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“The heart of one wavers when you least expect it.”

I was really hyped for this movie, after the epic saga that was Date a Live and Date a Live II. Like all great franchises, the high point of their reign over people’s minds and desires is usually with a feature-length movie that would feature our main hero(s) (Shido Itsuka in this case) on the big screen. So how well does Date a Live the Movie: Mayuri’s Judgement fare amongst other movies in the market? Does it stand out as an underappreciated gem considered over that Pixar movie? Does it bomb and leaves the viewer crying ... for a refund? Let’s find out!

Sound (7/10)

Some familiar music cues (including my favourite – named Cycling) from the anime can be heard here, but most of the soundtrack is fitting enough in its use. Three songs, “Date A Live” – a reprise of the original anime’s theme song, “Invisible Date” – played during the ending credits – and another song performed by Minori Chihara right before the title appears - can be heard playing. They are all nice hits, and they seem appropriate contextually. While it doesn’t stand out, it intertwines with the scenes well enough.

Visuals (8/10)

The visuals are identical to the anime, combined with 3-D computer graphics imagery on the villain. Everything looks generally okay, with attention to detail quite impressive, though watching it in a cinema makes the visuals look kind of washed out. I think they should have done more for it to fit the cinema screen, because it just does not look very crisp. Other than that, with rich colours, good animation, and appealing artwork, what’s not to like?

Storyline and Enjoyment (9/10)

The story follows our 16-year-old Shido Itsuka, as he continues his dating life – yes, literally a life where he dates girls known as Spirits – earning her trust and then sealing off her Spirit powers by making lip-to-lip contact with each other. In the movie, a new girl is born simply from converged Spirit powers, named Mayuri. She follows along Shido – albeit as a thought-of mirage - as he goes on more dates with our other established heroes, attempting to weaken a mysterious sphere emitting Spirit powers that Shido previously sealed off. Eventually, the build-up leads to an epic fight, as the judgement of Mayuri – who deemed Shido as competent in Spirit-uality (or something like that, I can’t exactly remember) – conflicts with Cherubim’s, which inflicts great damage on the city. Now, the Spirits must team up to defeat him.

While the fanservice was indeed played – and to quite a large extent – it was moderated. It was portrayed through Shido’s dates, with throwbacks to past events part of the appeal. This plays a gigantic part to the enjoyment, because this is where the average Date a Live fan will shake in his seat, yet the newcomer to the franchise will wonder what all the fuss is about. Still, however, the movie has its moments which both sides will laugh and cry at, including the ending, and a few other parts.

Overall (8/10)

A must-watch for fans of the franchise, Date a Live the Movie: Mayuri’s Judgement will not disappoint. With the same charming visuals that graced the TV series and original video animations, epic storyline to continue from the enchanting second season of the TV series, and immersive sound which proves that technology isn’t everything, Mayuri’s Judgement is a joy to watch. It will, however, alienate newcomers to the franchise, so if you haven’t seen the anime series or read the light novels, stay away.