Weird business. It so happened that even before watching the film, I already knew that the vocals of the main character will not hear, but still was not ready for it. Well seriously, I would understand if the creators escalated the intrigue before the enchanting finale, but to so clumsy "clam" ALL the moments when Koyuki sings - this is beyond my understanding! When the film comes the most crucial moment, and the main character gains air in his chest to start singing, and instead of his voice begins to “sound” a meaningful emptiness. My bewilderment from what is happening on the screen with censorship words is simply impossible to convey!
Sorry, I couldn't help it. This film I watched after the anime, which I really liked, so the overall impression of the film adaptation was quite ambiguous.
On the one hand, I was hooked by intention itself. When watching it, it is clear that the film was made with love, that the creators wanted to convey the spirit of the anime as much as possible (I have not read the manga, so I cannot compare it with it). Great attention was paid to the details – the guys were handed the same musical instruments as in the anime (Ruska, of course, played on the magnificently made replica of Lucille), all the key locations are easily recognized, a real feathered Paige sits in a cage, and the selection of actors is a separate topic. I was especially pleased that all the actors really play, and do it really cool!
On the other hand, the writers failed to qualitatively shorten the story, which is why the film turned out to be crumpled and ragged. The acting is very weak, so the picture leaves behind an unpleasant artificial taste. And a little strange that the whole soundtrack of the film is completely new - so listen to "live" already familiar anime songs will not work. And, of course, the doubtful author’s “finds”, about which I have already written above, do not honor this tape.
But no matter how much I spit during the film, in the end it doesn’t matter, because the final scene is fascinating! It's like it was filmed and edited by another person. Actors on stage no longer play roles, but actually play music, living in this moment! In front of them is a real live cheering crowd, from above pours perfect rain ... And then Koyuki again deprived of the vote ...
The result is a strange thing. I think the film as a whole is disgusting. It’s such an unreal combination of good and bad, as if you were first given a candy, then taken away, beaten, and then still took pity and returned this unfortunate candy. Nevertheless, some moments really hit the soul and cause the most real and sincere emotions, and I absolutely cannot say that I wasted time watching this film.
As a verdict, I would probably recommend watching the anime first. If you like it, then maybe at your own risk, you should think about watching the film.
5 out of 10
P.S. or if you do decide
After watching, I followed Aleks Svitt’s advice, and found a recording of the final song of the movie “Moon Beams” with a voice – I didn’t regret it. I'm sure you won't regret it either. However, after that, I even more wanted to punch the director of the film adaptation, because he deprived the audience of a truly charming finale. But these are little things.