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Forgive me if this review may sounds a bit off. It's 6 in the mourning and I'm a bit tired, right now writing all this.
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Original Run: December 3, 2011
Length: 1 hr 50 min
Genre: Slice of Life, Music, Comedy
Rating: 13+
When it comes to an anime like K-ON!, one cannot help but associate it with the term "moe". To some, the term bring joy and thoughts of their favorite character wearing cat ears and a maid outfit...with glasses. To other, the word brings rage and hatred, being made out to be the plague that is ruining the anime industry. And K-ON! is one of those titles that are to blame.
Let me get one thing clear, I love K-ON!. Not because it's "moe" or that I wanna lay the entire cast or something. I love it because it's cute, charming, funny, simple, and all around a real feel-good anime, and like KyoAni's other work, it's slow paced, laid-back, and has a very welcoming atmosphere.
That being said, when I heard about the movie, I got excited, but at the same time I also thought cash cow. Of course I was looking forward to it, but I tried not to get my hopes up too high. But having just seen The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, another KyoAni project, I was certain that KyoAni would deliver, but doubt it would be near the quality of The Disappearance.
So I patiently waited seven months after the theater release for the movie to be release on Blu-Ray/DVD, and to be subbed. After waiting so long, did it live up to my expectation?
No... It exceeded it, in a way that I didn't see coming.
Story
K-ON! isn't something you go in to with the highest of expectations, it's more something that you watch and sort of take it as it is. It's a bunch of high school girls playing music and having fun, and most of all, a light-hearted slice of life comedy. you wouldn't judge it the same way you would, say, Steins;Gate or Cowboy Bebop. You judge it for it's own merits, and in my opinion, K-ON! does what it does very well.
The movie is no different. You don't go in expecting something like The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. Both movies are pretty much different in every way, but on it's own terms, The K-ON! movie is on par with The Disappearance. I'd even go as far as say that the film is pretty much perfect in almost every way.
Alright, that's a bit too bold of a statement, but what does the K-ON! Movie do right? There's no shock, no conflict, no drama, no big moment that changes everything you know about the series, and it's in no way a revolutionary film. It is what it is. But what it does have is a lot of heart and effort put into it that makes it more than just a cash-in. For a film where nothing extraordinary happens, I found myself more trilled by this than any big blockbuster, and more touched than any drama.
The movie takes place before and during episode 24 of season 2. You can sort of say that it's an alternate or extended cut of the series finale. The senior members of the Light Music Club, Yui, Mio, Ritsu, and Mugi, want to do something special for their junior member, Azusa, before they graduate. The senior members decide to write a song for Azusa, and at the same time they plan a post-graduation trip to London, and throughout the trip they're trying to keep it a secret from her. And... that's about it, really.
The first third of the film is them planning the trip, deciding what's the best gift for Azusa before graduation, and preparing for London. Really they don't leave for London until 40 minutes into the film, and the London scenes themselves clock in at around 40 minutes as well, while the last 30 minutes are back in school getting ready for graduation.
The club's trip to London goes about the way you'd expect it. They fool around, get into a few high-jinks, and even get a chance to play a few shows. It's still very enjoyable to watch, and there are some very humorous scenes with the girls interacting with the locals and getting lost in translation. However, the last 30 minutes of the film after the trip, in my opinion, are the best part of the movie. I won't say how exactly, but it makes what was already a heartwarming series finale even more so.
Now, I said that the film is pretty much perfect as it is, but there are a few really minor things that, while doesn't ruin the film in any way, would've been interesting to see. I would've like to see a bit more of London, and there's a point in the film where there could've been an interesting turn of events and might have added a little excitement and turmoil. But those are just small gripes in what is still a damn fine and well-made film. However, much like The Disappearance, they're both films primarily for fans of the series. If you a K-ON! hater, then this won't certainly change you're opinion of the series.
Art / Animation
Kyoto Animation has always been a powerhouse when it comes to their animation, and has been getting better and better as the years go by. K-ON! is no exception. Hair, clothes, and face physics are plush and fluid to the point where you feel like you can reach out and pinch the characters' cheeks. Lighting is very well done, and the colors pop out very nicely, and like many of KyoAnimes, there real atmosphere to it. I hear people complain that the art makes a lot of the characters look very similar. I never had this problem, but I can see where they're coming from. It just never bothered me personally. The characters look different enough with their hair and slight eyeshape that I can easily tell them apart. And despite that, it's still a very attractive art style. While not as visually striking as The Disappearance or some of KyoAni's recent works like Nichijou or Hyouka, it's still a very good looking movie and well animated. If I do have a gripe, it's that I wish it wouldn't cut away so much during the concert scenes, but luckily the film doesn't do it as much as the show.
Sound
Of course, what is a music anime without music? And a K-ON! movie wouldn't be complete without some light and fluffy tracks from Afterschool Tea Time. The music of K-ON! is upbeat, cutesy, and at time's they can be about something really sweet or just about food. While I say that of the two lead singers, Mio has the better singing voice, Yui's singing voice does have a charm and passion to it that makes her rather enjoyable to listen to. I do have a problem with some of the lyrics of their songs at times, as they can be a bit too... girly. But that is the point of it, after all. Much like how in Detroit Metal City the lyrics are overly vulgar.
However, aside from the opening and ending track, there isn't really any new songs in the movie. All the songs are previous songs from the show, which might disappoint some fans. But, they're played with enough energy that they're still incredibly fun to listen to. And of course, the new songs are great, too.
The background tracks in the show are very quirky and upbeat, but wasn't anything spectacular, but the movie does have some really nice tunes. The voice work is great, although I can't go into full detail since it's Japanese and I feel like I can't properly talk about it since I don't speak or understand the language or it's method of acting, but it does sound like the actresses are putting their damnest into it, and sound like they're enjoying themselves, in which case the audience are enjoying themselves, as well. However, some of the English voices for the English characters are a bit iffy, but I give it a pass.
Characters
If you're going into the movie than you'd probably already know the characters. While none of the characters are complex, well developed, or even that flawed for that matter, they still come across as very likable and surprisingly relatable, but for me personally, Yui's the one that stands out the most to me, and this movie really reminds me of why I enjoy her character so much, more than I probably realized. As childish and quirky as she can be, she does have traits that you can relate to and make connections with. I think we all have a childish side to us that's begging for some ice cream. And she has such a bubbly, innocent, but very passionate personality that I can't help but admire, and find uplifting. The other members act more realistic than Yui, but they do have their share of likable quips.
Overall
I was expecting something good, but what I got was something very special and very heartwarming. The "moe" wasn't what made love the series (that was only part of it), but the heart, passion, and effort put in by the staff and the actresses. That, and the show was just pure, innocent fun. You don't always need to have a great big epic story or balls to the wall action, sometimes all you need is a group a friends enjoying their high school life, playing light-hearted music, and that was what K-ON! was all about, that was why I watched it, and this film is what I love about it. If that's not your thing, then so be it. This is all just my opinion and just how I view the series. But if you love K-ON!, then there's no reason for you to not watch the movie.
[sub]for those of you who don't know what the term "moe" means.[/sub]
[HEADING=1]Anime Review[/HEADING]
[HEADING=2]K-ON! (Movie)[/HEADING]
Director: Naoko YamadaStudio: Kyoto Animation
Original Run: December 3, 2011
Length: 1 hr 50 min
Genre: Slice of Life, Music, Comedy
Rating: 13+
When it comes to an anime like K-ON!, one cannot help but associate it with the term "moe". To some, the term bring joy and thoughts of their favorite character wearing cat ears and a maid outfit...with glasses. To other, the word brings rage and hatred, being made out to be the plague that is ruining the anime industry. And K-ON! is one of those titles that are to blame.
Let me get one thing clear, I love K-ON!. Not because it's "moe" or that I wanna lay the entire cast or something. I love it because it's cute, charming, funny, simple, and all around a real feel-good anime, and like KyoAni's other work, it's slow paced, laid-back, and has a very welcoming atmosphere.
That being said, when I heard about the movie, I got excited, but at the same time I also thought cash cow. Of course I was looking forward to it, but I tried not to get my hopes up too high. But having just seen The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, another KyoAni project, I was certain that KyoAni would deliver, but doubt it would be near the quality of The Disappearance.
So I patiently waited seven months after the theater release for the movie to be release on Blu-Ray/DVD, and to be subbed. After waiting so long, did it live up to my expectation?
No... It exceeded it, in a way that I didn't see coming.
Story
K-ON! isn't something you go in to with the highest of expectations, it's more something that you watch and sort of take it as it is. It's a bunch of high school girls playing music and having fun, and most of all, a light-hearted slice of life comedy. you wouldn't judge it the same way you would, say, Steins;Gate or Cowboy Bebop. You judge it for it's own merits, and in my opinion, K-ON! does what it does very well.
The movie is no different. You don't go in expecting something like The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. Both movies are pretty much different in every way, but on it's own terms, The K-ON! movie is on par with The Disappearance. I'd even go as far as say that the film is pretty much perfect in almost every way.
Alright, that's a bit too bold of a statement, but what does the K-ON! Movie do right? There's no shock, no conflict, no drama, no big moment that changes everything you know about the series, and it's in no way a revolutionary film. It is what it is. But what it does have is a lot of heart and effort put into it that makes it more than just a cash-in. For a film where nothing extraordinary happens, I found myself more trilled by this than any big blockbuster, and more touched than any drama.
The movie takes place before and during episode 24 of season 2. You can sort of say that it's an alternate or extended cut of the series finale. The senior members of the Light Music Club, Yui, Mio, Ritsu, and Mugi, want to do something special for their junior member, Azusa, before they graduate. The senior members decide to write a song for Azusa, and at the same time they plan a post-graduation trip to London, and throughout the trip they're trying to keep it a secret from her. And... that's about it, really.
The first third of the film is them planning the trip, deciding what's the best gift for Azusa before graduation, and preparing for London. Really they don't leave for London until 40 minutes into the film, and the London scenes themselves clock in at around 40 minutes as well, while the last 30 minutes are back in school getting ready for graduation.
The club's trip to London goes about the way you'd expect it. They fool around, get into a few high-jinks, and even get a chance to play a few shows. It's still very enjoyable to watch, and there are some very humorous scenes with the girls interacting with the locals and getting lost in translation. However, the last 30 minutes of the film after the trip, in my opinion, are the best part of the movie. I won't say how exactly, but it makes what was already a heartwarming series finale even more so.
Now, I said that the film is pretty much perfect as it is, but there are a few really minor things that, while doesn't ruin the film in any way, would've been interesting to see. I would've like to see a bit more of London, and there's a point in the film where there could've been an interesting turn of events and might have added a little excitement and turmoil. But those are just small gripes in what is still a damn fine and well-made film. However, much like The Disappearance, they're both films primarily for fans of the series. If you a K-ON! hater, then this won't certainly change you're opinion of the series.
Art / Animation
Kyoto Animation has always been a powerhouse when it comes to their animation, and has been getting better and better as the years go by. K-ON! is no exception. Hair, clothes, and face physics are plush and fluid to the point where you feel like you can reach out and pinch the characters' cheeks. Lighting is very well done, and the colors pop out very nicely, and like many of KyoAnimes, there real atmosphere to it. I hear people complain that the art makes a lot of the characters look very similar. I never had this problem, but I can see where they're coming from. It just never bothered me personally. The characters look different enough with their hair and slight eyeshape that I can easily tell them apart. And despite that, it's still a very attractive art style. While not as visually striking as The Disappearance or some of KyoAni's recent works like Nichijou or Hyouka, it's still a very good looking movie and well animated. If I do have a gripe, it's that I wish it wouldn't cut away so much during the concert scenes, but luckily the film doesn't do it as much as the show.
Sound
Of course, what is a music anime without music? And a K-ON! movie wouldn't be complete without some light and fluffy tracks from Afterschool Tea Time. The music of K-ON! is upbeat, cutesy, and at time's they can be about something really sweet or just about food. While I say that of the two lead singers, Mio has the better singing voice, Yui's singing voice does have a charm and passion to it that makes her rather enjoyable to listen to. I do have a problem with some of the lyrics of their songs at times, as they can be a bit too... girly. But that is the point of it, after all. Much like how in Detroit Metal City the lyrics are overly vulgar.
However, aside from the opening and ending track, there isn't really any new songs in the movie. All the songs are previous songs from the show, which might disappoint some fans. But, they're played with enough energy that they're still incredibly fun to listen to. And of course, the new songs are great, too.
The background tracks in the show are very quirky and upbeat, but wasn't anything spectacular, but the movie does have some really nice tunes. The voice work is great, although I can't go into full detail since it's Japanese and I feel like I can't properly talk about it since I don't speak or understand the language or it's method of acting, but it does sound like the actresses are putting their damnest into it, and sound like they're enjoying themselves, in which case the audience are enjoying themselves, as well. However, some of the English voices for the English characters are a bit iffy, but I give it a pass.
Characters
If you're going into the movie than you'd probably already know the characters. While none of the characters are complex, well developed, or even that flawed for that matter, they still come across as very likable and surprisingly relatable, but for me personally, Yui's the one that stands out the most to me, and this movie really reminds me of why I enjoy her character so much, more than I probably realized. As childish and quirky as she can be, she does have traits that you can relate to and make connections with. I think we all have a childish side to us that's begging for some ice cream. And she has such a bubbly, innocent, but very passionate personality that I can't help but admire, and find uplifting. The other members act more realistic than Yui, but they do have their share of likable quips.
Overall
I was expecting something good, but what I got was something very special and very heartwarming. The "moe" wasn't what made love the series (that was only part of it), but the heart, passion, and effort put in by the staff and the actresses. That, and the show was just pure, innocent fun. You don't always need to have a great big epic story or balls to the wall action, sometimes all you need is a group a friends enjoying their high school life, playing light-hearted music, and that was what K-ON! was all about, that was why I watched it, and this film is what I love about it. If that's not your thing, then so be it. This is all just my opinion and just how I view the series. But if you love K-ON!, then there's no reason for you to not watch the movie.
