Now the first time I saw this movie, my opinion was rather sour, because 1/3rd of it is essentially recapping the whole series, followed by the actual story. Maybe because I've read the manga, but now that I watch it again, I really think this movie is pretty damn good.
The recapping is done in a pretty brilliant way. Instead of blandly reusing animation, and replaying the same thing over again, they chose to go a different route. Hiyori Kazane, a new character introduced in this movie, narrates the events of the first two seasons of the show, but through her perspective and experiences. It adds a lot of context to the show. Not only that, but if you actually go back to the original show, SHE'S ACTUALLY IN THE BACKGROUND!
Hiyori is adorable, and I wish she was in the series longer.
I struggled on rating this one between a 7 and an 8, but I honestly think this movie might deserve an 8. I have a personal rule for when I rate something: Anything 8 and above either has to have an artistic message to state, or at least sticks out in your mind.
Well even prior to rewatching the whole series, this was the movie I remembered most. That is to say, many of the scenes that I expected to be in the show, were actually in this movie. Which really tells me this is a good one. The story is smooth and beautiful at times, with fantastic soundtrack that ranges from silly and whimsical, to dark and foreboding.
If you're a fan of the show, and somehow never seen this one, it's a definite watch.
