Art: 10
Sound: 10
Character: 10
Enjoyment: 8
Overall: 9
This review should be spoiler free.
Overall, the film performed above my own expectations coming in. It's hard to explain the nitpicks that I have with the film without delving too far into spoiler territory, however. Let's just say the film utilizes a narrative plot device that can go much too wrong far too quickly. However, I do believe the film emulated its tone perfectly, despite obvious plot holes or cliches.
This series is a very character driven one, and the characters really carry their own emotional burdens with them, and act upon them believably. I sense the naivete in every character's understanding of Sakuta's situation in the story, and it really pulls out every ounce of emotion from the characters...so much so that I was genuinely impressed at Mai's performance as a main heroine, despite getting sidelined for much of the original anime run. It was refreshing to see her in a new light as she is forced to break out of her "matured" outlook on life and genuinely display the type of affection she speaks so highly of that she has for Sakuta in her actions instead of only playing the "doting tsundere" (don't get me wrong though, this is the reason I love Mai so much haha).
Sakuta also plays the part of someone who has to make an impossible choice, in which neither is wrong, but either one will make him suffer immensely. The tragedy of this film easily moved me to the edge of tears.
However, as much as I enjoyed it, it isn't without it's own caveats. If you're the type of person who reads too much into details, this anime will most likely disappoint you. It creates plot holes for itself, not intentionally, but because of the plot device that drives the film. I'm not exactly a huge fan of these types of plots, but within the universe of this series, I can justify my own way of accepting it. Personally, I want to give the series a 6 for the story, but I was genuinely absorbed by the tragedy of Sakuta's position within the film of having to make a choice. Reflecting back is also a part of the enjoyment process, in my opinion, and I have decided to give it an 8.
OVERALL:
If you're the type of person to let small things build and bother you, you will probably dislike a lot about this movie. However, if you can get past them, it was actually a really enjoyable movie.
