Unfortunately, it's very likely we will have to wait until October to watch the fourth and final movie: Winter of Rebirth, while it's already released in Japan.
But I'll stop complaining and review this movie.
Story: 8
For an Atlus adaptation from videogame to anime movie, many things must be omitted. Like the other 2 movies, we won't see any Social Link, or supporting characters back story, which isn't a big deal regarding the plot. Though, many things were removed from the main story as well, I can point out that I disliked the way the animators cut off how Junpei is kidnapped and Chidori became a villain, the same way as they cut off great part of the Love Hotel arc.
But, the love relationship between Chidori and Junpei turned out aceptable. It didn't feel profound, nor did it feel shallow. The most worked out thing was how Makoto felt, and deal with depression. I think the way they portrayed his friendship with Ryoji was very good, and make this character more sympathetic than the game.
The story was well paced, and focused on Makoto's struggles rather than action, though this doesn't mean it hasn't a dosis of quality animated fights.
Art 9
Better than Persona 4, and it looks better on the night. Nuff said.
Sound 8
Remixed songs from the original game and new ones are there, so there's no complaints. I would've liked LotusJuice did more rapping.
Character 8
As I pointed before, the movie focuses almost solely on Makoto and Ryoji, the other SEES members are given quick twists. Short, but fitting given the short movie length.
Enjoyment 8
I have just played Persona 3 Portable for the PSP, and I'm very glad to have this anime movie adaptation. All felt too familiar and the charisma of the characters wasn't gone. I even continued to hate Takaya and Jin. Though I wish the villains were given more screen time.
Overall 8
Persona casual fans (like me) have no reasons to complain of this and the other adaptations. About Persona 3 die hard fans... you have a good adaptation for now.
If I were the director, I would have increased the running time for all movies, making each 2 hours long. I would've put more tension between Aigis and Yukari, developed slowly a love relationship between Aigis and Makoto (which is canon, by the way), gave more focus on Junpei and Chidori romance as well, making Chidori a more memorable character.
And I would've used Social Link characters that fit with the mood of each movie.
Like, Chihiro for the first one, Spring of Birth, for the concept of a blossoming youth.
Maiko for Midsummer Knight's Dream, for a midsummer short love story.
Akinari for Falling Down, for the feeling that life is fading away and death is nearby.
Finally, Aigis and Yukari for Winter of Rebirth. To put an end to the love triangle and make Aigis a "living proof" that Makoto was there. Which also uses a plot point in her Social Link.
That's all, overall this movie is good, And for what I've heard, Winter of Rebirth is even better, and the best of the movie saga.
