Tunnel to Summer

I watched this film recently on an international flight.

I found my seat, waved the ground goodbye, and began to peruse the onboard movie catalogue. Hollywood hits, classics, and some foreign one-offs made up 90% of the selection. Then, I stumbled upon one that stood out, one I had not seen (or heard of, frankly) before. Intrigued, I read the brief description. Something along the lines of, "A boy hears rumors about a tunnel that grants wishes, and embarks on a journey to retrieve his deceased sister." Blunt, if not dark, but I decided to give it a chance.

What followed was an emotional, and beautifully animated, masterpiece that simultaneously maintained a refreshingly simple storyline. The characters are believable, the setting is appropriate, and the ending left me content. To be honest, I had to stifle my tears near the climax.

In this age of films with confusing narratives that need three or four sequels to make even a lick of sense, I was astounded by how well "The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes" captured the long lost art of telling a satisfying story in 90 minutes. There is joy, there is grief, and there is riveting conflict that makes you cheer on the protagonist.

Best of all, the movie ties its loose ends. I wouldn't ask for more, and I couldn't ask for less.

Overall, I can only look back on "The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes" with a warmth in my heart. I'm told a lovely story that doesn't leave me yearning for more, but instead leaves me content. I would highly recommend you watch this with a friend or loved one, and share the happiness of indulging in a fulfilling movie.

Natsu e no Tunnel, Sayonara no Deguchi is a beautifully crafted film that mixes romance, mystery, and a touch of fantasy. The story centers around a mysterious tunnel that grants your deepest desires, but at a cost, and two characters-Kaoru and Anzu-who find themselves drawn to its possibilities. What I loved most about this movie is how it balances the magical elements with the emotional weight of the characters' struggles. The animation is stunning, especially the way it captures the atmosphere of summer and the dreamy, otherworldly vibe of the tunnel. It's both heartwarming and bittersweet, with themes about loss, choices, and moving forward in life. It's a movie that makes you think about what you're willing to sacrifice for what you want most. A quiet yet powerful film.

This reminded me quite a lot of "Suzume" from earlier this year, only here we have a tunnel rather than a door! It's the same boy meets girl type scenario - with both Kaoro and Anzu coming from families with tragedy in their recent history. Legend has it that the Urashima tunnel can grant you anything you wish - but it works out that for 108 seconds in there it takes 3 days off your life in the real world. Kaoro is determined to get his younger (and frankly rather annoyingly enthusiastic) sister back; Anzu to discover the secrets of her grandfather's manga writing so she can excel. The two meet at a railway station, attend the same school and gradually bond - discovering and exploring this mysterious tunnel and ultimately questioning just what they really want from life. The narrative does mingle a careful what you wish for aspect with a grass is always greener one - and the story is quite effective when it dwells on that scenario. Sadly, though, there is just a little bit too much baggage around the characterisations, a touch too much teenage angst and though the animation is quite watchable, the story is over-stretched. It's a nice to watch film, with a pleasing score, but it's not especially original or memorable, I'm afraid.

I have never watched another romance anime like this before. It really stand out from the crowd of pop-coloured kawaii anime movies out there.

Two high school students discover a tunnel where time bends and twists bizarrely and where your deepest wish can come true, although at a cost.

The animation is beautiful and the muted colours add to the atmosphere,realism and sincerity of the plot. The firework scene at the summer festival is beautiful. The movie is very heartfelt and sincere because of the simple plot and straightforward dialogue, not despite of them.

If you are looking for a romantic anime movie that doesn't have the traditional blockbuster style and plot to appeal to the masses but stays true to its own vision and style, this one is for you!

In my opinion, Tunnel to Summer is undeniably will be one of interesting best 2023 anime candidates to being considered.

Based on my experience, watching Tunnel to Summer without knowing storyline & its trailer would provide an exceptionally captivating experience and this will grow on you If have chances of finish reading its original Light Novel & Manga

Because the main storyline and key messages of both novel and anime is almost the same. The differences are in details + the novel kinda has semi-spinoff story.

Some examples of why the movie is worth spending time watching it :

• Great meaningful key messages
• Other than high quality animation & cinematography, I'm being blown away first time seeing tunnel's interior design and still nowadays curious about inspiration/reference why the tunnel looks like that. I'm really want to see interview from director!

• beyond expectations emotional drama scenes
• Great soundtracks that has its meaning matched with the storyline (Pre-Romance, Finale. & Katappo by eill)

The only downside until now I can think is the storytelling toward the end is quite accelerated to jump into the climax scene which is understandable But if your brain is not fast enough, you might overlooked some interesting detail of the movie.

( It's a bit similar to the feeling of just finished watching Neon Genesis Evangelion, but Tunnel to Summer is extremely much easier to understand❕)