Girls & Panzer: Saishuushou Part 1

This movie's tank battle is a fight for honor.

Momo is the center of this story. No save the school this time.

First off from the start of a new opening sequence it's quite clear that this 6 part movie is meant to be the new 12 episode second season. With a new season comes with new characters and new tanks and new tounament, but let's save that for later. That being said the movie indeed felt like a two parter episode. The production values are not as grand as "Der Film" but it's still very good. Besides the somewhat noticeable 3D Miho in the opening prologue ... the CGI used in the film is still quite impressive, especially showing the vast pastoral landscape of quasi-French rural area.

The movie is truly enjoyable. Every minute is so fun to watch that time passes very quickly. The movie is much better than the battle with Anzio. We can see that Marie is a more crafty person than what the previews would led us to believe and BC team are a much more formidable team.

It's a sheer enjoyment to watch. Everything clicks with the pacing, the funny rapporteur with the characters, the ever expansive world building and the great setup of things to come. But, then it became a big disappointment. I'll state why on the spoilers in the Forum, but I was disappointed at the end and it's got nothing to do with the quality of the film. No, the film is stellar. The makers haven't lost their touch in delivering a great story nor did they lost their creative juices in this. The characters are quite refreshing to see again, along with their usual antics.The film is pack with gimmicks, tricks and homages to other films but one doesn't get to feeling that it's forced or contrived. Yukari's clandestine filming of the rival BC team is hilarious. The new characters are a good addition to the cast, as well as a good foil to the bubbly cuties of the Rabbit team. The ED sequence "Enter enter mission!" is even sung with a naval tune to go with the new characters personas.

Yes, I was disappointed with the movie for different reasons but I also enjoyed it so much that I watched it thrice. Maybe it's my GuP fan partiality, but I really really really... can't wait for movie 2.

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4/14/18 update:

Since, the BD/Dvd is out for while now I can finally say why I'm disappointed in the film, it's because of the Cliffhanger at the end.

When I came out of the theater I can see in everyone's silent faces what they're thinking when the sad reality dawn on them "That is such a good and enjoyable movie!!! but damn, it'll be probably be months or even a year we get to see how they beat BC Freedom in part 2."

Sadly, still no word on Movie 2.:(

Re-posted review with minor edits since we seem to be treating each episode as its own show a la YuYuYu prequel's initial release.

It's been said before: "Great shows leave you wanting more, terrible shows leave you demanding a refund for the time it wasted." Dammit, I want more. I should've heeded advice I heard long ago: "Don't watch an OVA until all the episodes are out."

For those of you unfamiliar with Girls und Panzer (GuP), a few things to keep in mind:
- The entire show is like a long sketch comedy skit, and the first episode of this finale series is no different.
- If you ... want to enjoy the show, don't take anything but the friendships seriously. There's nothing realistic about the tanks, and the cultural references are mostly jokes.
- Seriously, watch the whole series, movie, and bonus OVA. If you love a good laugh, you'll love this franchise.

This series is something of a cult hit/classic, even though series 1 hit a production snag that caused it to take a month or so of hiatus. I wasn't bothered by that, because I only started watching a few years after it aired. Holy cow, this anime is hilarious.

So naturally fans wanted more. A movie and OVA were announced during a live show, and there was much rejoicing (yay). But even after an absurdly ridiculous and over-the-top movie, fans still wanted more. OK, said the production staff, we'll do more. But this is the last time! Kinda like Strike Witches but with skirts.

Episode 1 feels like a movie all on its own (in fact it feels like the recent Nanoha movie), the action and story feel "meaty" for lack of a better term, the new tank and team had me in stitches (especially when the show poked fun at Army vs Navy rivalry-- and I was sure they would go for the TOG II, but this new tank will do just as well, since it was designed for a similar role), and the new rival team is also hilarious. Watching a blonde aristocrat munching cake with glee is one of my favorite scenes in the show.

The soundtrack for the OVA is expanded even further from the movie, and I love the new tracks that make use of the horns and drums; one of them is kind of like a team of ballerinas doing a quick march in army boots. The Shark Team is the only team to get a theme song/tune (sung by Madoka Yonezawa, who has a great singing voice), and the orchestral version soars while they save the day. Give the composer a raise. The OP is fantastic, especially with that animation. Wow. You wouldn't think the gal who sang the Anglerfish Dance would come up with that, but she's got skills. And an orchestral Enter Enter Mission? ... OK, I could dig that.

Finally, since the new team is French themed, there's no better army song than La Chanson de L'Oignon, or "The Song of the Onion." Yes, really. One of the most beloved marches in the French military is a song about onions fried in oil, and how they're going to keep the Austrian dogs from having some (must be a Marie Antoinette reference). Yes, really, I kid you not. The girls are driving tanks while (obliquely) singing about onion rings.

If that doesn't make you laugh, I'm sure there's a highly artistic French film out there you'll enjoy.

Girls & Panzer: La Finale. 2 part out of 6, with 1 OVA (special short video which explain some scene in between movie part 1). I strongly recommend to watch the first GuP at 2012 season version, then the special with tagged: The arisu war, before reaching this movie part. And you can watch other video or movie following that season beyond this Finale movie part. Lets digged in, then.

This column review here, include to all of that videos (2 movies and 1 special). Im surprised when i search at MAL how unpopular this movies compare to the previous flagship franchise. Such as GuP ... 2012, its special videos or else. I must be wrong when i dont have any valid reason to conclude that negative statement. But, yeah, i must restate it again. At some point, i think i will do a rephrase some of my word here by separate section toward diffirent movie and OVA, later. But, with a long-thinker, i wanna keep this as simple as possible. While waiting another part that surely come out at a future year, this review will give me a remind, at how good this whole series (not include the previous one) are. Surely made another summary at last part, for general conclusion at all. But for now, as my last purpose, simple review over 3 videos here just enough reminder for my miserable destiny ahead.

Summary review over 3 videos of GuP:

Part to the whole story. Reasoning: generic explanation, no detail reveal, minor spoiler may come from out of nowhere.

Here are my special anime ever found before. Yet, the character seem pretty cute, tho, which is why i really like this from the very first beginning. The concept of the video is new for me. Quite interesting animation toward some motion. CGI really good with some improve detail occur. With the story progression somehow being the best at its genre. A battle royale, with the main idea including some illogical thought. Like the school above carrier. Even the school come to be the palace will be mindblowing for some people. Well, i leave aside that minor detail. What im telling here is how great concept they used upon the battle.

Best idea, i feel nostalgic with the game they play at some scene (a battle tank mode in game, which is really old one. You know it? Aw, really had a nice mood when i see it come out there). Yes, some plot come so smooth. Like a water flow, this movie as same as my masterpiece movie i ever watch before. This even get my attention too high above any movie i list. Seriously, no other word cant even tell how good this movie is. And i even watch another series, yet. If yes, i may put this beyond top of my top list anime!

The development with every cute character seems a bit of rushed. i dont feel too good, with that. And i think, the problem appear as i dont much watch at a previous one, which is make me feel frustated. Ah, no problem, 9 would be a good start upon this franchise. I gonna make a great deal with the whole video in the next couple of month, if i can get the resource material. Just wait it man, wait it happen.

Art, music, voice action:
In this section, my judgement may come to the biased one. Because i dont really had a good expertise upon the 3 detail. So what i wanna tell here, is beyond my enjoyment. Purely judge by my mind, and step aside a pro review about that. Here is my list about the 3 of them:
Art - > 9. Yeah, i like the style of the drawing in this movie. Yet, the character look so cute.
Music - > unexpected quite annoying. I dont really like a french lyric, so yeah, 8 must be enough of that.
VA sound: nice, and the actor really make a good job over their characteristic. Maybe some of the sound blurred over abnormal music-effect of battle. But, its okay, i understand it a bit, while trying my best to adapt some conversation with replaying some scene. Yeah, a bit too fast, but still, this is some battle action movie, so its normal to had such a voice like that. So 8 will do good review at this.

Enjoyment:
Since the whole animation completely above rate, even some scene surely amazed me so well. While the character, and some of the detail art so cute, i enjoy this movie (with other part) so much. I give this 10 for enjoyment. No other hard feeling by me.

Overall this movie so good. Which is make me put 10. However, as expected as before. I cant do that because i really need to study to the whole story with better understanding. I feel lost with the concept first, so the 9 points sure great this franchise at my list. Yes, this is my favourite. Even, its still unfinished, but i have a hunch that this is the cutest movie action i ever watch.

GaruPan. is. Back.

This is quite obviously a 6 part OVA series. Think, Garden of Sinners movie 1 or Gundam Unicorn OVA 1. Much like those two, das finale OVA1 has plenty of hype scenes and a small conflict that is resolved. However much of the runtime is used to setup the tournament that is to unfold in the coming episodes as well as introduce some cool new characters both for Ooatari Joshi and the opponent of the day: UC Academy. UC Academy is a French school and their entire gimmick is a split down the middle modeling the French Revolution.

Now plenty of people are probably ... excited for the visuals and audio quality, as GaruPan has pushed those barriers strongly with der Film. And what can I say, it isn't even close: das Finale has raised the bar again and it is so much better than both the TV ver and der Film. The audio is actually modeled in surround as well so it may be awkward for headphone users. I highly recommend a good home theater setup to get the greatest enjoyment.

And well, that's all that there is to say since talking about the plot of a sub hour OVA really isn't useful. Just go watch it! Issa good.

The fight to save Momo has begun! Let roll!
The story left off since der film and picked up well with the schools now safe the new problem arises and I think it's a decent goal for a story can’t spoil much, very good 8/10
Art is very nice, all is smooth the review is in 2021 and art has developed since but the quality pleases me as it’s not much of a stutter. 8/10
Sound is top as usual, like the others parts tank sounds are high quality and same theme is still in used. A point for the sung onion song 9/10
Characters we're taken from the ... main series with an addition of new characters it may seems sudden and all but it fits in the universe well! 8/10
Overall? Enjoyed! As a fan of the series this is a good way to kick off a film streak. The name das finale signals the end but this may just be the best beginning to the end ever! (Hope and prayers that das finale is not the end!)

Girls und panzer is a show that shouldn't have worked, After all the concept of lolis driving tanks and blowing each other up isn't exactly a returning concept: but rather a totally original piece of work that's way to entertaining even with the dull story and lack of game modes. For those who don't know, this series of parts takes place after the main series and the movie (you can safely skip all the ova's apart from the 40 minute ova with the Italian loli.)

Story:

The story is as such: A girl in the student council is going to repeat another year at the academy, ... so the sensha'do team has to win a tournament in order to stop her doing so. And that's pretty much it, the story has never been a strong point in this series. After all, the animes always been about lolis driving tanks and when they try a emotional scene it never really hits home or make you care for the characters.

7/10

Art:

The art style is.. unique, its a blend of 3d CGI and fluent 2d animation. Now if your reading this I'm assuming that you have watches the rest of the series up until this point: and if so you would know that the CGI is some of the best in anime. There is no jank in the CGI whatsoever, sure it can take some time to adjust to but when you do, you will fall in love with the animation style this anime has to offer. The 2d is fluent and cutesy and the same goes with the 3D tanks.

8/10

Sound:

Its pretty standard, VA's are great like always and everything matches up well enough. Now, I'm not American but when I heard the opening for these parts I might have turned patriotic right then and there. As soon as it starts there's bullets and what seems like a American war cry of some sorts? I know this doesn't make sense (like at all) but when you watch this or should I say when you, you will see what I mean. Anyway, the OST is fantastic as always: as they use each country's real life national anthem. Even my people (the British) have there real life national anthem and its hype as fuck whenever it comes on.. excuse my language.

Characters:

This anime has a large focus on characters, but it overwhelms its self by adding so many different country's and teams so you cant really feel emotional for any character. Of course our main focus like always is Orai academy's Sensha'do team, so we get some minor character development there but none of them are particularly emotional or make you root for the character in question. all the teams have massive potential and could do with a OVA of there own to help build there characters, not much else to say here.

7/10

Enjoyment:

Your enjoyment will heavily depend on whether you have watched the main anime and the movie just after it. If you haven't watched it you will be clueless: and even if you have watched it like me you will still be confused. My advise would be too not pay attention to the story and just have some mindless fun watching this dumpster fire of a anime. Worth a watch just don't take it seriously.

8/10

Overall; 7/10

Give it a watch, the 3 parts that are out now are only 50 mins each or 2 episodes put together. Mindless fun and lolis blowing each other up with 50 tons of steel.

Thanks for reading!

Ahhhh, this was such a wholesome movie to watch......♥

I HAVE NOT WATCHED THE ANIME SERIES, THIS IS PURELY A REVIEW OF THE MOVIES

This is both a PART 1&2 review because its hard for me to really separate the two as they flow nicely together. Part 2 is just a continuation of the events of the first movie which is impressive because movie sequels don't tend to have the same quality as each other. This is why people always say the first is the best. In this case, both parts 1&2 connect beautifully together that it doesn't feel like I'm watching two separate films but the ... same one just split into two parts.

Important things to keep in mind are that I personally would not watch this series myself. I was intrigued by the premise as a friend recommended it and my friends were planning on watching it together. I thought I would find the most enjoyable part being their commentary as its always so entertaining even if I didn't end up liking the anime, I would still have fun. At least that's what I thought.

What ended up happening was I was so absorbed in the story that time seemed to go by fast and by the time the second one finished I was craving more. Why though?

The characters are cookie-cutter stylistically that its like they're the anime doppelgangers for other series. Theirs also such a plethora of characters that unless you have already seen the anime series you might not appreciate them as much. Might even be confused but just like with any anime, the stars of the show tend to show themselves.

By the end of the movies, I had developed a love for the characters and an appreciation of the plotline where I want to now watch the anime series itself and not just the movies.

The concept of games of war using tanks from different countries and periods of history as a team sport is both strange and revolutionary to me. This concept alone intrigued me enough to want to know more - keep in mind, I wouldn't look for a story like this myself.

The main premise of these movies is those war games. Most of the movie is dedicated to that and pregame re-con. All in the hopes of winning and being able to help their senpai graduate. [Seriously so wholesome XD]

My favorite part is that this sports series is better at strategizing then an actual anime based on war or fighting that I have seen in a while. It isn't like two mechs half hazard fighting one another where the pilot somehow miraculously wins. The conflict is intense and strategic where you never know what team will win until the very end. Your on the edge of your seat the whole time which is great because do you really want a predictable anime? No. That's boring.

One good thing about sports-based anime series is that you never know what the outcome will be. Its not about OP characters who you expect will win because they are the protagonist. Instead your constantly on the edge of your seat because the goal may be winning but that doesn't mean they will. However, it doesn't take away the overall enjoyment you feel when you watch. This can't really be said for series that have a conflict based storyline because if its not done in a good way, it can look really bad, be it story or animation or both.

I would say that due to its unique plot with historic details, action-packed animation with first-person perspectives, entertaining characters, and overall wholesome enjoyment, its a great watch.