A template movie version of a popular tv show. Even if you haven't seen the original Bleach anime, read the manga or even heard of Bleach, this movie does a good job of establishing the fundamentals of the Bleach world within its opening half and it's nothing too complicated. This is a non-canon self-contained story about a soul phenomenon that threatens the safety of the world and Ichigo must try his best to save it. The villains are a generic bunch of loser outcasts who want to destroy the world for no reason. They have no character and no beauty to speak of and a hero's story is only as good as his villains. Senna is a sympathetic young girl that the MC has to protect. She was somewhat of an interesting character as she basically questioned the other characters’ and the viewer’s definition of a living being. I, of course, would happily chop her in two like Ukitaka wanted to but Ichigo was conflicted by his feelings for her and the necessity of her elimination.
Rukia loses every fight like always and has to have someone save her from distress. Minimal Orihime screentime; which is a plus as always.
Music was typical Bleach OST and the animation was movie quality enough to hold up two decades later.
This is a must watch for all Bleach fans and even non-Bleach fans are welcome to try it.
