Her Blue Sky

CluelessGamer Apr 2, 2022

6.5

Spoiler-free review: What I do mention is either shown in trailers, the premise, or vague recounts for the story that I consider to be spoiler-free. Reccomendation: Sure, give it a watch if you've got a couple hours, but not if you have any expectations. There's a reason why this never garnered any seasonal hype or attention. It's the kind of movie you watch when you're bored. What we get is a cute little melacholy film -- perfect for a lazy chilly weekend afternoon. The sound, animation, and voiceacting are all top notch. I especially like how it was directed. So where's the issue? Mostly in the writing department, which is often (probably) to blame for the lack of desire to adapt the original manga into an actual movie. It starts and ends like a movie would, but there's a whole middle chunk in there that is painfully adapted in a way that forfeits all flow the movie had going for it. The story wants to somehow tell a complicated unrequited love story where a high school girl falls for her older sister's ex-boyfriend-- who is 13 years older...but in a non-problematic way. And it wants you to cry. (You can feel the movie watching you tearducts with anticipation.) Those were the two goals. Which is a real shame because surprsingly, this could have been blockbuster hit if it utilized the fun premise it had set-up for itself! But it's not trying to be more than a cute melodrama with (mostly) colorful characters. The characters would be a 7 or 8 /10 if the adult mains recieved personalities. The writers and animators only give adult Shinno about an ounce of the characterization they give to his red-haired younger self, and Akane doesn't even get that. It's a bit awakward that we get so much (super-naturally) manufactured drama when there's a ton just sitting there un-touched. Think Lilo & Stich but this time they don't even miss their parents, or have photos of them, or memeories of them. As far as this film is concerned, those parents never existed! This is made all the more awkward when the super-natural element is left completely un-utilized - save for the sudden Miyazaki-esque sequence that takes flight in the finale. But I can still reccomend it for a bored afternoon where you can't play outside, why? Because the sound and animation is lovely and Aoi, Shinno, and Shinno's precious love for Akane have enough juice to entertain you. (The scene where he gushes about how she's even more lovely in his eyes as an adult made it worth the watch for me alone.) Although not much. And you may find yourself checking the remaining runtime a few times, as was the case for me.

HoneyHam Nov 22, 2020

7

This movie surprised me. The characters felt really real, each dealing with their own regrets about decisions out of their control. Akane staying in the small town to take care of her younger sister showed incredible strength and resilience, although the decision left her with major regrets. With that however, I wish that there was more development with all the characters as a whole, maybe having the movie take place over a longer period of time could have remedied that. Not to say that the movie was lacking, but rather it could have been that much better with even more care placed into their development. My favourite scene really put into perspective Akane’s feelings as she tried to figure out how to best take care of her younger sister in their parents’ absence. Overall this movie was heartfelt look into regrets and the power we have as individuals to remedy them in our future. This movie surprised me, and I hope you’ll give it a chance to surprise you too.

ChineseWick Feb 10, 2024

7

"Her Blue Sky" (Sora no Aosa wo Shiru Hito yo) is a poignant and beautifully animated film that delves into themes of loss, love, and the passage of time. Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai and penned by Mari Okada, this film explores the complex emotions surrounding grief and moving forward. The story centers around Aoi Aioi, a high school girl who, after losing her parents, lives with her older sister Akane. The narrative takes a magical turn when Aoi meets a young man who is the younger version of Akane's once-boyfriend, Shinnosuke, from 13 years ago. This encounter sets the stage for a heartwarming exploration of unresolved feelings and the impact of time on relationships. Sky-High Highlights Emotional Depth and Narrative Complexity: "Her Blue Sky" excels in weaving a complex narrative that elegantly tackles the themes of grief, regret, and hope. The emotional depth of the characters, especially the sisters, is compelling, drawing viewers into their journey of healing and understanding. Stunning Animation and Art Direction: The film is a visual treat, featuring the vibrant and detailed animation that Studio CloverWorks is known for. The picturesque setting of the small town and the expressive character animations enhance the storytelling, creating a vivid backdrop for the emotional narrative. Music and Soundtrack: The music in "Her Blue Sky" plays a pivotal role in conveying the film's themes and emotions. The soundtrack, intertwined with the plot through Shinnosuke's aspirations of becoming a musician, adds a layer of emotional resonance that enriches the viewing experience. Areas for Improvement Pacing and Focus: While "Her Blue Sky" ambitiously tackles multiple timelines and emotional arcs, the pacing can feel uneven at times. The film occasionally struggles to balance the magical-realism elements with its more grounded, emotional narrative, leading to moments where certain plot points feel underdeveloped. Character Development: Though the main characters are well-crafted, some of the supporting cast and their subplots could benefit from further development. Fleshing out these characters more could have provided additional depth to the film's exploration of its themes. A Glimpse Beyond the Clouds Unique Take on Time and Love: The film's exploration of how time affects love and grief is both unique and thought-provoking. By introducing a magical-realism element—the younger version of Shinnosuke—“Her Blue Sky” offers a fresh perspective on dealing with past regrets and the possibility of moving forward. Conclusion "Her Blue Sky" is a touching and visually stunning film that tackles complex emotional themes with grace and creativity. Its beautiful animation, coupled with a deeply resonant soundtrack, creates a memorable cinematic experience. Though it faces some challenges in pacing and character development, the film's heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time leaves a lasting impression. "Her Blue Sky" is a testament to the power of animation in conveying profound emotional narratives, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.