Aug 24, 2024
Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: First Kiss wa Owaranai is an interesting film. Before I begin, Kaguya-sama: Love is War is an amazing animanga and one of my personal favorites. After being astounded by the phenomenal third season of the anime, I immediately went straight to the film for more. Upon beginning of the first watch, I was admittedly disappointed. Following the ending of Season 3, I expected development in Kaguya and Miyuki's relationship, including the romance and couple moments we all missed out on in the first three seasons. However, I was severely let down, as the movie for the most part, consisted of just the
...
same-old cat and mouse game the two leads had been playing for the whole show. Kaguya exhibits her 'Ice Kaguya' personality she had kept hidden after joining the Student Council, whilst a distraught Miyuki is left confused as to why (especially after his ultra-romantic confession to Kaguya in Season 3). However, the lack of romance throughout the movie is redeemed by its beautiful ending, as the two leads admit their weaknesses and make an agreement to drop their pride and show each other the 'true versions of themselves' - their love is met in the middle as Miyuki realises Kaguya's desire for a 'normal' relationship. The film concludes with a kiss; their first 'real' kiss, as a couple (foreshadowed by the clocktower events in the third season).
The premise of season 3 revolves around Kaguya and Miyuki realising that their time together was about to end, with both of them doing all in their power to get a confession out of each other for a final time. All of this leads up to the grand finale of the season, as Miyuki's intricate plan eventually leads Kaguya up the Shuchiin clocktower. Miyuki confesses his feelings via all the heart balloons, sharing a kiss with Kaguya as he boldly asks her to accompany him to Stanford, which (supposedly?) resolves the main conflict of the season. Regardless, it's a heartfelt moment between the two leads and definitely the peak of the Kaguya series... Until Kaguya, overwhelmed by her emotions, reverts back to her Ice Kaguya persona.
Kaguya's personas are a crucial development in the story and literally the whole idea of the film. She tries to shove her Ice Kaguya side (which is what she considers to be her worst trait) right into Miyuki's face, wanting Miyuki to show her his negative traits in return. Unbeknownst to Kaguya, Miyuki had already fallen in love with her ice kaguya side as well, and he too reveals his imperfections. They accept all of Kaguya's personas - bakaguya, ice Kaguya, and normal Kaguya, each as its own different form of true Kaguya.
Now, as someone who's finished the manga and recently rewatched the anime, I've only come to gradually rediscover the movie's small flaw outside of just its lack of romantic moments. My biggest problem with this film is that it completely disregards anything developed within the third season. Kaguya desires a normal relationship, but at the same time she rejects Miyuki's advances to try and impress her... Like, you're telling me that the whole heartfelt clocktower confession really didn't amount to anything? Part of me wishes that instead of Kaguya rejecting Miyuki's ostentatious nature, she'd accept them as part of who he is, likewise to how Miyuki accepted *all* of Kaguya's personas as a part of her as well. After all, it was Miyuki's drive to become Kaguya's equal that resulted in Kaguya to fall for him in the first place, and the idea of a 'normal' relationship can still be achieved with these advances.
Regardless, Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: First Kiss wa Owaranai offers a fresh perspective on Kaguya and Miyuki's relationship, continuing to blend humor, wit, and heartfelt moments that have made the series so beloved. While the reintroduction of Ice Kaguya may initially seem like a step back, it ultimately serves as a powerful reminder that personal growth is not always a straight line. By confronting their fears and vulnerabilities, Kaguya and Miyuki take significant strides towards a deeper, more honest relationship.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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