Sasaki to Miyano Movie: Sotsugyou-hen

Oh man! I recommend everyone to give Sasaki to Miyano a chance, even if you are straight male (like me!). Because I truly believe that this is one of the best romance anime franchise I ever watched (and I watched a lot). This movie confirmed my belief even more.

This movie cover between Sasaki’s examination period until his graduation. It doesn’t give me a typical movie vibes that much to be honest. It feels more like a bunch of episodes being put together and made it as a movie. But what can I blame them? Because in the end it work out so well! The same ... visual effect, the familiar side character, the old familiar pace of story. It’s somehow make me feel cozy even though I was watching alone in cinema. It was seriously new vibe that I doubt I will ever experience again from other franchises.

The main element that I love the most about Sasaki to Miyano is that it try not to be offensive when it comes to relationship and let it escalate smoothly. Now that their relationship is escalated well enough after episode 12, we start to see some more aggressive moves yet still smooth by Sasaki and we also see more jealous side of Miyano. It’s truly soothing to watch.

Even though it feels like bunch of episodes of period between Sasaki’s examination until his graduation being packed together and called it a movie, it doesn’t make me feel boring at all. You would think that it will be boring due to how slow-paced Sasaki to Miyano franchise is but surprisingly it really is not boring. The story is interesting enough to make my eye feel like it’s glued to the screen.

Worth mentioning that the side story between Hirano and Kagiura at the beginning was also refreshing to watch.

Overall, it was a great movie. What more can I said except you really can’t miss this movie if you’re Sasaki to Miyano fan? After all, it’s your same old Sasaki to Miyano style that just being put into movie format. It made me feel like I came to grandparent’s home that I have been missing desperately. If you watched Sasaki to Miyano, you will love to watch this movie for sure. Even if you don’t watch Sasaki to Miyano before, you will likely thanks yourself if you start from season 1 then watch this movie.

I just watched this at the premiere at Anime Boston. Whatever you love about season one is here, and if you’re a manga reader that’s up-to-date, your expectations will be met! It follows the manga quite closely. There’s even a Hirano and Kagiura treat!

The familiar soundtrack, the art style, the seiyuu/voice actors, and the moments that make you hold your breath are there. Most series tend to ramp up or have a few noticeable differences in their “in-between” movies so that’s what I was expecting, so I’m pleasantly surprised. On the other hand, if you wanted a change of pace or new elements it ... may not impact you. This movie does what it intends to do which is transition from the first season and sets up for the next season/next stage of their relationship. You’ll laugh, you’ll coo, you’ll feel wholesome. Please check it out!

Following the same concerns and affection of the anime series, Sasaki to Miyano: Graduation reunites the cutest couple of 2022. Sasaki is graduating from secondary school and Miyano is anxious about their new routine. The two won't see each other daily as Miyano is staying in school while Sasaki applies for college.

The hauntings in Miyano's mind first appeared at the series' finale and persisted in the movie's opening minutes. Nevertheless, the storyline fades naturally as the film progresses. Leaving aside the worries of a new relationship routine, "Graduation" shows a beautiful and necessary evolution by presenting the "coming out" scenario for themselves, their families, and ... friends.

Miyano received support from his close friends Tashiro and Kuresawa, whereas Sasaki did not, as he didn't express his romantic feelings for Miyano to his friends. We can say the movie trully begins when the couple share affection on the train, when Sasaki talks with Okasawara, and when they tell their families they are in a same-sex relationship. The best and most crucial moment of the film is when Sasaki and Miyano openly reveal their relationship as a couple.

The conversation between Miyano and his mother regarding his same-sex love interest with a senpai from their school, feels natural. Miyano's mum hears the "news" and welcomes Sasaki home, indicating they have a new secure spot to express themselves and hang out together. Miyano's primary concern was their dating set up, but now they have a new place to hang out.

In contrast, Sasaki's sister leaves the place in tears upon hearing the news. However, through a necessary dialogue with Miyano about love, relationships, and personal growth, the situation is soon resolved. A brief part of the film that portrays Sasaki's family dynamic and his close bond with his sister.

The movie maintains the charming style of the animated series with scenes featuring the cats while also incorporating shoujo elements in significant parts. Overall, Sasaki to Miyano: Graduation is a delightful and heartwarming depiction of the challenges that every same-sex couple experiences. A film that is more straightforward than the series and can only achieve that because we had a well-developed couple in the previous material.