For fans of the incredibly popular anime Bocchi the Rock!, there's exciting news! The Anime has finally made its way to theaters in a special film format!
Bocchi the Rock! Re: and Re:Re:
Released two years after the initial anime's premiere, these films compile the original anime's story into a movie format! Released separately in Japan, these films were combined into a double feature for the West. While many compilation movies get a bad rap, these really do add some special charm. There were certainly elements to watch out for as many sequences were shortened or outright cut to fit into the timeframe but even without it. These are going to stand out to new fans!
Story Elements And The Anime:
A major downside for fans was how little new content this brought! Some feared that watching these movies, might feel repetitive because it took so many elements from the 12-episode Anime and compiled it in this film! There wasn't any major overhaul done! Fans could be left slightly disappointed because of what was omitted.
What's interesting about this new film release, is that there wasn't much the team could do. The manga, where the anime is derived, didn't really give this team a huge variety. What is remarkable was how it played out though, in order to not give a lot of filler. And given there is no second season announced at this time, padding in extra material wouldn't have felt satisfying! It’s truly quite difficult to imagine all the work that had to happen!
Amazing Animation:
Although there weren't changes to the story! There was certainly changes in other aspects, primarily focusing on what would make it truly shine! If the show’s main success factor was how incredibly appealing it was visually, these films do well in meeting that challenge!
- The mixed media technique, one that looked so visually engaging, came back again in this amazing movie!
- Keiichiro Saito’s direction continued to show just what makes this so iconic.
While some have expressed some surprise, even a lack of major changes were added to the animations itself, what came together really worked as a tribute and shows a true way to express the love of these incredible anime scenes and really worked as a perfect match! Even if there is no additional content! Fans can still enjoy how amazingly made these films were visually! It really shows why these are a masterpiece.
Added Elements:
The major success in the compilation films lies in the enhancements! A lot was done to add value to those who may have already seen the show!
- There's exciting sequences using the characters that many never knew about! The film starts with these fun little moments showing everyone's daily lives, which was used to show some context around why these band members are so great together.
- It showcases their history. Even including those amazing summer break sequences! These opening montages add this wonderful context to the story.
- The animation and music combined is really something you shouldn't miss!
There were even more montages using the original music from Kessoku Band, the studio album featuring all the songs from the anime! It helps to highlight just how much effort was done to make sure these additions weren't monotonous and worked to increase value to fans of this long-loved anime!
Fans might be especially interested to know that the second movie, Bocchi the Rock! Re:Re: has a whole host of additions highlighting Bocchi and Kita's relationship.
- The opening scene showing how Kita originally saw Bocchi.
- There's another added scene showcasing Kita's dedication to Bocchi to make sure their relationship stays close.
These changes weren't huge, but really highlighted those already existing storylines, enhancing an already successful storyline in a way that makes it even better than it was already!
Are The Films Worth Watching?
For those wondering whether this double-feature film is worth the price of admission! These Movies do add new little twists, such as new music and some additions, creating new experiences!
For those who loved this long-running series! And they aren't opposed to rewatching the amazing, iconic, moments from Bocchi the Rock! this might just be the way to go!
The films, do stand out and might just be the thing you were looking for to experience the wonderful world of Bocchi the Rock! It looks like fans of Bocchi the Rock!, won't be let down and there is something there for them!
