Note that when a queer person is analyzing a piece of queer media, they have a different connection to the work. But beyond the fact that I like men, I don't really have much in common with these characters. That's exactly why the character writing of this series feels incredible. The amount of work that goes into making these characters so easy to resonate with is outstanding. Shun and Mio are incredibly lovable from the moment we meet them. Even the side characters feel full-bodied, something challenging in a romance movie. The art and animation bring that flavor of life Kii Kanna used in the manga to motion, and it's beautiful.
So why is it worse than I remember? My explanation is that this is a piece that looks and sounds best with a movie budget, but feels and flows best with TV syndication. The pacing of a TV show mirrors the flow you'd have with manga, either in publication or in tankobon form. The movie puts this flow through the blender, and really muddies a lot of the appeal. However, I would suggest watching this anyway, as this is both gorgeous and worth the watch.
