I HAVE NOT WATCHED THE ANIME SERIES, THIS IS PURELY A REVIEW OF THE MOVIES
This is both a PART 1&2 review because its hard for me to really separate the two as they flow nicely together. Part 2 is just a continuation of the events of the first movie which is impressive because movie sequels don't tend to have the same quality as each other. This is why people always say the first is the best. In this case, both parts 1&2 connect beautifully together that it doesn't feel like I'm watching two separate films but the same one just split into two parts.
Important things to keep in mind are that I personally would not watch this series myself. I was intrigued by the premise as a friend recommended it and my friends were planning on watching it together. I thought I would find the most enjoyable part being their commentary as its always so entertaining even if I didn't end up liking the anime, I would still have fun. At least that's what I thought.
What ended up happening was I was so absorbed in the story that time seemed to go by fast and by the time the second one finished I was craving more. Why though?
The characters are cookie-cutter stylistically that its like they're the anime doppelgangers for other series. Theirs also such a plethora of characters that unless you have already seen the anime series you might not appreciate them as much. Might even be confused but just like with any anime, the stars of the show tend to show themselves.
By the end of the movies, I had developed a love for the characters and an appreciation of the plotline where I want to now watch the anime series itself and not just the movies.
The concept of games of war using tanks from different countries and periods of history as a team sport is both strange and revolutionary to me. This concept alone intrigued me enough to want to know more - keep in mind, I wouldn't look for a story like this myself.
The main premise of these movies is those war games. Most of the movie is dedicated to that and pregame re-con. All in the hopes of winning and being able to help their senpai graduate. [Seriously so wholesome XD]
My favorite part is that this sports series is better at strategizing then an actual anime based on war or fighting that I have seen in a while. It isn't like two mechs half hazard fighting one another where the pilot somehow miraculously wins. The conflict is intense and strategic where you never know what team will win until the very end. Your on the edge of your seat the whole time which is great because do you really want a predictable anime? No. That's boring.
One good thing about sports-based anime series is that you never know what the outcome will be. Its not about OP characters who you expect will win because they are the protagonist. Instead your constantly on the edge of your seat because the goal may be winning but that doesn't mean they will. However, it doesn't take away the overall enjoyment you feel when you watch. This can't really be said for series that have a conflict based storyline because if its not done in a good way, it can look really bad, be it story or animation or both.
I would say that due to its unique plot with historic details, action-packed animation with first-person perspectives, entertaining characters, and overall wholesome enjoyment, its a great watch.
