Turn A Gundam

Synopsis

Turn A Gundam, originally titled ∀ガンダム and featuring voice work by Romi Park, is a 1999 mecha anime series that offers a unique take on the Gundam franchise. Set in a distant future where humanity has regressed technologically, the story centers on Loran Cehack, a young engineer who pilots the enigmatic Turn A Gundam. As various factions vie for control of Earth, Loran becomes caught between conflicting interests, discoveries, and the struggle to achieve peace. The series blends rich character development with philosophical themes, exploring the nature of progress, war, and human coexistence. With its distinctive art style and complex narrative, Turn A Gundam stands out as a thought-provoking and visually captivating addition to the long-running saga.

Cast

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  Romi Park

  Loran Cehack (voice)

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  Setsuji Sato

  Joseph Yaht (voice)

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  Akio Nojima

  Sid Munzer (voice)

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  Hidenari Ugaki

  Sam (voice)

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  Rio Natsuki

  Merrybell Gadget (voice)

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  Takuya Kirimoto

  Yani Obus (voice)

Reviews

Turn A Gundam has received a generally positive response from critics and fans alike, though opinions vary depending on expectations within the Gundam franchise. On IMDb, it holds a respectable rating of 7.4/10 based on thousands of user reviews, indicating solid viewer appreciation. Critics highlight its unusual setting and design, marking a departure from traditional Gundam aesthetics and storylines. Anime News Network praised the show for its "thoughtful storytelling and layered characters," noting that it challenges typical mecha tropes while offering a compelling narrative about humanity's cyclical nature. However, some fans of more action-oriented Gundam series found the pacing slower and the focus on political and philosophical themes less engaging. The series' art style, especially the mechanical designs by Syd Mead, has been frequently commended for originality and elegance. Metacritic does not have extensive data on this title, given its vintage release and niche audience, but retrospective reviews reinforce its status as a bold and innovative entry in the Gundam universe. Overall, Turn A Gundam is praised for its ambition, mature themes, and emotional depth, even if it diverges from traditional Gundam expectations.