Liz e l'uccellino azzurro

"Liz and the Bluebird," is a new film directed by Naoko Yamada for Kyoto Animation. If you were a fan of Sound Euphonium, you'll smile at all the Easter eggs delicately placed throughout the story. The movie is set in the same high school and in the same universe as Sound Euphonium, and features the same orchestra director/music teacher. But this time, Yamada tells a different story of these music students, weaving the real life relationship between two best friends and a special duet they are supposed to perform based on a folk tale entitled "Liz and the Bluebird."

Mizore and Nozomi are best friends. Mizore is very shy and withdrawn, always feeling lonely and lost, while Nozomi is an effervescent social butterfly. Nozomi seems to have it all: charm, wit, talent, personality. Even her ponytail swishes with an air of confidence as she walks. Mizore earnestly feels that she cannot exist without Nozomi around her. But these girls are now in their senior year in high school. It's time to think about graduation, college, and those hard decisions about everything that comes after. Although neither girl feels ready, it's time for them to grow up. All of this is plays out beautifully through the musical piece, "Liz and the Bluebird," a story about a young, lonely woman who befriends a magical girl in blue. Yamada uses an actual high school orchestra for the soundtrack, which makes the story so much more poignant as our main characters struggle through the piece and with their relationship to each other.

"Liz and the Bluebird" is a lovely little coming of age story. Yamada's genius lies in her ability to focus in and magnify that magical moment when a young person finally reaches that crest of self-actualization, when they see themselves as they truly are and how they impact those around them, as well as how much others impact them. Yamada seems to understand the true nature of friendship more than any other movie director. She also has a clear understanding of the role parents and teachers can play in a young person's life. While in A Silent Voice, it was the parents who had a strong impact, in Liz and the Bluebird, it's the teachers, Ms. Niyama, in particular, who gently guides the two girls in their journey of musical analysis and self-reflection.

If you just want a sweet movie that's a breath of fresh air, this is the one.

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.

A sweet tale about the deep friendship between two very different teens who musically complement each other. It's a visual masterpiece based on aquarelle-like paints. An observation rare enough to be noted: I have often felt that the French subtitles pollute certain breathtaking scenes. Knowing that I do not speak Japanese at all, they are nevertheless necessary. As a synthesis: I loved it!

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.