Kumiko Oumae who despite being the main character of the series has been the ordinary spectator, but now after entering the junior high school, she has been forced to become a leader and has been tasked to mentor the new students who have joined the band. Kumiko will not be doing it alone as trumpeter in the third-year and captain Yuuko Yoshikawa will be accompanying her in this task. The film will be showcasing some personal development of many characters that we are familiar with in the series. And of course the movie will also be featuring the music with complete symphonic sound that will make feel great.
It begins with an intimate scene between the protagonist Kumiko and the boy who plays trombone, Tsukamoto while they are on the bridge where she hands over a gift to him. On top of that they also drink together repeatedly which is a significant move in their relationship for those who are familiar with the series. The story moves forward where the old brand members enlist and greet the new musicians. We get to know about what the characters are thinking with the help of vertical cell phone video used as a trick that gives a “confessional” feel.
All the new characters which include all the new musicians are tangled up in their own unique problems that later intertwine with each other’s problems. Soon we realize that they are not just competing as a band but there is a competition going on between the members as well. We also get to see Mizore and Nozomi in the film which indicates that the things happening in side story, movie Liz and The Blue Bird are happening at the same time.
The movie focuses on Kumiko who is considered to be an admirable audience, as the supervisor of the freshmen. She encourage a member to stay in the band when they plan to leave the band because of being outshined by a player who is not very talented but deserves to be liked. She also gives a wise advice by saying “life isn’t fair and you can work hard and still fail” to a freshmen. This is something we do not often see in anime as we are mostly been told in these anime that working hard will always give a fruitful outcome. It does not just a significant moment for those she said it to but for herself as well as she genuinely acts like a leader.
The band participate in the regional band competition where they perform a beautiful piece inorder to get into the nationals. We can tell you what happens in the end but we recommend you to see it for yourself as we don’t want to spoil it for you.
When it comes to the art of storytelling, Kyoto animation does it the best way possible. You could feel the efforts that they make to make it as special as it can be, a movie that will go a long way after a pop culture trend has gone by. The way story builds up gradually digging deep into the characters makes you emotionally dive into the lives of these musicians.
The animation adds beauty to the music that is being played with the accuracy and flawlessly. The timing of the fingers playing brass instruments, the effect of the sticks that hit the drum, the work of the woodwinds gives the true feelings of a real concert. The bright instruments and how they represent what surrounds them is breathtaking as the camera moves all around the ensemble.
The entire scene of music which lasts for 8 and a half minutes is a masterpiece. You will probably end up standing up to cheer up the band as if it’s a real band and you are in the concert. The way camera moves is what makes you forget it’s actually animation. The way it pans, turn around and takes all kinds of shots gives a real feeling of a live concert. It’s a true example of perfection that you won’t just enjoy listening but will also find it hard to move you ayes away even for a second.
We get to enjoy some almost romantic moment between Reina and Kumiko. Even a freshmen comments about their relationship. They both even put on similar swimsuit with different colors but same style and design. They also get to have some alone time together when we get to see Reina playing for Kumiko. But their relationship doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Although we know that it’s not the fan service for yuri fans but it almost gave that feeling which made us hopeful for a potential ship. We understand that their friendship isn’t going to last forever as one day they will graduate and get busy in their lives.
Sometimes it’s not easy to get attach to the new characters and forget the old ones especially when they are out of picture. Although we are aware about the fact that this is the anime about the school music band where the new members will be recruited with the old ones leaving the school as they graduate but by the time we actually get attach to them they bid farewell when we wish to see more of them. No matter how interesting the new characters are, if we won’t get enough of the characters we love, we won’t be interested in the problems and lives of the new ones even if their personalities significantly contributes to the story.
Kumiko is a lovely character but to see her getting involve in a relationship is not right. Kumiko is a student with so many responsibilities towards the band and so there was no need for her to have a boyfriend. However, we adore her being jealous and being possessive for her boyfriend.
Hibike! Euphonium is loveable not just because of the music but the entire movie is a masterpiece. Kyoto Animation and Director Tatsuya Ishihara never disappoints when it comes to the storytelling and the breathtaking animation. There are three things that together makes it undeniably a work of art. First is the relatable characters. Second is the music that you will wish to never stop as it is breathtaking not just for the ears but visually as well. Third is the floof. The protagonist is the key to love this series. She is the one that makes everything happen with her perceptions. At one point you will want to close your eyes and enjoy the beautiful music but then you will actually find it hard to do it as the stunning visuals would not let you close your eyes. It’s the kind of anime you would love to watch repeatedly without getting tired of it.
