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This is how you properly use the budget of a movie to enhance animation, art, and sound. I cannot stress enough how much the sound in particular enhanced all of the action scenes. This movie is a much watch with high-quality headphones or a surround-sound system.

Animation wise the fights are spectacular and exciting. Later in the film, when they face the federation, CGI is utilized properly to create a massive horde of men that really creates a sense of dread. The stakes are raised and the sounds of war really cements a feeling of dread in the latter portion of the film.

Unfortunately, the movie is ... not a contained piece. It acts as a bridge between the first and eventual second season. This holds it back in the story department in my opinion. Despite the antagonist, Mary Sue, having an excellent vocal performance and expressive animation-- her characterization suffers from being introduced in a movie.

I feel this movie will stand as a much better work once season 2 is introduced. Right now it just has me itching for more. I wont go into spoiler territory, but the ending of the film and opening scene are implying some BIG moments in the future of this franchise.

In summation:

Story 7/10 - Acts as more of a bridge rather than a contained work. It is more so a tease of what's to come.

Art 9/10 - Amazing and expressive animation. CGI is utilized properly, although is still somewhat detracting. (CGI still has that effect on me)

Sound 10/10 - The best use of sound I have heard in an anime period.

Character 7/10 - Side-characters are expressive and fun-- but somewhat unremarkable. Tanya is given more emotional depth and an undying hatred of communism that is hilarious. Mary Sue has potential and needs more than just a movie.

Enjoyment 10/10 - The battles are what gave me the greatest enjoyment and pleasure from viewing this. I have to give it a perfect score for enjoyment or else I would be lying to myself. Their was an audible cheer in the theater during a 'special' moment towards the end of the film when Mary Sue and Tanya have an intimate exchange in a church. Outstanding moments.

Overall 8/10 - Held back by its bridging nature rather than being a standalone story. I feel if we ever get a conclusion film following a future final season-- something like "The End of Tanya the Evil" it could easily be a 10/10. Only time will tell though.