Somehow this show ended up on the free movies section on Xfinity several years ago and I probably would not have seen it even now had it not randomly appeared on there back in the day.
I first saw the movie and then bought the manga. Some reviewers who had read the manga first were upset because it completely changes the final act which is an understandable criticism. Had I read the manga first as well, I probably would've had some sourness too. I usually despise when animes do this because I know the only reason they do it is because the anime is not long enough to cover the whole story so they make up their own ending. It drives me nuts.
However, this is one of the rare times where after looking at both versions, I am ok with both endings though I do prefer manga version more. The movie still managed do get the fundamentals of the manga and prevent the story from falling apart.
The movie creates some new explanations from why certain things happen in the movie compared to manga in order to stitch up loose ends that the manga covered but the movie had to work without it.
Also, this is one of the rare times where I actually prefer the english dub on an anime that isn't done by Studio Ghibli. The voice actors did a pretty good job and added life and personality into their roles.
The big part of the movie revolves around twists and turns that are revealed in the final act that I cannot spoil. However, that is what makes the anime rise above many others in terms of story telling. Just like Perfect Blue, it makes you want to rewatch the movie instantly in order to see the story again but with the revelations in mind. You pick up on several details and moments you miss that make a lot more sense upon rewatch. Its part of the reason why I haven't forgotten it even after several years.
I would show anime blu rays back when I was in college and this movie by far got the most watches and positive reactions from folks who didn't even watch anime.
As for negatives, the CGI elements of the animation really stick out like a sore thumb since a lot of characters and setting do have very nice hand drawn detail in them. It feels lazy and tired. Still don't understand why studios think we won't notice it.
Also, the story is not for everyone. People who prefer more structured stories, endings wrapped up in a nice little bow, and happily ever afters will leave disappointed.
I recommend this anime to most anime fans and people looking to get into anime despite its flaws.
I first saw the movie and then bought the manga. Some reviewers who had read the manga first were upset because it completely changes the final act which is an understandable criticism. Had I read the manga first as well, I probably would've had some sourness too. I usually despise when animes do this because I know the only reason they do it is because the anime is not long enough to cover the whole story so they make up their own ending. It drives me nuts.
However, this is one of the rare times where after looking at both versions, I am ok with both endings though I do prefer manga version more. The movie still managed do get the fundamentals of the manga and prevent the story from falling apart.
The movie creates some new explanations from why certain things happen in the movie compared to manga in order to stitch up loose ends that the manga covered but the movie had to work without it.
Also, this is one of the rare times where I actually prefer the english dub on an anime that isn't done by Studio Ghibli. The voice actors did a pretty good job and added life and personality into their roles.
The big part of the movie revolves around twists and turns that are revealed in the final act that I cannot spoil. However, that is what makes the anime rise above many others in terms of story telling. Just like Perfect Blue, it makes you want to rewatch the movie instantly in order to see the story again but with the revelations in mind. You pick up on several details and moments you miss that make a lot more sense upon rewatch. Its part of the reason why I haven't forgotten it even after several years.
I would show anime blu rays back when I was in college and this movie by far got the most watches and positive reactions from folks who didn't even watch anime.
As for negatives, the CGI elements of the animation really stick out like a sore thumb since a lot of characters and setting do have very nice hand drawn detail in them. It feels lazy and tired. Still don't understand why studios think we won't notice it.
Also, the story is not for everyone. People who prefer more structured stories, endings wrapped up in a nice little bow, and happily ever afters will leave disappointed.
I recommend this anime to most anime fans and people looking to get into anime despite its flaws.