Fafner: Heaven and Earth
Synopsis
The year is 2148. Two years after the end of the original Fafner in the Azure TV series, Tatsumiya Island and its surviving residents have returned to some semblance of recovery. However, things have become desperate for our hero, Kazuki; nearly blind now, and partially crippled from his battles with the Festum two years earlier, he clings to the promise his fallen friend Soushi made to him to return to the island and set things right again. Kazuki's hopes flare when a lifeform is detected within an unmanned submarine that comes floating into Tatsumiya Bay one night, but the person aboard isn't Soushi; it is a mysterious "boy" named Misao Kurusu who may not be entirely human, and who claims to have been sent by Sōshi. With Misao's arrival, hostilities break out anew between the Human Army and the Festum, and the Fafner pilots are thrown into the most desperate battle of their lives - this time, with the fate of TWO races riding on their shoulders. (Source: Wikipedia)
Audience Consensus
The audience consensus is largely positive, especially for fans of the original series. The film is praised for its improved animation, thematic depth, and contribution to the overall Fafner narrative. However, it's not recommended for newcomers due to its complex plot and lack of introductory content.
Strengths
- Stronger thematic structure and more focused plot compared to the original series.
- Massive improvement in animation quality, with dynamic and fluid fight scenes.
- Further development of familiar characters and exploration of Festum and Mir lore.
Weaknesses
- Overdosed plot with too many concepts, potentially overwhelming viewers.
- Doesn't reintroduce returning characters or re-explain core concepts, making it inaccessible to newcomers.