Given The Movie

The 2020 Japanese animated romantic drama film, Given The Movie, serves as a direct and emotionally resonant continuation of the acclaimed Given anime television series. Produced by Lerche, the movie delves deeper into the intricate personal lives of the band Given's members, with a particular focus on the burgeoning, yet complicated, romance between bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji. Picking up after the foundational events of the TV series, the narrative explores their profound emotional struggles as the band prepares for a pivotal live performance that could define their future. Haruki finds himself increasingly consumed by his unrequited, yet persistent, love for Akihiko. Akihiko, however, remains ensnared in a complex, unresolved emotional entanglement with Ugetsu Murata, an extraordinarily talented violinist who is also Akihiko's former lover. This triangle forms the core of the film's dramatic tension. As each band member confronts their individual pasts, deeply ingrained fears, and aspirations for the future, music transcends mere performance, becoming an essential language for expressing sentiments that words alone cannot convey. The film masterfully explores universal themes of evolving love, the journey towards self-acceptance, and the difficult process of healing from past wounds, all while portraying LGBTQ+ relationships with remarkable sensitivity, honesty, and depth. Lerche's animation style meticulously highlights intimate character moments through expressive facial animations and fluid, dynamic musical performances, ensuring the story's emotional weight is profoundly felt by the audience. With its rich character arcs and an incredibly heartfelt soundtrack, Given The Movie offers fans both a sense of resolution for certain character relationships and the promise of new beginnings, meticulously preserving the series' signature blend of poignant drama, tender romance, and the transformative power of music.

Given The Movie serves as a commendable evolution from its critically acclaimed television series, presenting a narrative that is both mature and deeply emotive. The film's primary strength lies in its meticulous development of the intricate relationship between Haruki Nakayama and Akihiko Kaji. It navigates their evolving affections with notable nuance and sincerity, deliberately depicting the often-unvarnished complexities of romantic love. This includes Akihiko's arduous journey to detach from previous emotional commitments and Haruki's steadfast, unconditional support through this process. The animation of the musical performances is executed with exceptional artistry, functioning not merely as spectacle but as crucial narrative devices that underscore music's potent capacity for communication and emotional catharsis. Lerche's animation studio maintains a consistent and refined aesthetic, striking an effective balance between realistic portrayals and expressive character designs, thereby amplifying the film's intimate and introspective ambiance. The ensemble voice cast delivers performances characterized by their authenticity, significantly contributing to the emotional gravitas of the story, particularly during moments of heightened vulnerability and direct confrontation. The pacing, while deliberately slower than typical mainstream romance features, is a calculated choice that permits the profound emotional states of the characters to fully develop and resonate with the audience. Ultimately, Given The Movie stands as a poignant and insightful examination of love, the dynamics of friendship, and individual personal growth, all underpinned by a captivating soundtrack and a cast of highly relatable characters. Its contribution to LGBTQ+ anime cinema, combined with its profound thematic exploration, positions it as an essential viewing experience for enthusiasts of romantic drama.