The plot of this truly full-length film *can* stand alone (for those viewers for whom the SAO world is brand new there were a number of flashbacks and moments of exposition woven into the plot to help give them a sense of understanding), but this movie was most definitely created for the fans, though not in a pandering fashion.
SAO the Movie is the culmination of several story arcs the anime fans have presumably already seen. So if you plan to see Ordinal Scale and haven’t seen much of the previous tales, do go watch them! It’s complete on its own, but you will miss the full impact of the emotional interplay between the characters if you haven’t spent time traveling alongside them through their long journey.
SAO has had its share of negative criticism of each of the arcs, but you won’t be getting any from me. I’m an anime enthusiast, not an anime authority. To nitpick this film would feel a disrespect to the good feelings it propagated within me. What I can say without giving spoilers is that I think what I enjoy most from the series in general and the movie in specific is that while the protagonists have face some very horrific circumstances, made all the more terrifying in that this all could potentially happen the way tech is growing, it never turns cynical. There is a strong thread of hope against all odds … and humor too.
Not even the comic heroes can be relied upon for that anymore.
(Though I am thankful to Marvel for teaching me to sit through the end credits…yes, that’s a hint.)
-30-
“Boy Kills World” is a dystopian revenge story with humorous interludes, a deranged edge, and…
The freshest, most optimistic take on the Man of Tomorrow gets a second season on…
Saturday, May 4, 2024 is Free Comic Book Day in the USA. Many specialty stores…
Here is Chapter 10 of my book Hero Interrupted, in which Tensia, the sorceress and…
The lion cub named Mufasa who would be king came from more humble origins. This…
After the events of Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Knuckles The Echidna stars in his own…
This website uses cookies.