I always felt this movie was so underrated because of the series. I think the main reason why is because the movie is basically a summary of the entire series, but the movie is so well paced and doesn't feel rushed at all unlike most other anime summary movies. The ending is even more realistic. Well let's get this review going!
Story: Like the series this movie revolves around a high school boy named Tomoya who meets this young girl named Nagisa at a hill on the way to school underneath cherry blossom trees. He decides to talk to her and from then on their relationship blossoms. The romance is sweet and focuses more on the dreams that Nagisa had for acting and how Tomoya grew to realize his feelings for her in a heartwarming way. It's something that I myself could relate too. There are many feels in this so beware of crying unless you've seen the series although since it's more real to life so you might want to get a tissue box.
Animation: The art is good, but not as good as the series. It has the same character designs, but the lighting and beauty of it is more outdated compared to the main series. It's not terrible or even bad. It's mostly just good.
Sound: The music was beautiful like in the series. The voice acting was quite good too and if you enjoy dubs then this one is pretty good, not the greatest dub ever, but I still think it's good. The music is what I really enjoyed about it though. It truly matched the mood of the story so well.
Characters: Tomoya is the main male protagonist. The main girl protaginist is Nagisa as earlier mentioned. Tomoya has a sad past that causes him to act like a delinquent although he's truly a kind and caring person who helps Nagisa to accomplish her dreams of performing on stage. Nagisa however is a very sweet girl who can be shy and sometimes she even says the name of one of her favorite foods out loud to herself so that way she'll work up the courage to do something like go to the drama club She loves to sing that cute and adorable song, Dango, Dango, Dango, Dango, Dango.
There's also Sonohara who is Tomoya's best friend and is mostly there for comedic relief.
Then eventually you get to see Ushio. She's so adorable. All she says is "Daddy," but she's the cutest. By the time you her you'll literally cry from your heart.
Enjoyment: I honestly loved this movie and yes I saw it before the series. I'm still deciding which I like better. The series or movie. No matter what I think this movie was how a summary anime movie should be made... Just so well paced and beautiful on every level for me. I enjoyed this because of how much the characters made me love them. Nagisa and Tomoya are still my favorite couple to this day and the movie is no exception. I also loved the true to life ending and it made me cry out from my heart ans soul. I just love this masterpiece without a doubt.
Overall: If you love romance drama anime then it's worth the watch if you don't feel like watching the entire series and it might get you interested in the main series like it did for me. I hope you check out this awesome anime movie! At least do it to see Ushio or hear the adorable Dango song. Tomoya is my personal favorite though Nagisa and Tomoya are like ying and yang.
Ending quote: "But the one thing I will never forget is that smiling face."
*Bursts in tears*
