Macross Frontier the Movie: The False Songstress – Review

The False Songstress is the first of two Macross Frontier movies. Moreover rather than focusing on Alto and Ranka, Sheryl was the main focus on this movie, it revolved all around her. They also changed her character in many ways creating to her be more childish whenever she’s alone with Alto. I won’t go into too much detail, but I must say that I think that the series is more towards PG-13, while I have to say without a single doubt that the movie would be rated R. Macross Frontier has a lot more to offer – its not just some pure action mecha, its got a lot more in store for you as you watch it.

In my perspective, if you never seen the series it won’t bother you as much about certain things. However, you may find yourself lost during scenes that have been cut short. I’ll try and get some of the negative out of the way, especially pertaining to the characters arcs. Of course, Alto later loses all faith in Sheryl when someone tells him she was a spy. Really now, you spend 1/3 of a movie showing two characters all in lovey-dovey mode and end it all with a single statement. In addition, the story line itself seemed to be too… lacking. Many of the twists and turns that we all loved (and hated) about Macross Frontier were left out! Sheryl and Ranka’s backgrounds are briefly mentioned, and pretty much useless since they never really mention how it effects them and the Vajara.

As for the women in the love triangles, I can relate to Minmay’s situation more than Sheryl or Ranka’s because she had an average upbringing. On the SDF-1 in the TV series, she helps her aunt and uncle with their restaurant before making it as a successful singer. Predictably, their relationship gets better later in the movie, but once again, the way they get back together was so simple that it was hard to feel anything for the characters. I loved the animation of the Macross Frontier movie though and the re-arrangement they did on some of the songs. Surprisingly, the fanservice moments didn’t annoy me although I felt they were a little bit forced and trying hard to join the trend of fanservice animes.

Overall, the movie will really make any Macross fan happy. Especially those that waited too long to be immersed once again in the mystical Macross universe. I do recommend it because the quality it top notch, the soundtrack- you absolutely cannot complain because that is one of the charms that will draw you to this series and as for characters, they are likable in a way. So while the story isn’t anything to look forward to, especially if you already know what happens, at least the rest of the movie was enjoyable. I am anticipating how they will handle the second movie and eagerly await its release.