given The Movie
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
The band "given"—comprised of Ritsuka Uenoyama, Mafuyu Satou, Haruki Nakayama, and Akihiko Kaji—has advanced to the final screening of the Countdown-fes Amateur Contest, in which they will be judged on their live act. Although enthusiastic, they worry about having only one original song to perform. Mafuyu embraces the idea of learning more about music in order to create new, emotionally resonant songs. In this regard, he unexpectedly receives help from Ugetsu Murata, Akihiko's on-again, off-again lover. Ugetsu has unsuccessfully tried to let go of Akihiko, who himself is torn between lingering feelings for his past and an uncertain resolve for the future. As the competition draws near, Haruki uncharacteristically begins to doubt his place in the band and the trust he shares with Akihiko. It is a given that not all attachments last forever, but it remains to be seen what can be salvaged from the ruins of heartbreak—or if only regrets will endure.
Audience Consensus
The film is highly divisive, primarily due to its controversial handling of a sexual assault plotline and severe pacing issues stemming from its short runtime. While the music and voice acting are widely praised, the narrative's rushed development and the insensitive portrayal of serious themes have alienated a significant portion of the audience, leading to strong criticism and disappointment.
Strengths
- Outstanding music and vocals, particularly Mafuyu's song, which resonates deeply with the characters' emotional journeys.
- The film effectively captures the complexity of adult relationships and emotions, offering a mature and engaging narrative.
- Strong voice acting, especially for Akihiko and Ugetsu, conveying deep emotion and enhancing character portrayals.
- Visuals are stunning and characters are well-replicated from the manga, contributing to an immersive experience.
Weaknesses
- Significant pacing issues due to the short runtime, leading to rushed plot developments and underdeveloped character arcs, especially concerning the sexual assault and its aftermath.
- The sexual assault scene involving Akihiko and Haruki is highly controversial, with many critics feeling it was handled insensitively, used as a lazy plot device, and not given adequate consequences or exploration.
- A substantial amount of crucial manga content and character development scenes were cut, impacting the emotional depth and narrative coherence for viewers unfamiliar with the manga.
- The handling of Akihiko's character development and redemption arc is seen as unrealistic and rushed by many, particularly given the severity of his actions.