There're anime where the ending will leave you satisfied.
There're cliffhanger anime for people to die for a sequel.
There're even anime that just leaves cliffhangers and never come back.
There're those garbage anime that you just don't feel anything at all.
And there's Madoka, an anime with an amazing story, art, sound, character, but a soulless and downright devilish ending.
There will be absolutely no plot at all, because I want people to understand and be ready for anything.
And, I tell you, you'll need to be.
...
[P.S. There are absolutely no plot summaries in here, but the vocabularies and terms I use may indirectly suggest a minor point of the story.]
Story: 10
This story is meant to leave an unsatisfactory ending. The motif is pretty clear: the Bible and the genesis of God and Lucifer.
Come on, our world hasn't come to an end, has it? A story based on our world, a never-ending cycle of unsatisfactory endings cannot be satisfactory by itself, unless by deception and/or imagination.
Urobuchi, author of Fate/Zero and Madoka among many others, is famous for a seamless plotline. I cannot state that this movie has brought down his fame, because all his stories had dark motifs. Indeed, this movie has left an unsatisfactory ending, but this is a masterpiece, creating an amazing transition between theogenesis and diablogenesis.
How could I dare say that unsatisfying ending crushes this masterpiece?
Art: 10
Imagine Madoka being reanimated with Monogatari: Second Season's animation technology.
Now add malice to that.
Now add another plot twist to that.
That does not even begin how great the movie was.
The seemingly childish animation was still there, but the malice was all the more heightened, getting into the fine line between creepiness and evilness.
A wise mangaka once stated that drawing a malicious face (not angry face) was not an easy job. He stated that the background, the eye, the position of the panel, the position of the character, darkness, facial expression and etc were all necessary to make one malicious face.
Then how much harder would it be to draw nearly an hour-long malice?
Shaft studio, producers of monogatari series and of course madoka among many others, is known for their ability to, despite using quite "cheating" methods, send chills down the viewers' spine. Using scenes where the character simply stands, or where the name of the font used or color of the scene or sometimes seemingly scanning the clothings or skirts of an unknown origin, Shaft studio actually makes a great success of delivering an heightened message to the viewers.
And, truth be told, I could not catch a single misgivings about the animation of the movie. When malice was needed, Shaft did their job. When they needed a happy tea time, Shaft did their job. When they needed a battle scene, Shaft did their job. No more colors or fonts. They did their job.
Sound: 10
If there's one criterion I always cut down and attack, it's the sound. Being a very keen person in sound, I always wanted the producers to use the "perfect" BGMs (of course nothing is perfect but still I can dream?!) at the "perfect" moment. But I have to say it--rebellion nailed it.
The song was as creepy as it could get. The background musics at the moment of realization was so good that I got a chill down my spine and nearly pissed myself (true story). On the opening, ClaRis did their usual mislead. The general "ah, this is a magical girls' story! There're absolutely no genre-twisting stories or one of those Urobuchi things in here!" and comforted the slaughter lambs. Then, came the usual malice.
Scary it was.
And somehow, even at the ending, although the song was in major pitch and no double voice or alterations have been added, it was still creepy and malicious. It created a sense of Judas' kiss, meaning that while the act itself was a beautiful act, the inner sense was dark enough to creep our intestines. If there is one thing that music should do, it is to do that. Even through the electronic amplifiers, music should always deliver the feelings.
Rebellion was an amazing exemplification of this job of music. It did its job when it needed to, creeping our guts out after cleansing our soul with "cute" music, then presenting the "Judas' kiss".
Sound--a job well done.
Character: 10
No one expected this.
No one could have expected this.
No one could have seen this coming.
Yet this was inevitable.
Urobuchi always does this. He reveals a down-to-Earth fact that has been in front of our face the whole time yet at the same time a fact that no one has realized.
The development of our main character, Akemi Homura, is wonderfully presented with this motif.
Her "transfiguration" was something no one have realized, yet something so obvious and inevitable that everybody should have known.
I will not go onto further details.
As for minor characters, such as Mami, Sayaka, Kyouko and our all-time hated con artist, MOTHER****ING KYUBEY, they have done their job spectacularly. Every bit of stories they shared and every bit of clues they presented showed and developed the story rapidly. In a way, they "created" the main character. It is always difficult to involve all of the characters and giving all of them important roles. Failure to do so may not be the doom of the anime, but a horrible trial of doing so means the end of the anime and doom of its production. However, Rebellion Story, while providing every character a role, also succeeded in not awkwardly fitting in their roles into the original plot.
It is indeed a job well done.
Enjoyment: 5
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Now, before you say anything or go away, let me explain myself.
Indeed, this was an amazing movie, and I don't think any other movie can create a seamless storyline as this one.
However, I didn't enjoy this at all.
In fact, I don't think I can ever see the movie again.
It was too soul-breaking that it felt like my soul was breaking apart.
Indeed its story was good, indeed the art was amazing, indeed the sound did its job, indeed the character development was godly.
But I just couldn't like it.
Still, this was only my opinion. Some people might like it.
In fact, exactly because I liked it, I want people to watch this.
It both critiques the conventional "now everybody's happy" anime endings and the well-known "good guy always is the good guy" logic and crashes it down to Earth.
Because of this, I have to take off the Enjoyment spectrum out of the overall rate.
It indeed is an important aspect of anime, but not in this one. This movie DOESN'T want you to enjoy the show. And that is exactly why this is great.
Overall: 10
Great story, art, sound and character.
It is the work of our lifetime.
Don't miss it.
If you are in a region where you can go watch the movie, you are blissed.
GO WATCH IT.
IT'S WORTH EVERY PENNY.
Then, happy anime-ing.
Alternative Titles
Synonyms: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika Movie 3, Magical Girl Madoka Magica Movie 3
Japanese: 劇場版 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ 叛逆の物語
More titlesInformation
Type:
Movie
Episodes:
1
Status:
Finished Airing
Aired:
Oct 26, 2013
Licensors:
Aniplex of America
Studios:
Shaft
Source:
Original
Duration:
1 hr. 56 min.
Rating:
PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
Statistics
Ranked:
#1392
2
based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity:
#614
Members:
379,674
Favorites:
8,831
Available AtResources | Reviews
Filtered Results: 78 / 120
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Your Feelings Categories Nov 15, 2013
There're anime where the ending will leave you satisfied.
There're cliffhanger anime for people to die for a sequel. There're even anime that just leaves cliffhangers and never come back. There're those garbage anime that you just don't feel anything at all. And there's Madoka, an anime with an amazing story, art, sound, character, but a soulless and downright devilish ending. There will be absolutely no plot at all, because I want people to understand and be ready for anything. And, I tell you, you'll need to be. ... Nov 18, 2013
I don't think I've ever given perfect 10's across a rating scale. I don't think the third Madoka Magica movie deserves 10's across the board either, but this is the closest I'll probably ever get.
I dreaded the day that a sequel came to fruition for Madoka Magica. This was a show that ended on a rather ambiguous note but still left a good, everlasting impression in its original run, hinting that there was really no need for a sequel, an explanation, or an "After Story", for that matter. I'm not saying I don't want any more of it, not at all. But seriously, Gen Urobuchi, ... Dec 10, 2013
I'm bitter, I'm sad, and I'm filled with despair. To some this might sound bad, but for those who have experienced this film then you know it is the biggest complement I can give.
Story: 9 The final chapter in the highly acclaimed Madoka trilogy/show has come to a close, and studio Shaft has closed this book right (if not heart wrenching). The story is all tied to Homura after the events of the first two films. We follow her as the story travels down a road most fans never saw coming, but since this is the final chapter there is an end to this road. ... Nov 10, 2014 --The review contains spoilers-- Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Rebellion is to its original twelve episodes series as to End of Evangelion was to Neon Genesis Evangelion. Both have an extensive and truly mind-blowing foundation to build upon as well as featuring an absolutely earth-shattering ending that leaves the audience feeling shell-shocked. Veterans of the Madoka Magica TV series know that something is eerily off within moments of the movie's introduction. Given the fairly conclusive ending in the previous installment, the setting in the movie's beginning, is perfect to a fault. Characters, that should be dead, are back and everyone's is best friends with ... Apr 22, 2014
Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Hangyaku no Monogatari - Full Review
If you have watched the original Madoka series from 2012 (which you should’ve), you would already know how good the series is, even well-known as the anime that changed the way people view the “Mahou Shoujo”, or Magical Girl Genre; filled with plot twists, good character developments and fantastic story writing. So, it seems that the Madoka series has set a pretty high bar for itself, hasn’t it? Does the movie manage to reach the same standard that it has set for itself, or does it fall short? Let’s get on with the review, shall we? Story ... Apr 22, 2014
Obviously, it does help if you've already seen either the previous two recap films or the anime itself in order to understand this story, so if you already haven't, make sure you go and give it a look, it is certainly worth your time.
I'll keep it as short as possible in my descriptions, giving you more time to get started on the film! STORY (10/10): An excellent piece of storytelling, filled with all the twists and turns you could ever wish for. This movie is like if The Matrix and Inception had an anime child. Yes, it's hard to get your head around it at first, and ... Apr 10, 2014
It’s just another ordinary day in school; Madoka and her classmates sit in wonder and disbelief as they struggle to make sense of Saotome-sensei’s daily ramblings. On this particular day, she seems to be sermonizing about Armageddon and the Second Coming of Christ. “Ridiculous”, they must think, but little do they know that the end may well be nigh.
In a surreal land of childlike sketches and jovial colours, the viewers are greeted by ballet dancers skipping to melodious violin, a stitched-together gothic puppet with its tongue sticking out of its wide inane grin, and a rainbow gate with the words “Welcome to Cinema” carved onto ... May 16, 2014
…his hours of slumber were animated by extremely lively and varied dreams, which he could ponder on awaking…
- The Magic Mountain, Thomas Mann I stand amid the roar Of a surf-tormented shore, And I hold within my hand Grains of the golden sand- How few! yet how they creep Through my fingers to the deep, While I weep- while I weep! ... Mar 8, 2015
You either love or hate Madoka, that's my conclusion after discussing this series with friends and acquaintances that have watched it too. I believe it wasn't an anime that was meant for the "magical girl" genre fanatic, but for the anime fans who love crazy visuals and stories with dark twists.
If you want to watch this movie i believe you must be the latter... but i must warn you, this story takes those two thing and drive it to and extreme, so if you don't like this kind of things you are probably going to hate the movie. Art and animation are a big ... Jun 24, 2015
*This review contains Major Ending Spoilers*
It's not often that a film truly defines itself not in the opening act, but in the final 30 minutes, where it takes of its mask and reveals itself for what it truly is. And not many films accomplish this well. Madoka Rebellion is a heart-warming love story. It really is. By the time Kimi no Gin no Niwa rolled up in the ending, I was in tears at the emotional and absolutely moving ending to the film. Really though, bar a few moments, most of the film is actually fairly standard as far as Action/Horror/Fantasy Seinen anime goes with ... Dec 10, 2013
I love the Madoka franchise. I had a great time watching this film. There's a lot to scrutinize here. My 7 is a high scoring.
According to Urobuchi, "Rebellion" has nothing to do with the anime TV series. Seeing as it is, though, a sequel to the recap films it is up to debate whether this film is even canonical or not. Rebellion asks for a lot from viewers. It questions older fans by "severing" itself from the main series and develops Urobuchi's central themes in some unconventional ways. Simultaneously it begs the fanbase of the original series to follow along a confusing and often far-flung ... Apr 29, 2017
The third Madoka movie divided many fans and critics because of its ''weird'' first act and (mostly) because of its notorious ending! There are many who deemed it inferior to the TV series, others who treat it as ''misunderstood'', and also others who call it ''completely unnecessary''!
Well, if you ask what I believe, then I think it's truly a misunderstood anime film, and for a simple reason: Rebellion isn't just equal in quality with the TV series... IS EVEN BETTER! Why? Because it's much more daring! In the post-Evangelion anime history it's quite rare for anime/manga to be daring without the creators feared that the audience/readers ... Aug 11, 2014
I'll leave this review as spoiler free as possible, although you should be well acquainted with the original series before even considering this movie.
As a continuation of the original series, Rebellion has exquisitely lived up to its expectations. Story: This film was structured similarly to the episodic series, as the first half is the "believe what you see" type of deal, where the plot and your understanding of everything is generally based off of what appears before your eyes/ears, then the second half is where the profound mindfucking begins. It will leave you confused as well as awestruck at the genius behind the writing of this ... Nov 15, 2013
This review will not contain any spoilers
I recently watched the 3rd Madoka movie and I really enjoyed it. The only thing lacking in the movie was the story. The ending was unsatisfying. It felt like they were setting up for a 4th movie because there was no real conclusion. The scene after the credits in the show had very little to do with the movie. The art was amazing and they kept with the same art style from the previous movies. Definitely worth watching in theaters as the big screen will show off the well done animation. The sound track was also really well done. They got ... Jun 7, 2014
Let's start with the negative.
What's interesting about Madoka is that ever since the first episode of its original anime, I have had some reservations with how they handle the artstyle. Not saying I don't like it, quite contrary, it is quite unique and refreshing. But inevitably, there are certain scenes that would make me cringe or didn't know what to feel about them..... Maybe its the awkward transformation sequence? I think it is special, but I wasn't expecting a long display of them with awkward poses. Another thing is that the movie has a certain pacing problem. Especially towards the end. I guess most Madoka anime ... May 26, 2015
H'oh boy, this one threw me and many others in for a surprise. If you've ever watched the original twelve episodes but have yet to get to this ya'll better get ready for Hammyroo's Wild Ride. It never ends.
The story is fairly well-structured despite it being blotched on by secrecy and cryptical messages. Those will and have blinded viewers of the grand meaning of the whole plot, and lo' and behold it's done on purpose. Uro's a mojo troll and many know it. The way him and the rest of the staff crafted this film was done in such a way that it leaves a ... Nov 17, 2013
The movie that finally completes madoka series.
Story 10/10 Tmy first thought is that i've seen madoka before i know how it is, so let's see how it's gonna surprise me again. aFrom the start of the show you are already realized there is something not right, when the truth is out and you are half expecting how it is going to turn out, and it didnt, guess thats the wonders of urobutcher. Many have different thought of the ending, but for me, it was a bitter-ending type of end, no no thats an understatement something that exceeds 'bitter-end' not sure why do i say that, i suppose ... Jul 25, 2015
Homura?!!! Why?!!! Wtf have you done?!! You were my favorite character!
Hehe, don't worry Homura. You're still my favorite character (There will be some SPOILERS in my review) Story: (9/10) (SPOILERS) At the end of the TV series, it ended with Madoka saving the world from witches while sacrificing herself by removing her very own existence in the world. Now, the sequel has arrived. Just by watching the first 20 minutes of the movie, you know that something is not right. I mean Mami, Sayaka, and Kyouko are dead and for whatever reason, they're here. Even Madoka is here and she's supposed to be a God now, not ... Nov 8, 2014
Going into this movie, I had really really [x 100 ] high expectations. Madoka Magica was a amazing deconstruction of the magical girl genre.
And yes, I love every bit of the movie, including the ending. Call me an obsessive fangirl, but it's my opinion and I love this series. One thing you'll notice whilst watching is that the animation budget has gone up. A lot. Compared to the original series, everything is a lot crisper and cleaner. The lines and colors and the motion. The witch barriers are very impressive [this may just be me, as I was already a huge fan of Gekidan Inu Curry, ... Jan 17, 2024
Have you ever had such a special connection to a piece of media that you end up perceiving it as not just perfect in general, but perfect for you? That's how I've felt with Madoka Magica and more specifically this movie, Rebellion. Even though I can see myself recommending this movie to many people in my life in the future I doubt that most people will understand just how much I love this film and why. I also understand this movie has its vocal crowd of people that straight up don't agree with how the story's direction was taken and there is a valid discussion
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