Soukihei MD Geist

Soukihei MD Geist is way better than it should be. The overall narrative is simplistic and sometimes incoherent, but that doesn't matter. The characters are more complex than they are at first glance, and by the end subvert all expectations. The Ova is well paced with action throughout, but still leaves enough down time so as it does not become repetitive. The animation is well done throughout, never feeling dated. The design of the “Fightechs” (exoskeletons) is rather unique as is the other machinery used in the anime. And, the music fits extremely well with the visuals. Overall, ... even with a lackluster story, Soukihei MD Geist is definitely worth watching.

Ah, MD Geist! Let’s dive into this classic mecha OVA:

The Story: In the distant future, humanity has colonized other planets. One of these planets, Jerra, has been ravaged by decades of war. Enter MD Geist, a badass lead who defies the typical wussy-boy anime mold. The story is straightforward, dark, and nihilistic. No need for overcomplexity when you’ve got a powerful protagonist like Geist. 🌌

Animation and Style: MD Geist is a product of its time (the mid-80s), and it wears its retro badge proudly. The animation quality might not blow your mind, but it has a certain charm. Plus, it’s not afraid to get gritty ... and violent. 💥

So Bad It’s Good?: Some call it “so bad it’s good,” but opinions vary. If you’re into dystopian settings, over-the-top action, and unapologetic manliness, MD Geist might scratch that itch. Just don’t expect a masterpiece. 😅

In summary, MD Geist is like that old, worn VHS tape you found in the back of your closet—it’s flawed, but it has character.

Pointless. I could end the review there. MD Geist has some extreme, mind-numbing blandness and is a total waste of Hironobu Kageyama's musical talents. MD Geist is a poor imitation of what would be fun in an anime set in a dystopia, and unfortunately, it is not even amusing in a "so bad it's good" way.

There is not one time in the 50 minutes of the "director's cut" that there is any reason to care about what's happening other than some decent action scenes that carry little meaning. The characters are non-existent. The story seems like a tech demo or music video with how poorly ... it gets across any themes or ideas, just an excuse to go from one set piece to another. The main character is a bog standard edge lord without a personality. Who else is there? His love interest is brain-dead. The nude scene was unnecessary and pathetic. Every other character is more-or-less cannon fodder.

While the action and visuals are neat, they are not impressive. For 1986, this certainly looks good but is not artistically pleasing or particularly imaginative. It has not aged well. Also, the designs seem random due to the poor fleshing out of the lore and plot. It's a strange mixture of futuristic mechs and pre-technology barbarians. Once again, it seems like someone's misconception making this about what would be entertaining without any idea how to execute it well.

The one notable thing in the story is the twist ending that comes out of nowhere. However, where it ends, it's another pointless aspect of the whole production. Nothing fun comes out of it as it happens right at the end of the story before it can have any effect.

While it is short, besides some excellent music from Kageyama (though very much wasted here) and some okay action, I cannot recommend watching this movie. The story might be among the worst I have seen in an anime, which is saying something with all I have seen. Importantly, no, it is not funny. Either nobody cared or knew what they were doing when producing this to make it coherent. I had much more fun writing this scathing review than watching this trash.