Watch Macross II

Macross II is an anime science-fiction movie released in 1992. It is a sequel to the famous Macross anime series that was released in the 1980s, and it takes place around eighty years after the movie adaptation of the series, Macross: Do You Remember Love? The movie was directed by Kenichi Yatagai and produced by Big West and Square. It is a visually stunning movie with lavish animation, excellent use of colors, and a mighty soundtrack.

The movie's plot circles around Ishtar, a mysterious, young woman with unknown origins who sings songs that drive people insane. She is discovered by Hibiki Kanzaki, a news reporter of the battle-cruiser fleet Marduk, and his team on one of their assignments. Hibiki's editor put immense pressure on him to get a big story to win a prestigious journalism award, and they are excited when they come across Ishtar. She is taken away by the Marduk fleet when a battle breaks out between them and the military. The Marduk fleet is headed by Emperor Ingues, who presents himself as an envoy from a foreign planet, and he is seeking assistance from humans to fight his enemy.

Macross II incorporates several key themes, character motivations, and plot elements that are in line with the general Macross series. One of the prominent themes is the idea of music and its power to shape human emotions, which has been a common thread throughout the franchise. However, the movie takes it a step further by making music a central plot device. Ishtar's voice has significant emotional, mental, and physical effects on people, and the Marduk exploit this to their advantages. Intriguingly, instead of treating Ishtar as a weapon, she is portrayed as a vulnerable character who is looking for a home and acceptance.

The movie also addresses the issue of identity, belonging, and the fear of the unknown. Ingues' motivations for coming to earth is not as cut and dry as it appears, and the military's dogmatic belief that all aliens are hostile and should be destroyed only aggravates the situation. The Marduk's ambiguous intentions help to create tension and uncertainty, and the audience is left guessing about their true motivations.

In typical Macross fashion, the movie features a love triangle between Hibiki, his childhood friend, and fellow reporter Silvie Gena, and the mysterious Ishtar. While the love triangle is not as central to the plot as it was in previous installments, it still adds a layer of human emotion and complexity to the story.

The action sequences in Macross II are grandiose and breathtakingly animated. The use of mechas and fighter planes in battle scenes is as impressive as expected. The blending of 2D animation and 3D CGI gives the battles a more realistic feel and elevates the movie's visual aesthetics. The film's final confrontation is visually stunning and the perfect climax for the story.

Although Macross II is a sequel to the Macross series, it is self-contained enough that audiences who are unfamiliar with the franchise can enjoy it. However, being a fan of the series will undoubtedly enrich the viewing experience as they will be able to pick up on references and Easter eggs.

In conclusion, Macross II is an excellent addition to the Macross franchise. The movie takes the themes and motifs from its source material and expands upon them, bringing new ideas to the table while retaining the heart and soul of the previous installments. The animation, sound design, and world-building are all top-notch, making it a must-watch for fans of the series or anyone who enjoys a good anime Sci-Fi movie.