Steins;Gate - The Movie

In episodes 1 to 24 of the series Nitro produced what (yes, I know, lots of "debating" about this in the Groups) many consider THE BEST ANIME OF ALL TIME, a story that not only de-constructs time travel to a degree beyond anything Hollywood has ever attempted; but, at the same time, in the same story, has possibly the most memorable ensemble cast in the history of modern entertainment. (And possibly one of the best love stories in modern fiction as well.)

No mean feat that.

In episode 25 (also reviewed by this writer) they gave themselves a time-out and had some fun with the characters. It's optional, although the scene when Okarin enters US customs and announces he is a Mad Scientist looking to take over the country is ... priceless.

However in this wrapup film the Nitro team are back in force and flexing their muscles. Let's start with the negatives because there are so few: 1. Watching this if you have not seen the first 24 is a waste. Period. It is not a self-contained film. 2. The ending is ambiguous, but, hey, this from a production company that practically invented the word (CHAOS HEAD) so what did you expect.

The positives:

1. A movie which is at the same time a sequel and a prequel. How many other writing teams have pulled that off? 2. Will make you cry. Regardless of age or sex, bring the Kleenex. Lots. 3. An examination of scientific mystery - deja vu -- which no one else has attempted. That's a bonus.

While the movie does not progress the overall story and does retract a lot of ground in the OVA and the last episode of the TV-Series, its nonetheless a beautiful movie. Apart from a few minor points there is not much action or tension, its all about personal choices, relationships and loss. It's the 3 chance to see the relationship between Kurisu and Okabe and it is as enjoyable as the previous two. One warning, before you watch this movie you need to watch the TV-Series. You need to know the backstory in order to really appreciate this masterpiece.

To preface this, let me say that I liked the main series a lot, but I didn't really understand why everyone loved it so much. It just seemed like a really good anime, but nothing GOAT material.

Now, this movie is not better than the main series. Not by a long shot. It's so much more... anime? If you know what I mean? There are just a lot more anime tropes and stuff that make it feel more like a traditional anime than the original did. There are so many more macguffins and plot holes, more moe stuff, more happy endings. Also, all the time travel stuff doesn't make nearly as much sense as the main series and I don't even think that it could even work in the context of the rules that the main series set up.

However, after saying all this, I still liked this movie more than the main series. I think the main series is done better, but that is different from how much you enjoy something. For example, I know on an objective level that Schindler's list is a really good movie, but after watching it I would probably give it a 5 out of 10.

It is DEFINITELY worth watching this movie if you liked the main series! It expands a lot on the relationship between okabe and kurisu, and especially on kurisu as a character. All the things that I wanted to happen (like kurisu and okabe being together, her realizing he actually traveled through time so he has someone to talk about it with, etc.) happened in this movie! I also really enjoyed kurisu as the main character.

The visuals and music are basically the same as the main series, and it also has a good ending, or at least a happy one. In my opinion, this takes the originality and intrigue of the original series and combines it with the anime traits that we all enjoy, and it does this to great affect.

I loved the anime to Steins Gate, It's one of my all time favorite's and has touched me in so many ways. I loved it's storyline, characters, humor, drama, voice acting/writing and overall presentation. This film takes place after the series and it's a great way to end it all. The story in this film is emotional and has everything you expect from the series, the music/animation is great, the characters are wonderful and it's a must see for those that loved the anime like I did. It's not as good as the anime but I loved it from start to end. If you have seen the series you owe it to yourself to see this.

The story bw kurisu and okabe is really well written romantic script.. Mauyri and okarin friendship amazing...