Ranked #909

Top wo Nerae! & Top wo Nerae 2! Gattai Movie!!

Recommendation: Watch the two source OVAs (Top wo Nerae) instead. Only come here if you're looking for a quicker rewatch.

Starting out, I wondered if I could simply get away with watching these movies instead of the series, considering that they both reflected the same story. I knew the series would have more material, but maybe these newer movies might have updated graphics, or might tell the story better or at least more succinctly? Unfortunately, no: I'm pretty sure the movies have no new scenes, the visuals are the same, and the plot moves past succinct here.

Both OVAs are condensed enough, but these movies condense past the point of comfort. With all the cutting they had to do, scenes jump around a bit more than they should. The brunt of the action's there, but the development to that action, and especially the reasoning for that action suffers in the movies.

But please do try the OVAs! Both series already have excellent reviews on MAL, so I won't unnecessarily delve into them here, but I'll just say this: if you don't like the first OVA, please still give the significantly more modern sequel a chance (but do know that although the stories and characters of the two OVAs are mostly separate, you'll probably enjoy Diebuster (Top wo Nerae 2) more having first finished its predecessor. It's a spoiler to say why). Dazzling protagonists that evolve well throughout each episode... rare beasts indeed, but we find one in both. Come back for these compilation movies only if you get the urge to rewatch both of these underground gems. read more