nobahn's Anime

In the end, if there is one negative to the film, it is that the plot (both that of the fairytale and that of Nozomi and Mizore) is painfully predictable. There are no surprises to be found here. Every plot point and twist is something you have seen in any number of films before. Likewise the coming-of-age moral is hardly unique--especially for those of us who have lived it. However, while the plot may be far from original, the way in which the story is told is masterfully done. Through a mix of visual storytelling, aural storytelling, metaphor, and symbolism, Liz and the Blue Bird delivers an emotional tale about friendship, dreams, and the final days of childhood. It doesn't matter if you're a Sound! Euphonium fan or a complete newcomer to the franchise, this film will touch you all the same.

"Naoko Yamada's Experimental Masterpiece"| Under the Scope (Jack Johnson)

"If You Love Something..."| Beyond Ghibli (Joe O'Connell)

"KyoAni's Musical Masterpiece"| Mother's Basement (Jeff Thew)

"The Understated Importance of Setting in Liz & The Blue Bird"| Replay Value

"My Complex Feelings on 2018's Perfect Film"| Zeria
"An explanation of why I don't enjoy Hibike Euphonium and how that limits my enjoyment of the masterpiece that is Liz and the Blue Bird."―Zeria

"Liz and the Blue Bird (Liz to Aoi Tori) Anticipation"| The /r/Anime Podcast

"How Liz and the Blue Bird Uses Music"| Kor

"Liz and the Blue Bird Struggles to Communicate"| OtakuDaiKun

Nick Creamer wrote:

Liz isn't a work of pure nostalgic longing; it is simultaneously a paean to our past selves and a celebration of all we might become, a work that tempers the pain of youth with assurance that though change will come, true feelings endure.

• The use of silence is quite poignant.....
• Mizore doesn't smile until the end of the movie.

• Growing up, I was quite similar to Mizore.
• The opening and ending sequences neatly bookend each other.

I was raised in a reserved family; we did not hug, nor did we express our emotions.

Doctor my eyes,
they cannot see the sky.
Is this the price,
for having learned how not to cry?

• Most of my life, I have been lonely.

1. there were many times when I was grinning.
2. Both the OP and ED.

Also, see the entry for Futsū no Joshikōsei ga Locodol Yattemita (OAV).....

Also, turns out there's a 2nd OAV as well!

1. You have gotta admire the confidence of a director who waits until the eleven minute mark before even showing the title and associated credits!
2. Nice OST!
3. Prejudice is overcome.

• Stephanie Sheh
  
• Michael Sinterniklaas

• 07:30 physics laws (gravity) broken
• 30:30 physical comedy
• 31:55 ramen noodles in Italy? Oookayyyy.....
• 32:45 Sound doesn't travel through water quite that way......
• 35:20 more physical comedy
• 37:00 Now, that's a pretty effective scene.....
• 38:27 Effective scene.....
• 43:18 OK, so this is the old English dub, but how does Clarisse know Wolf's/Lupin's name?
• 53:20 Physical comedy.
• 57:45 I can't even remember the last time I came across the term "egads!" Too funny!
• 1:08:45 Physical humor.
• 1:20:00 Bloodless violence.
• 1:31:30 More bloodless violence.

1. Episodic. Strongly suggest reading the reviews first. For my part, I find the Hollywood physics in this episode to be off-putting. With Fujiko Mine riding off on a motorcycle, she is definitely displaying some agency. My guess is that her past will be revealed via a breadcrumb trail; one crumb at a time. The animation has an art-house feel to it.
2. Episodic. Jigen is introduced; the two speak of their respective pasts in only the vaguest of terms.
3. Episodic. Goemon is introduced; Hollywood physics is employed; also, inappropriate technology (i.e., helicopters) is shown.
4. Episodic. More inappropriate technology (microcircuit electronics) are dipicted. Interesting -- Zenigata sexually harasses Fujiko; so his character is different from other series. Oscar is introduced.
   But I seriously do not get this episode at all.
5. Episodic. Lupin and Jigen meet. The mysticism (moving/mobile statues?!) is a turn-off for me. Interesting how all three unexpectedly leave amicably.
6. Episodic. Oscar goes after Fujiko -- and ostensibly Lupin. But Fujiko outwits both Oscar and Zenigata.
7. Episodic. Goemon performs Hollywood physics. Fujiko helps Fidel arrive safely at N.Y.C. -- in exchange for information.
8. Episodic?
   • So Fujiko can/will murder if necessary, eh?
   • Plenty of symbolism in this episode.....
   • Lupin and Jigen break bread together.....
   • A part of Fujiko's memory is symbolically recalled.
9. Fujiko tries to find a clue to her past. Also, Jigen, Goemon & Lupin show up in this episode.
10. Both Zenigata and Lupin try to pierce the mystic veil that surrounds Fujiko's past.
11. The bond that both Zenigata and Oscar share is explored.
12. The crew's all here; even Oscar. But who is the father figure puppet master who is pulling the strings?
13. So the puppet master was Aisha's mother all along.....

• I am rating this at 9/11 (Very Good). Would have rated it higher if not for all of the Hollywood physics.....
• Rating the dub at 8/11 (Good)

I thought I saw this ─ but I was wrong!
1. The big 3 are introduced.....
2. The scene at the 30:00 mark is misleading as it begins to pan.....
3. Damn, Guld and Isamu are both acting like they have the maturity of teenagers! No wonder Myung is conflicted.
4. For all of its flaws, the ending is still pretty damned good!

• So Maetel and Esmeraldas are sisters; huh! (But it doesn't say who the father is.....)
• I stand corrected; the father's mind was sealed into a pendant by Hardgear.

Dubbing Supervision: Tom Wayland
Endorse Maetel Legend in Strong Co-lead(s).