Natsume's Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor
Synopsis
Ishi Okoshi While searching for Nyanko-sensei, Takashi Natsume encounters meek and small-looking youkai Mitsumi. Mitsumi was entrusted by his leader Gantetsu, a powerful and strong ayakashi, to be the year's "Ishi Okoshi," whose role consists of waking him from his deep slumber. Seeing how much Mitsumi wants to prove himself as Gantetsu's worthy servant, Natsume decides to help him fulfill his task. However, time is running out—for they are not the only ones who want to awaken the divine being. Ayashiki Raihousha One day, Natsume's friend Kaname Tanuma is visited by a strange man. In the subsequent days, the visitor briefly talks with Tanuma and leaves. Natsume soon discovers that the outsider is a youkai disguised as a human, who claims to bear no danger. Despite trusting the youkai, Tanuma's health slowly begins to deteriorate, causing Natsume to become more suspicious of the interloper. What is the truth of his sudden appearance and his connection with Tanuma? [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The audience generally enjoys the movie as two standalone episodes that maintain the series' relaxing and heartwarming feel. However, some viewers were disappointed by the lack of character progression and the slow pacing of certain segments. The second episode involving Tanuma was slightly better received than the first.
Strengths
- Beautiful animation, music, and voice acting
- Stories retain the calming atmosphere of the series
- Good combination of comedy and heartwarming moments
Weaknesses
- No character progression or exploration of main plot elements
- First part of the movie feels slow and draggy
- MC feels like a side character in some parts