<SHORT REVIEW>
Pros
1. Weird but unique art and animation
2. Excellent soundtracks
3. Likable characters, especially the mermaids
Cons
1. Story is nothing original, pretty predictable
2. Some may find it hard to like the art choice
3. The story is weird, like very weird, some may find it hard to like it
<LONG REVIEW>
I started this because I have heard a lot of praise for the director of this movie, Masaaki Yuasa. I didn't know what I was getting into with this movie,the only thing I know is that it's about music and friendship. At first I find it quite hard to like the art and animation choice. It's quite different from other anime I watched before and it's isn't very consistent. To describe the animation, it's like Trigger but on more drugs. But slowly I got used to it and saw the charm in it.
Story wise, it's nothing we haven't seen before. It can be quite predictable. But I like the way they decided to handle it. Mixing it with great soundtracks and the unique art adds in a lot to the overall enjoyment. To be honest, the story isn't bad, it's quite a fun story actually. If you don't mind stories aimed at kids then feel free to watch this. Also, the story gets weirder as the movie progressed, but at least it's fun to watch. I can see the script writer enjoying himself while writing for this movie.
A lot of characters are under-developed, but this doesn't matter. It's not a movie focused on the characters, it's more story-centered, so I can put this issue aside. Each character is likable, especially the mermaids. Our main character did go through his own drama, but it's nothing we haven't seen before. I especially like Lu, the best character in the movie. I like her personality and also design wise she is freakin' cute. Lu's father is quite a well-written father character. As I have said above, the friendship development between humans and mermaids is quite spectacular and heartwarming.
Speaking of a music themed movie, of course the music is going to be good. I love every tracks in the movie. Each of them really did adds in a lot to each scene. Props to the composer. I highly recommend you to watch this if you want a movie with great soundtracks. The voices for each character is also well done. I can see that the VA's are trying their best to make the characters feel more realistic. The ED theme for this movie is quite a good song too. Overall, no complaints here.
In conclusion, Yoake Tsugeru Lu no Uta is quite a fun movie to watch. Sure not everyone would like it because of the art and animation choice, but if you are a Masaaki Yuasa fan or one who likes this kind of fantasy story with heartwarming themes about mermaids and humans, feel free to watch this, you will not be disappointed. I also recommend this to those who want a good friendship and music themed movie.
Thanks for reading.
