That said its not without its faults, there is one overlying issue, and a couple less intrusive issues that mean my enjoyment does need to be qualified.
First and foremost the art is easily 10/10. Just absolutely gorgeous graphical quality, solid animation, the framing occasionally questionable but that's an issue for later.
The story on the other hand suffers heavily. I could just leave it at: "This movie only exists for visuals" but theres definitely a lot to be said, its too bad there isn't enough committal to any individual theme. Through the story the themes that come up off the top of my head are: "Scientific process," some level of "Trusting others," "Understanding love as one comes of age." among others
The first is in service of the mystery element in the plot, which is executed passably. While I personally didn't think it was a well constructed aspect, this is probably enough of a plot/conflict to tide over casual viewers.
The second only comes up explicitly once or twice, its not given enough emphasis to feel substantial but it comes up often enough that it felt like it could be built on.
The third is a lot more pathos appeal, I don't if I can judge it, its probably more up to the viewer if the pathos hits them towards the end. There is an issue stemming from this theme though, its used to justify a lot of male gaze, which definitely isn't a great excuse
There are a number of minor themes that don't really get worked through, like the use of chess and/or science to bridge the generation gap. Or bullying and redemption, and offshoot themes from there. Just generally speaking characters are not used all that well throughout the work, although they aren't egregious either.
That lacking overall writing and theming being the biggest issue aside, in terms of smaller issues there are a number of tonally off scenes towards the beginning (some of which i suppose are meant to pay off towards the end but others are pretty straightforewardly out of place). There is the odd obsession with boobs. Its not necessarily an issue until towards the end, a scene with very "subtle" framing around two mountains, and then at the conclusion where it just awkwardly comes to mind. There are a few more points to be made but those are the most jarring. (The former not likely to be an issue mid watch but the latter definitely immersion breaking).
In the end its still greatly enjoyable just off the visuals, its just too bad that for the most part the writing is just a means to an end.
