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REVIEW
May 1, 2023
Voltes V: Legacy - The Cinematic Experience
Voltes V: Legacy is a thrilling and visually stunning live-action adaptation that honours the beloved anime while setting a new standard for Philippine cinema and television.
Story: Voltes V: Legacy follows the story of three brothers, Steve, Big Bert, and Little Jon Armstrong, and their friends Jamie Robinson and Mark Gordon, as they fight the forces of humanoid aliens known as Boazanians who plans to invade the earth and launch their beast fighters all over the world.
Cast: The film is directed by Mark A. Reyes and written by Suzette Doctolero, Loi Argel Nova, Jake Somera and Liberty Trinidad.
It stars Miguel Tanfelix as Steve Armstrong, Radson Flores as Mark Gordon, Ysabel Ortega as Jamie Robinson, Raphael Landicho as Little Jon Armstrong, Matt Lozano as Bigbert Armstrong, and Martin Del Rosario as Prince Zardoz.
Review: Voltes V: Legacy is a live-action adaptation of the beloved mecha anime. Produced by GMA Entertainment Group and Toei Company Ltd, this ambitious project aims to captivate both fans of the original series and a new generation of viewers. The project first released as a movie, as “The Cinematic Experience”, then continuing as a TV series under GMA Pinoy TV.
Director Mark Reyes, himself a passionate fan of the original series, stays true to the story while drawing inspiration from successful mecha films like Pacific Rim and Transformers. The film's release in cinemas before the TV series premiere was a bold move by GMA, providing audiences with a cinematic experience and showcasing the show's potential on the big screen.
The attention to detail in Voltes V: Legacy is commendable. The well-chosen actors successfully capture the essence of their characters, delivering performances that avoid becoming overly cartoonish. Things such as the cockpit radio chatter, combined with realistic and humorous conversations, adds authenticity to the Voltes team dynamics. The production design impressively translates elements from the anime into the real world, such as the heroes' base, the Camp Big Falcon, having a futuristic touch.
The use of new background music, while incorporating familiar themes from the original anime, enhances the viewing experience. The sound effects, complemented by intense scenes, contribute to the overall immersion. Visually, the CGI team deserves praise for bringing Voltes V to life, with meticulous attention to detail, scratches, and imperfections that add a sense of realism. The mecha battles, though limited in the movie introduction, deliver breathtaking sequences, showcasing the menacing presence of the beastfighters and the power and agility of Voltes V.
While some criticisms can be made about character development in the compressed movie version, the rapid progression is in line with the original series. Hand-to-hand combat scenes and soldier acting could benefit from further improvement, but these minor flaws do not detract from the overall enjoyment.
The premiere of Voltes V: Legacy is a milestone for Philippine cinema and television. It successfully pays homage to the source material while pushing boundaries and setting new standards. With its great use of visuals, captivating sound design, and fast-paced action, it establishes itself as a game-changer for the industry. The release is not only a treat for genre fans but also an opportunity to introduce the mecha genre to a wider international audience.
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