Macross Plus (cont.)

The Premise of Ideals, Dreams, and Friendship

Beyond all the visuals and music, many would agree that in the end, it is the story that truly matters. Though some have criticized the plot for its supposed shallowness of the plot, yours truly points out that this isn't quite true. Though not nearly as profound and intriguing as Wings of Honneamise or Mamoro Oshii's Patlabor movies, there is an underlying premise beneath the Top Gun style action and pop music, and it is this premise that makes Macross Plus the great OVA that it is. Macross Plus isn't about the Supernova Project, nor is it about Sharon Apple.
Macross Plus is about ideals, dreams, and friendship.

Myung Fan Long, 7 years ago...

Isamu chooses to never compromise on his ideals and dreams, even if it means leaving his friends behind -- a choice symbolized by the pterosaur chase scene in episode 3. As Myung and Isamu talk about their past, a giant pterosaur flies overhead; though Myung holds onto Isamu's arm, Isamu leaves her behind to chase the pterosaur. The scene is an exact mirror of his departure 7 years ago when Isamu left Eden to become a fighter pilot, all while leaving Myung behind when she needed him the most.
Gald himself chooses to stay with Myung and protect her at all costs -- even at the cost of sacrificing his integrity in the process. Gald certainly shows no visible qualms about cheating to get what he wants, including planting live ammo in Isamu's gunpod, then using it on him later. But when it comes to Myung, Gald proves to be a more caring and dedicated individual than Isamu.
Myung is the embodiment of broken dreams. After being assaulted by Gald, a deeply hurt Myung turns to Isamu, but is utterly crushed when he leaves her behind for the UN Spacy. Giving up on her singing, Myung departs Eden, only to return as the producer of the most popular idol singer in the galaxy. As Isamu puts it, it isn't like Myung to give up on singing, yet dare to call herself a producer for Sharon Apple. Perhaps it is Isamu's contempt for those who quit on their dreams that makes him treat Myung so coldly.

The choice between one's ideals and one's friends is not an easy one.

Myung crying over her shattered dreams.

Given the situation the friends find themselves in, the choice between one's friendship and one's ideals isn't always an easy one. No human is perfect in this regard. The more you understand each character, the more you learn to respect each person's choice, and perhaps forgive them for their shortcomings.
And as the story converges at a nexus point in the final episode, the trio is given a chance to make up for their shortcomings and fulfill their promise to their friendship. Isamu finally returns to Myung's side, the one who needs him the most. Myung, who long gave up on singing, breaks her silence by singing a song she hasn't sung in 7 years. And when Gald states that "the meaning of his life is to protect Myung," he is as good as his word. Noble to the last, Gald sacrifices his life so that Isamu can rescue Myung. And dies with a smile on his face knowing that he has kept his promise.

The promise of friendship.

Conclusion

Kawamori's Macross Plus tells us never to give up on our ideals and hopes. It illustrates how important one's friendship to one another is, and that friendship is often made of sterner stuff than we would believe, often lasting through hardships and surfacing when it is really needed. To those who take these premises to heart, Macross Plus is an absolute must-see. And if you haven't already, make sure to watch episode 4, which provides a stunning conclusion to an already fantastic OVA.
-- Keith Rhee

MACROSS PLUS ©1994,1995 Big West/Macross Plus Project ©1995 Manga Entertainment

The Premise of Ideals, Dreams, and Friendship Beyond all the visuals and music, many would agree that in the end, it is the story that truly matters. Though some have criticized the plot for its supposed shallowness of the plot, yours truly points out that this isn't quite true. Though not nearly as profound and intriguing as Wings of Honneamise or Mamoro Oshii's Patlabor movies, there is an underlying premise beneath the Top Gun style action and pop music, and it is this premise that makes Macross Plus the great OVA that it is. Macross Plus isn't about the Supernova Project, nor is it about Sharon Apple. Macross Plus is about ideals, dreams, and friendship.	Myung Fan Long, 7 years ago...
Isamu chooses to never compromise on his ideals and dreams, even if it means leaving his friends behind -- a choice symbolized by the pterosaur chase scene in episode 3. As Myung and Isamu talk about their past, a giant pterosaur flies overhead; though Myung holds onto Isamu's arm, Isamu leaves her behind to chase the pterosaur. The scene is an exact mirror of his departure 7 years ago when Isamu left Eden to become a fighter pilot, all while leaving Myung behind when she needed him the most. Gald himself chooses to stay with Myung and protect her at all costs -- even at the cost of sacrificing his integrity in the process. Gald certainly shows no visible qualms about cheating to get what he wants, including planting live ammo in Isamu's gunpod, then using it on him later. But when it comes to Myung, Gald proves to be a more caring and dedicated individual than Isamu. Myung is the embodiment of broken dreams. After being assaulted by Gald, a deeply hurt Myung turns to Isamu, but is utterly crushed when he leaves her behind for the UN Spacy. Giving up on her singing, Myung departs Eden, only to return as the producer of the most popular idol singer in the galaxy. As Isamu puts it, it isn't like Myung to give up on singing, yet dare to call herself a producer for Sharon Apple. Perhaps it is Isamu's contempt for those who quit on their dreams that makes him treat Myung so coldly.	The choice between one's ideals and one's friends is not an easy one. Myung crying over her shattered dreams.
Given the situation the friends find themselves in, the choice between one's friendship and one's ideals isn't always an easy one. No human is perfect in this regard. The more you understand each character, the more you learn to respect each person's choice, and perhaps forgive them for their shortcomings. And as the story converges at a nexus point in the final episode, the trio is given a chance to make up for their shortcomings and fulfill their promise to their friendship. Isamu finally returns to Myung's side, the one who needs him the most. Myung, who long gave up on singing, breaks her silence by singing a song she hasn't sung in 7 years. And when Gald states that "the meaning of his life is to protect Myung," he is as good as his word. Noble to the last, Gald sacrifices his life so that Isamu can rescue Myung. And dies with a smile on his face knowing that he has kept his promise.	The promise of friendship.
Conclusion Kawamori's Macross Plus tells us never to give up on our ideals and hopes. It illustrates how important one's friendship to one another is, and that friendship is often made of sterner stuff than we would believe, often lasting through hardships and surfacing when it is really needed. To those who take these premises to heart, Macross Plus is an absolute must-see. And if you haven't already, make sure to watch episode 4, which provides a stunning conclusion to an already fantastic OVA. -- Keith Rhee