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I wanted to watch this anime for a long time ago, being aware that not only it will have great music, but it's also made by the director Satoshi Kon.

I expected a good family anime movie, but this one was unique and better than just "good", it was really enjoyable.

Story and characters: The storytelling was unique to me. I found it really amazing how they showed the whole movie in a few seconds then proceeded to telling us Chiyoko's life from her youth till she became older. It had substance and style.
For a movie, 9/10

The characters at first seemed a little boring to me, but ... learning their story the more the better they became, and I couldn't help but like Gen'ya Tachibana (once his past started to become clear) and Chiyoko who seemed like a fun and wise old woman since the beginning, but then we learn about her from her childhood and she became even more likable as a female major main character, especially with her last line which gives the movie a very good ending. 8/10

Art & Animation: Not much to say here except that I was thoroughly impressed with the animation, I never caught a flaw and some scenes especially were quite beautiful. 10/10

Sound: The voice characters all fit, so did the special sounds and all, but what a deserves a special mention is the soundtrack provided by the unrivaled Susumu Hirasawa. Even as a fan of his, I had no idea he would use versions of "Nigredo" and "An Expert Mountain" in this movie, so I was really surprised when I heard them, and they are great songs. Easily the best ost I've heard in a movie whether anime or not, but it should have been used more, though that doesn't stop me from giving the music department a 10/10

Enjoyment: This movie was good enough to keep me hooked up even though I was disturbed many times during the watching. 8/10 - which for me is actually really impressive for a family movie.

Overall: 9/10 - Watch this anime if you like animated movies.