Liz und der Blaue Vogel

Liz and the blue bird is so impressionistic, with a sense of adjourning, but fully indicate everything that is needed to be understand - intimately - without a need to say anything.

Liz and the blue bird let's you explore the world of "Sound! Euphonium" from the perspective of 2 supporting characters, Mizore the oboe player and Nozomi the flute player. The movie emphasizes on the 2 main protagonist, who became friends during middle school were afraid of losing each other after high school graduation. The piece that they were playing for the upcoming nationals resonated with their current situation which was derived from a fairy tale made up for the movie. The slow pacing of the movie allows audience to focus on every single action and expression that the 2 main protagonist which led up to the upcoming conflict, carrying audiences throughout the whole process while enjoying the animation masterpiece. The music, plot and character development were all top class, which should be expected from the franchise. Everything was all in sync, making it one of the most underrated "slice of life" animated movie in 2018.

Starting to watch this movie I had little idea of it being a spinoff of the vast world built by the anime show "Hibike! Euphonium" which I didn't know at this point. Although its animation style, pace and overall atmosphere is rather different I'm still grateful that it introduced me to this beautiful world.

Contrary to the show this movie is spun off from (or the 3rd corresponding movie that it somehow runs parallel to), "Liz and the blue bird" has an entirely differnt take on the overall recurring theme of the fleeting time of youth and friendship you build in your high school years. This is not only visible in the obiously different artstyle. The movie's rhythm is litteraly set by the music score. Its dynamics are being picked up by the wonderfully fleshed out characters of Mizore and Nozomi, and the perspective of their future relationship after they inevitably have to part ways. The fantastic B-plot explains the setting of the composition and reflects the development between Mizore and Nozomi, who slowly begin to realize the true meaning of the fairy tale.

The music is wonderful, the voiceover cast did a great job transporting the emotions and the overall melancholic ambience throughout this movie is oddly captivating. The fact that it opened the door to the intricate universe of "Hibike! Euphonium" which I probably would not have touched without having seen "Liz and the blue bird" with plenty of interconnections make it easy for me to immerse in this beautiful sea of music and emotions. And I love it!

If you want a film that gives you tons of action, an incredibly complex story, or a dark tale, this isn't the movie for you. However, if you're in the mood for a stunning character piece that tells a simple but superb story than this is a movie for you. It tells it's story partially through the stunning body language displayed by the characters as while you might not hear what the characters are thinking all of the time, you can certainly gauge it from how they have their arms and legs positioned, expressions that briefly flash across their face, or how they are postured. Liz and The Blue Bird requires you to pay attention and it rewards you for doing so. It also uses music (It is a music anime) to give the most emotional moment of the movie that is soon followed by it's most enthralling part. The voice acting also carries the move to the next level as each actress gives an outstanding performance that gives further depth to their characters. You also don't really need to watch the series to get the characters as they were only side companions to the main story. But here, they take center stage and honestly surpass their predecessor in every regard. So yeah...go watch this movie.

Watching it for the first time at its US premiere, this film was a pleasant surprise. Went in knowing only that Kensuke Ushio was the composer for the film, but that was it. Back then it left me wondering "What is this feeling? So bittersweet". As time passed I noticed how it wouldn't leave my mind. How its characters and moments kept popping into my head, giving me that same bittersweet feeling accompained by a smile. Now, upon rewatching it, my love for this film has finally solidified. I can say without a doubt that Yamada and Ushio are a powerhouse duo without match in the industry. Their works touch upon a very hidden spot in my heart that no other movie so far has touched. I understand that this may not be for everyone, but I strongly encourage everyone to give it a chance. Without a doubt a favorite I will watch for years to come.