Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin IV - Eve of Destiny

Directed by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, this is the fourth part of The Origin. After the Dawn Rebellion, Degwin Zabi enters negotiations with the Federation over the terms of a withdrawal from Side 3. At the same time Char has been reprimanded for failing to look after Garma. This instalment is the turning point of the series. The childhood narrative closes and the political preparation for war begins. The balance of power within Zeon, the internal calculations of the Zabi family and Char's long-term plan are all established here. There is more action than in the earlier parts, while the large battles come in the fifth and sixth. Yasuhiko's character design and Sunrise's animation quality stay consistent across the run. Who it's for: viewers following the Gundam universe. Who it's not for: anyone starting the series here; the film assumes the previous three parts from the outset.