie picks up with four factions clashing at Sankt Porto, each yelling about their rights. Aida, our main character, decides she’s had enough of the chaos and sets off to Towasanga, a moon colony, to find the truth. Bellri and their crew tag along, but when they get there? Shocking secrets drop. Sounds cool, right? But here’s the problem: the story is all over the place. It’s like Tomino tried to cram 50 episodes of plot into 104 minutes. One minute we’re in a heated debate about space colonies, the next we’re watching a Gundam battle that feels random. Fans on MyAnimeList are losing it—“I just didn’t care about anything in that show,” one user rants. Another adds, “The most painful for me to watch.” Ouch.

Now, the characters. Bellri is… fine? He’s a pilot with a heart, but his motivations are as clear as mud. Aida has potential—she’s determined and smart—but her arc gets lost in the chaos. The supporting cast? Forgettable. No one stands out, and when someone dies or makes a big decision, you’re left thinking, “Who even was that?” It’s a shame because Gundam is usually great at making you care about its characters. Here? Not so much.

But wait—let’s talk about the good stuff. The animation is stunning. Sunrise pulled out all the stops with fluid fight scenes and vibrant colors. The Gundams look sick—sleek, detailed, and ready to rumble. The sound design is on point too, with epic music that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a space battle. Even the haters admit: “At least G-Reco had some nice fights and sick-looking mobile suits.” That’s a win, right?

So why the hate? Well, the pacing is a disaster. The movie jumps from scene to scene without explaining anything. One minute we’re on Earth, the next we’re on the moon, and you’re left wondering how we got there. The dialogue is clunky, with characters spouting jargon that means nothing to new viewers. If you haven’t seen the TV show, good luck—you’ll be lost within the first 10 minutes. As one fan puts it, “The story is nigh-on impenetrable.”

But here’s the thing: Gundam Reconguista in G III isn’t all bad. If you’re a die-hard Gundam fan who loves Tomino’s style, you might find something to enjoy. The themes of war, identity, and humanity are there—they’re just buried under a mountain of confusion. And hey, the action is top-tier. If you’re here for cool robots blowing stuff up, you won’t be disappointed.

In the end, Legacy from Space is a mixed bag. It’s a mess of a story with forgettable characters, but the animation and action save it from being a total disaster. If you’re a casual fan, skip it. But if you’re a Gundam completionist? Give it a shot—just don’t expect to understand everything. As one user sums it up: “It’s far from being very good, but looks really good.”

At the end of the day, Gundam Reconguista in G III is a love letter to Tomino’s vision, but it’s a letter that’s been crumpled up and thrown in the trash. It’s bold, it’s messy, and it’s definitely not for everyone. But hey—at least the Gundams look cool.

Rating: 5/10 – For the animation and action, but don’t expect a coherent story.

P.S. If you’re new to Gundam, start with Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans or Gundam Wing instead. Trust me.