Planetarian: Storyteller of the Stars
Synopsis
An adaptation of the visual-novel by Key, Planetarian: Hoshi no Hito combines the story of the original work with an expansion that extends the narrative with content from the Hoshi no Hito light-novel sequel. In the future after much of the world has been devastated by nuclear and biological warfare, a young scavenger or "Junker" exploring a quarantined and abandoned city comes across a service robot still faithfully awaiting customers in the rooftop planetarium of a department store. Against his pragmatic instincts he helps the robot repair the planetarium's projector: a decision which will change both their fates. (Source: ANN)
Audience Consensus
Audience sentiment is divided; some find 'Planetarian: Hoshi no Hito' deeply moving and a worthy continuation, praising its emotional impact and themes of hope in a post-apocalyptic setting. However, a significant portion criticizes its over-reliance on flashbacks from the original OVA, leading to a feeling of redundancy and underdeveloped new content. While some viewers were brought to tears, others found the movie disappointing and unnecessary.
Strengths
- Emotionally moving and impactful story.
- Exploration of themes like hope, devotion, and the passing of hope between generations.
- Good animation and visuals that enhance the dystopian setting (especially in the OVA/prequel).
- Unforgettable music.
Weaknesses
- Excessive use of flashbacks from the original OVA, making the movie feel repetitive and underdeveloped.
- Some characters, especially the children, are forgettable or annoying.
- The movie's story could have been further developed if the flashbacks were reduced.