Persona 3 the Movie: #3 Falling Down
Synopsis
As the fall season nears its end, Chidori Yoshino, a member of Strega, abducts Junpei Iori. Meanwhile, Makoto Yuuki and the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (SEES) annihilate the Arcana Hanged Man. Soon after, a mysterious playboy named Ryouji Mochizuki transfers into Gekkoukan High School's Class 2-F. Supposedly having achieved their goal, the members of SEES believe they are free from the battle that has ruthlessly stolen away the lives of their loved ones. And yet, Tartarus and the Dark Hour continue to exist, undeterred by the extermination of the twelfth Shadow. Distraught by their apparent failure, SEES must cope with their personal struggles and discover whose sake they fight for. As Makoto and Junpei's journeys of self-discovery progress, Ryouji's identity and the reason behind Aegis's hate for him become clear. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed. While some appreciate the movie's thematic depth and character exploration, others are disappointed by the rushed storytelling, pacing issues, and changes from the game. There's a sense that the movie captures the essence of Persona 3 but falls short in execution for some viewers.
Strengths
- Faithful exploration of Makoto's character and internal struggles.
- Captures the essence of the game's resonating themes.
- Effective portrayal of Makoto's depression and the significance of bonds.
- Good development of the love relationship between Chidori and Junpei.
Weaknesses
- Storytelling feels rushed and disjointed, making it hard to follow.
- Key character moments are delayed, diminishing their impact.
- Some changes from the game are disappointing to fans.
- Pacing issues with jarring transitions between scenes.