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“Critics are here to nitpick, analysts are here to observe, but viewers are here to enjoy.”

That’s what I had always proud to be – a normal viewer who just so happens to like writing reviews. Enjoying Shigatsu Wa Kimi no Uso and Oregairu enough to give it a 10 would make critics roll their eyes back into their brains and call me a filthy casual. Among those critics, many like writing off shows as melodramas as if it is a kind of reproval itself. But in reality, that’s just another way of storytelling.

Thus, a question arises – what constitutes a good melodrama? For me, there are three essential pillars – lovable, interesting characters, a relatable plot and believable tension. While the TV series had laid a solid foundation for the characters, the latter two aspects fell flat in the movie. Missing two pillars, this plot construct is destined to fail from the start.

During the time of the TV series’ airing, I keenly advocated for its drama, brushing it off as something dismissible. After all, you can never feel manipulated when you are invested. It is saddening to see that the show decided to double it down on this movie’s plot. Gone are the clever writing and witty dialogue, and what’s left did not leave me impressed.

What is missing the most out of the three pillars in this movie is a believable tension. Things in melodramas often get out of hand so fast and the situation so worse that the audience can just pick up the signal that things are never going to end badly. This same problem is present in this movie, undermining the impact of its quasi-satisfying ending.

Spanning 2 novels, the delicacy and emotional depth of this story arc in the original work is neglected in this adaptation. On the surface, the initially nuanced story was simplified, offering a less convoluted plot to help viewers to get a better picture. But just by looking an inch beneath it and the motivation is clear – the novels are too dense for an unfiltered and direct adaptation. While I think they cut the right corners (except for one scene with Shouko that they cut out completely ), it is undeniable that a proper, detailed build-up is missing, and the rest of the movie suffered as a result.

Nonetheless, there are redeeming qualities. Having an hour and a half dedicated to one arc really helps when, for the first time, we are seeing the different sides of Mai-san and Sakuta. Their reactions are natural considering they are confronted with these dark realities. But again, drama often comes to the detriment of characters – anyone would react the same way given the situation is extreme enough, and this one is no exception. The intriguing, unique characters became replaceable and I would say this is the biggest misstep that the series has taken yet.

Since the movie never strived to build our characters’ charm, it is lucky that we got to see the background of the characters and what they came from before seeing this movie. It is undeniable that I was taken out of the experience because of the drama, but unlike other not well-made dramas, I still cared for the characters, perhaps that’s why I hold a more lenient opinion for this movie filled with mishaps.

I don’t have anything new to add about the art, animation or sound of the movie, all the same can be said with the TV series. One thing I’d still want to mention is the ED of the movie. Having Inori Minase to sing the same tune as the TV series is expected, but having both the adult and child voices sing was a nice touch and a pleasant surprise.

For all the criticisms I had given this show, I decided to be generous and give it a 7. Partly because of its hints at greatness, but mainly because of my love for the series. If this were a stand-alone movie, 6 would’ve been the highest I would give. TL;DR, this movie is fine. The problem is, this series deserves more than fine.