Amor, Chunibyo y otros delirios

Another fine production from Kyoto Animation. As usual, the artwork is lovely and the animation is of high quality.

The story has some commonly used elements - high school students who belong to a club and struggle to interact with each other. The unique twist is that the students are deeply wrapped up in lives of fantasy or are trying to put their embarrassing fantasy pasts behind them. The long scenes of imaginary battles will appeal to some viewers and put off others, but they are well animated in either case.

The female lead, Rikka Takanashi, is struggling with her future - will she remain devoted to her fantasy world or evolve into someone more grounded in reality. Will she lose her identity? Her boyfriend, Yuuta Togashi, thought he had put his fantasy life in the past, but gradually accepts it is still a part of who he is. He would like Rikka to "grow up", but still loves her either way.

The supporting cast does a good job of adding dramatic tension or comedy relief as needed.

I did not expect to watch all of this, as it is not my usual type of show, but the quality of execution kept me watching to the end.

The anime series Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! Has a sequel called Take On Me, which advances romance and adds new material. The plot revolves around Rikka and Yuuta's everyday life, as they dash about at an absurd pace while telling stories about their ADHD and side trips. The characters engage with new things and continuously become fascinated by them, eventually discovering better times. A beloved meme from the film is the moment when Rikka dons night goggles and eats cookies instead of studying. As someone who has come to believe that automatic doors are their adversaries, Rikka's inability to enter Mordor is a beloved joke. Another favorite is the movie's explanation of motion sickness.

The characters are endearing and relatable. The series that led up to this movie was one of the most thoughtful, heartwarming, funny, and beautifully animated that I've ever seen. Love Chunibyo and Other Delusions is an amazing series that deals with things all teens deal with: hope, pain, loss, friendships, peer pressure, burgeoning sexuality, and psychological coping skills that help them heal (or hide) from tragedy. Eight years passed from Season 2 of LCandOD until fans demanded the studio either make a season 3 or at least resolve the conflicts with a movie. Thankfully all the original voice actors are back for this one. Our whole family loved it, and it provided some closure. Fans will still want more, because that's what great art does, pulls you in and wraps you up in its world.

Love Chinibyo and other delusions Take on Me is sequel to season 2 and is the conclusion. If you liked the first 2 seasons you will feel at home. Chemistry between Yuta and Rikka is amazing as expected and plot is fast paced and very fun.

I loved this movie. If this is the last we see of the series - this movie is a compelling and satisfying conclusion to Yuuta and Rikka's relationship.