Ranked #1320

Azumanga Daioh - The Very Short Movie

Azumanga Daioh - The Very Short Movie is very short, like it promises.

This "movie" serves like a filler for the already filler-like anime series. It's sort of hard to talk about the story since this series is infamous being episodic rather than plot-reliant. In this movie, set somewhere during an average school day, you get the girls in class with their favourite teacher whilst antics ensue, and Osaka dreaming away, whilst some more, zanier antics ensue. There wasn't anything special about this movie, and it played out exactly as one of the regular Azumanga Daioh episodes from the TV series.

One thing is definitely noticeable, and it is the different art style that is used. It seems a little more detailed than that which is used in the series, but I cannot say it is better. There is something that the lack of intricacy with the art in Azumanga Daioh that reminds you that, yes, simpler may be better. The change in art styles for the movie may or may not be liked by the fans, but it does give us an idea of what a more detailed artwork might have done to the overall franchise. On the whole, it is still average art with some decent animation.

Azumanga Daioh always had a great score, and it appears in The Very Short Movie. While the more whimsical, sweeter compositions were not included in this movie, the playful, upbeat background music does show up. The sound was very suitable, invoking the playfulness and silliness that runs through the movie, giving it a lighter atmosphere.

I can't say that for someone who just picks up this movie and watches it that the characters would be seen as developed or even great. What this movie does is gives us snippets of each of the main cast's personalities. We get the perky, cute Chiyo, ditsy Osaka, rough Kagura, annoying Tomo, and on and on. We see the more superficial aspects of their personalities. However, for the viewer who is familiar with Azumanga Daioh, then you'd just get another sample of the girls.

Being true to form, Azumanga Daioh - The Very Short Movie is funny. I cannot say it is very funny. While it does amuse and can make you laugh, it doesn't stack up as a truly comedic movie (or even as a movie) nor does it compare to the hilarity of series.

Think of it as a merely a getting only a small slice from a large cake, then I think you'd understand what I mean. read more

I liked the animation style of this mini-movie very much! I wish the TV anime series was drawn this way; the style used in this mini is more fun to watch, and is more creative.