Laid-Back Camp: The Movie

In the series 'Laid-Back Camp' we were introduced to high school girls Nadeshiko Kagamihara, Rin Shima, Chiaki Ohgaki, Aoi Inuyama and Ena Saito and watched their various camping trips. Now they have left school and gone their own ways. They still keep in touch with each other and still enjoy camping. One day Chiaki, who now works for the Yamanashi Prefecture's tourism board, invites Rin, who is working for an outdoors magazine, to meet her at a remote location. It turns out to be the site of a campsite that has been closed for several years. It soon emerges that the other friends have been invited too. Chiaki then reveals her plan; she thinks the friends should reopen and run the camp. To do so they will have to clear the over grown areas and deal with various problems; one of which threatens to stop they project after they have put in much work.

This film is definitely for people who watched the series. While I'm sure it could be enjoyed by people who haven't seen as early scenes that show what the characters are doing now act as a (re)-introduction). The story itself is very much a slice-of-life; there is no conflict and little it the way of jeopardy. This doesn't mean it is boring though as the characters are a delight to spend time with. The locations may be animated but they are still stunning; I imagine the film, and series, was welcomed by the Japanese camping industry. The cooking scenes are likely to leave one hungry the food looks so good. The animation is of a high standard. Overall I'd say this is a must see for fans of the series.

These comments are based on watching the film in Japanese with English subtitles.