Back to jdodd91's Profile jdodd91's Profile

TL;DR Overall a very fun ride with interesting characters and unique story. Although it does stumble a little in its pacing and character growth it seems like it was criminally underrated when it premiered. I think if you are willing to get past it's odd animation style and enjoy (social engineering, hacking, or politics) you should definitely give this a shot!


Pros:
-Interesting characters (Primarily in the two lead characters ....Haru/Gaku)
-Story is both informative and unpredictable/entertaining (especially if you hacking, politics, social engineering)

Cons:
-Animation takes some getting used to (def drops off later in quality)
-Pacing (The first half seems like everything takes at least a few ... episodes but the back half of the season everything is solved in an episode. Characters will say I don't know how to do that then instantly figure it out! Kind of takes away most of the drama or intrigue that was in the first half. )
-Minor gripe is character development( Characters such as Gaku grow over time for sure but it seems to be one step forward two steps back.)

Let's get the positives out of the way first. The movie has some great art and soundtrack and solid ideas explored in the story. The main problem for me here is in the way it tells its story and it's pacing. The tunnel element is a good hook but is often just used as a plot device to push a relationship to evolve. Like most things in this movie it isn't given enough time to breath and really explain how it works to viewers, we just get the basic rules. This is similar to the characters where they end up feeling extremely bland as ... conversations boil down to them trauma dumping or needless amounts of exposition about their dreams. This is the prime example of show don't tell. Characters walk into a room and explain their goals, tragic back story , and profess their love for each other in what feels like 30 minutes of the movie. This makes the emotional payoff kind of fall flat. The story has cute moments which makes it worth a watch, but can't escape it's rushed pace and bland characters.

I'll try to make this review as quick as possible as I quite enjoy reviews that are straight to the point. I really really enjoyed every aspect to this movie but I don't think everyone will like it as much as me. The movie looks and sounds AMAZING as is the bones standard and really captures the mood of Tsuneo saving up to pursue his dream of traveling abroad. I really applaud the use of light breezy backing tracks and the occasional sentimental sad ballads when we get to the main drama of the movie. Overall the soundtrack doesn't stand out because it doesn't need ... to...it just does everything perfectly to fit the vibe. The same can be said with the breathtaking art. It's eye catching and very colorful but isn't the most beautiful thing you will ever see. Now let's talk themes! The story largely deals with three main themes: love, following your dreams, and dealing with grief. These themes are explored largely through showing the viewer and in the conversations between the two main characters. I realize some people might think the analogies (like the tigers) might be a little on the nose but I didn't really mind it that much. I think I related heavily to this movie because i've been dealing with my own career struggles and making a better life for myself and my wife. Put that and the fact that I'm a sucker for a good romance together and I think it's a masterpiece. Most people will watch this movie and see an average romance and that's okay! It does have a few shortcomings with pacing and wearing it's themes on it's sleeve but I can't say thats really a huge negative. Overall I can't recommend it enough even if you don't get the same thing out of it I did. Give it a try if you are in the mood for a heart warming romance (and don't mind crying!) with very high production.

You know sword of the stranger is going to be good, when in the opening credits a man in a hat and cloak practically takes out an entire army, in one of the best fight scenes I have ever scene. From start to finish, this movie blew me away, with everything from the fight scenes, to the gorgeous look of everything. The only thing that could have used a little work, was the story. It was good, and original, but it didn't have time to go anywhere in the movie. But, if you like samurai's, sword fighting, and an "epic feel" to an animove, then ... this is a must for you.