BanG Dream! Movie: Episode of Roselia - I: Yakusoku

Let's get this straight out of the way: Yes this is essentially a recap of the first 2 Roselia Band stories from the game, with a mix of some other events etc. (it is missing many, many details from previously presented story in the game)

If you come into this movie expecting a deep story line, insane character development, etc., you will not find it here. What you will find though is a heartwarming celebration of everything that Roselia and its members stand for. As someone who plays the game and follows the story for 3+ years now, this movie served as a reminder I guess, ... a reminder of all the amazing music and character that this band was build upon. I would not recommend it as much to people who haven't seen the stories in the game, I can see it feeling very rushed and shallow, as the pacing is a bit weird. But, for everyone else who loves this band, this is a nostalgia trip that has some of the most memorable scenes of the early Roselia days, and, even though it tries to pack a bit too much for a 1 hour movie, it still manages to capture the most important aspects of each character, their motivation, goals, personality etc. All in all a must for Roselia fans - That being said, I do not wish to discourage new fans from watching this movie; it might serve as a good starting point in the series if you don't mind missing some details. Needless to say, all the music in movie is amazing, though I would hope they could showcase a couple more songs (there is always the Film Live if you are looking to just listen to more Bang Dream music).

One final note, specially towards long time fans of the anime, is that they really improved the visuals & animations of the 3D models - it feels like they have finally found a style that works and is unique and recognizable for the series.

I'm writing this review as someone who is has watched more of the anime than the visual novels.

Even after hearing fan's disappointment on the pacing and crunching of the story, it all made sense. Each dilemma of each character was apt to the looming dilemma to Roselia as a band. Though at the same time, I do empathize that "all finished in 5 seconds" kind of thing that was happening for each character, especially for Sayo, or so I heard that she was a well-written character, for I have read the story of how Yukina was only using Roselia as mere contest participants, and yes, ... I do agree with the lackluster of time. My acknowledgements may sound bias in a way most people see. Maybe if I had read the entire Roselia stories, I may have placed this at a 6, or if I at least read one of the required VNs, then I would be able to perceive how incomparable they are to the movie. but yet again, I still commend for the writing to walk on thin ice and yet reach the end at an elegant time. It managed to create its own set of rules on its own from a newer base, and it redeemed itself for a brazen move. This was still the best kind of story that the anime versions offers for the audience-type. In fact, I have enjoyed this more than any of the conflicts from Season 1-3.

While I'm at this point of writing the review, as I may never write a review on a Bandori show again, the dialogue generally needs a bit more diversity. It's funny because when some of the characters in the show compassion, sincerity, or open to one another, it feels like I'm reading an essay where the author reads to oneself. Nevertheless, I totally see this being improved in the movie.

If Sayo is an incredibly written character as many says she is once I read it, then I might give it an 11/10.

This movie, part of the BanG Dream series, focuses on the band Roselia (out of the seven currently in the series). Unfortunately, this movie is very lacking in terms of story and character development. There is way too many time skips that basically requires the viewer to have prior knowledge of the Roselia band stories from the BanG Dream! Girls Band Party game. Without watching the entire story in the game, this movie feels very incomplete in terms of story/character development. As a matter of fact, this movie is basically animating the two (?) main Roselia band stories from the game. It would almost be ... better to simply download the game and watch the story there.

However, with prior knowledge of Roselia's backstory, the story makes sense and the connections do link. However, by only watching the movie, people who have only watched the TV seasons will find this movie very disappointing (Story 4, Character 4).

The art is consistent with season 2 and 3. It is clean, with obvious high production value. That is also true for the music in this movie. I would hope so, since it is a series based on music (Art, Sound: 8).

Overall, if this movie included some side stories from the game and had basically a better storyboard/blueprint for the movie story progression, this would be a much better experience. As it stands, it barely passes as a 6/10 for me.