4 star guns blazing tank action.
Guns und Panzer Das Finale is a series of six short films which are a sequel to the TV series Girls und Panzer (2012) and Girls und Panzer der Film (2015). Directed by Tsutomu Mizushima and produced by Studio Actas (Princess Principal: Crown Handler), Part One and Two of this series are available now on Blu-ray with both original Japanese audio and English dub, courtesy of MVM Entertainment. Part Three is due to be released on October 31st 2022.
“OK everyone, to stop Kowashima from repeating a year..No! That’s not it. So that Kowashima can get into a good University, let’s do our best.”
In the world of Girls und Panzer, young girls are schooled on huge Academy Ships. One of the available sports is competitive tank fighting, known as sensha-dō which involves two teams battling it out in World War II era tanks. It is considered to be a traditional form of martial art for girls.
We catch up with the Ooerai Girls Acedemy team in their final year, looking forward to heading off to University. Unfortunately, Momo Kawashima has failed to be accepted into a University, leading to rumours that she is to be held back a year.
In order to make sure this will not happen, the girls decide that they will enter the Winter Caterpillar Tread Cup, using a tank which Momo believes is hidden in the lower decks of the Academy Ship. Team captain Miho Nishizumi stands aside to allow Momo the chance to display her talent in sensha-dō as captain, thus securing her place at University.
These films document that journey, from venturing into the depths of the ship, to competing againt B/C Freedom Academy and Chi-Ha-Tan Academy.
“I love an onion fried in oil, I love an onion, it’s so tasty”
Girls und Panzer is a very entertaining watch. The characters are engaging and funny and the different team strategies are interesting to watch. Each team has their own fighting song, most notably the French one involving onions which is highly amusing.
There is something uniquely Japanese about schoolgirls blasting seven bells out of each other, but it is strangely satisfying to watch.
Fans of the series have been wating a long time for this release and these films are well worth adding to your anime collection.
“I’m sorry, you are correct. We can’t get too cocky, let’s give it our all.”
Girls und Panzer Parts One and Two are available now and Part Three will be released on 31st October 2022.