If I had watched this movie a year ago, I might have given it a higher score, but after watching A Silent Voice and Your Name I can't give it more than this.
Plotwise, it's very similar to Your Lie in April but with an older cast. I preferred YLIA more, but that might be because it's a series and you get more attached to the characters before they die. A focal point about these types of stories is the impact the main protagonist has on someone else, but with this movie, it fell short on that end in my opinion; we didn't get to see any of his changed, nor am I sure how exactly she influenced him in the first place. In terms of romance, well obviously, this isn't a romantic story p, but I really liked how they portrayed the dynamic between the two. It was somewhat realistic and subtle.
My biggest issue might be with the characters. Sakura is the typical anime girl; super cheery and almost a bit annoying, and her agenda becomes clear after 10 minutes into the movie. Kyoko is beyond obnoxious; we are expected to accept that she is this awful because she is Sakura's best friend, yet A) her actions are completely unreasonable and B) we hardly get to see any interaction between the 2 to empathize with her and understand their friendship. Haruki on the other hand was extremely likable, he might have been the only reason why I enjoyed this movie. He seemed relatable, contrary to everyone and the progression of his feelings towards Sakura was well portrayed.
In terms of animation is was in a similar style to Your Name but slightly worse, i.e still pretty good. I can't say anything about the soundtrack.
This movie is meant to make you emotional, but to me it hardly did, especially compared to A Silent Voice, which had crying like a baby after a couple of minutes into it. This might be because Sakura didn't seem very realistic to me so I couldn't bring myself to care enough.
I'll give it props for 1) it's title and 2) for the interesting plot twist at the end.
Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad movie. The reason for the mediocre score is merely that no matter which aspect you like about this movie, I know at least one other anime movie that does it way better. And it's weaknesses, are just too bothersome.
Plotwise, it's very similar to Your Lie in April but with an older cast. I preferred YLIA more, but that might be because it's a series and you get more attached to the characters before they die. A focal point about these types of stories is the impact the main protagonist has on someone else, but with this movie, it fell short on that end in my opinion; we didn't get to see any of his changed, nor am I sure how exactly she influenced him in the first place. In terms of romance, well obviously, this isn't a romantic story p, but I really liked how they portrayed the dynamic between the two. It was somewhat realistic and subtle.
My biggest issue might be with the characters. Sakura is the typical anime girl; super cheery and almost a bit annoying, and her agenda becomes clear after 10 minutes into the movie. Kyoko is beyond obnoxious; we are expected to accept that she is this awful because she is Sakura's best friend, yet A) her actions are completely unreasonable and B) we hardly get to see any interaction between the 2 to empathize with her and understand their friendship. Haruki on the other hand was extremely likable, he might have been the only reason why I enjoyed this movie. He seemed relatable, contrary to everyone and the progression of his feelings towards Sakura was well portrayed.
In terms of animation is was in a similar style to Your Name but slightly worse, i.e still pretty good. I can't say anything about the soundtrack.
This movie is meant to make you emotional, but to me it hardly did, especially compared to A Silent Voice, which had crying like a baby after a couple of minutes into it. This might be because Sakura didn't seem very realistic to me so I couldn't bring myself to care enough.
I'll give it props for 1) it's title and 2) for the interesting plot twist at the end.
Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad movie. The reason for the mediocre score is merely that no matter which aspect you like about this movie, I know at least one other anime movie that does it way better. And it's weaknesses, are just too bothersome.