Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!: Take On Me

This is the cinematic version of a "F*ck you" The movie is a big, pretty piece of f*cking nothing. Nothing happens in the grand scheme of the Chuunibyou series. There are no themes here that aren't tackled somewhere else in this series, but the worst part of it is it dangles genuine character growth in front of you and then it spits on it and sneers at you, "How could you? How could you genuinely expect these characters to develop and change and grow? Don't you know you need to accept all the imperfections and bla bla bla" Rikka's character arc in this movie is utterlyruined, because it would rather pander to it's base and keep everyone's precious status quo than possibly challenge the viewer. These characters are stuck undergoing their Sisyphean task of being the same dull characters they were in the rest of the series. The idea of Rikka finally maturing and dealing with the adult world in a healthy way is a very interesting one, but the execution is atrocious instead choosing to romanticize her unhealthy delusions because "As long as someone encourages you delusions- I mean loves you for you are, you need not grow" She has grown past the need for these eight-grade delusions, but because the audience hasn't, she will be perpetually stuck as a mentally ill teenager.

Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! Take On Me is what the TV anime's second season should have been. The film finally brings closure to Yuta and Rikka's stagnant relationship while reinforcing the core themes of the series. Unfortunately, this also means that, despite having an all-new story, this film essentially rehashes the same conflict from the second season, only with better writing. The fact that we've seen these story beats before diminishes their impact, no matter how well they stand alone. Take On Me begins with Rikka up to her usual antics. She's in her third year of high school now, but not only does shestill have chunibyo, she and Yuta still haven't even kissed. This alone strains credibility, but fortunately the film immediately identifies this as a problem to be fixed. Rikka and Yuta go on a journey around Japan together, knowing that they're escaping from impending reality, but wanting to maintain their current relationship until the end. Fans who have been waiting to see progress between these two will probably come out of the film feeling satisfied. It is starting to get tiresome, however, to see this series revolve around the same “will they or won't they?” romance in its third instalment. Rikka and Yuta may be an official couple, but if anything, they've gone backwards since the first season. By this stage, Rikka has some prosaic issues that she ought to be worrying about—like whether she can pass her entrance exams—but her only moments of introspection show her worrying about whether falling more in love with Yuta will make her “lose” her powers. This is the exact same conflict that was central to the second season. This time, at least, Take On Me allows Rikka and Yuta to progress their romance, but the issues of Rikka's grades and future are never brought up past the beginning of the film. It's a sweet resolution, yes, but it's frustrating to watch these kids work through the same basic issues every time. On the other hand, it's not the destination that matters so much as the journey. As a road trip story, Take On Me encapsulates that idea perfectly. Fans of Kyoto Animation shows will get an extra kick out this film, as the characters visit the locations shown in Tamako Market, Sound! Euphonium, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Clannad, and other familiar series. Not only do these various locations provide fodder for some amusing sight gags and referential humor, it also gives the characters a chance to breathe outside the school setting. The gags feel fresh here; it's especially funny to see Nibutani and Dekomori take on the role of the ineffectual pursuers. Their hilarious frenemy dynamic definitely steals the show more than once. I should note that not every character gets a chance to shine in this film. Kumin-senpai has apparently graduated but still hangs around the school anyway, but this setup is a bit of a waste since she barely contributes to the plot in any meaningful way. Shichimiya, meanwhile, is stuck playing the same role she had in the second season—the friendly antagonist who pushes Rikka to make an important choice. To be fair, the series has always had a problem with utilizing all of its characters effectively, but I do wish Kumin and Shichimiya could have more chances to show off their quirks in this film. It's also a bit disappointing that the production values aren't quite as polished as they could be. The film by no means looks bad—this is a Kyoto Animation production we're talking about—but there were some noticeable imperfections with the compositing in particular. 3D objects like vehicles stood out against the 2D backgrounds more than they usually do for a Kyoto Animation production. I also couldn't help but notice that the crowd scenes didn't have as many background characters drawn in them as usual. The animation itself was on par with the TV anime series, which is to say it was full of energy and stylistic flourishes, but for a cinematic feature, Take On Me was a bit of a letdown. In short, Take On Me is the quintessential Chunibyo experience: it captures the charms of the TV series but also the flaws. On a thematic level, the series has already said everything it needed to say in the first season; everything since has been an extended encore. The film functions best as fanservice, not just for Chunibyo fans, but for anyone who has ever loved a Kyoto Animation production. Take On Me is at its most fun when its jokes veer off the plot's beaten track to revel in the countless Easter eggs aimed at KyoAni fans. I won't spoil these, as spotting them for yourself is half the fun, but after watching the film I've started to think that maybe the world is ready for a Kyoto Animation extended universe saga. Overall, I recommend Take On Me only for Kyoto Animation fans who weren't too jaded by the second season of the Chunibyo TV series. Actually, you can probably understand the film without watching the second season. Only Shichimiya was a new development in that season, and her role is pretty much the same in the film anyway. Also, do watch this film if you're a fan of the shipping, as it absolutely does deliver by the end. Otherwise, my general recommendation for Chunibyo is to stick to the first season of the TV series—it's the best telling of the same story.

I have to admit that I first started watching Chunibyo because of two main reasons: the pretty visuals, and the presence of eyepatch (girl) . But once I began watching the show in earnest, I found a lot more here than I expected. Chunibyo is a show that keeps me guessing, and consistently tugs at strings I didn't know existed until they were pulled. A sense of nostalgia was the first reaction I had, and what most people would. A past of imagination and fun. We laughed, cried, even danced for things that bring us joy. Being a high school student,we move on, banishing our past. Some say that our past allows us to move on and run away from it. Perhaps from fear? Embarrassment? Concern? Maybe Maturity. But, we can never run away as it is always a part of us, it makes us a special, unique individual. That is how Chuunibyou in my opinion is portrayed. As a reflection on our past and how it shaped our future. Chuunibyou is translated as “Eighth-Grade Syndrome.” An epidemic for people in the eight grade. A certain website states that it is a slang term depicting three different cases: The antisocial types, ones with the 'cool' factor, and ones who admire mystical powers and recreates them in reality through their imagination. Story and Characters: (9) Chuunibyou's main characters include: Togashi Yuuta, Takanashi Rikka, Nibutani Shinka, Dekomori Sanae, Tsuyuri Kumin and Isshiki Makoto (Uhh... Is he a main?) Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! depicts a newly enrolled high school student, Togashi Yuuta. A teenager whose past is what he thinks as banished from his mind, a few head bangs on his wall is an example. He enters high school with a clean slate, so he says. "Dark Flame Master" his faked ulterior personality due to having a different mindset of his friends. Takanashi Rikka. A person with a rather serious case of Chuunibyou. And is expressed by rather peculiar movements and stances that the responders cannot help but laugh. But in future episodes she experiences development of mind, heart and soul. Nibutani Shinka, the classmate of the two above and Isshiki, relates to Yuuta in the way of wanting to forget about her chuunibyou past. She is also the motherly type I suppose and expresses this love towards other characters giving her a rather lovable personality and character. Dekomori... Smart... but just weird. Not saying she's a bad character but was one of the most strongest, bringing powerful scenes towards the end. But either way, she too has Chuunibyou, with twin tails which are... heavy. Yeah that would hurt, right Nibutani? Isshiki, doesn't play much of a role but plays a good comedic role like a side character (referring to Clannad and Little Busters if you know what I'm talking about) Kumin-senpai is an admirer of people with Chuunibyou. A rather peculiar, sleepy case who in turn plays a huge role towards the end. Art: (10) Kyoto Animation presents stunning quality in their animation. Well I'm no expert but it was truly outstanding as always. Sound: (9) Atmospheric background music is best for bringing out character development and emotions towards the viewers. Kyoani successfully manipulated music to their advantage and used that initiative to have an awesome soundtrack.The timing of the music is what I'm speaking of. The dramatic music played at the right times, the foreshadowing, comedic etc. allows people to be drawn into the same environment of chuu2. Enjoyment: (10) Everything from Chuunibyou was enjoyable. The comedy and romance both created and anime for everyone joy, happiness and some sad scenes had drawn my attention from the beginning. Chuu2 has this element that would make the haters of moe, romantic-comedic genres become entranced into this show. That element is for you, the viewers to find out. And of course Overall (10). As MAL states it was just Outstanding. Everything about it is lovable. I'm out of words at the moment so I cannot explain how great this anime is. Viewers looking for a balanced romantic comedy with some drama, this is for you. This is my first review. I had fun typing up this and being the first for this anime brings me great pleasure to do so. Please if it doesn't trouble you say if this was helpful or not, I'd like to continue reviewing if people like reading it. And please mind my English, never was good at it hehe. Thanks for reading and hope I didn't waste your time XD EDIT: I appreciate the criticism people expressed to me. Granted some (one) of them were not constructive but I really do appreciate what people said to me. Thanks for the comments :) And finally: Reality be rent. Synapse break. Banishment, this WORLD!!

A lot of good ratings for a decent at best movie. I don't have the pretence to fancy myself putting together a wanna-be deep analysis, so let's keep this short and to the point. This movie is okay. Unless your standards are pretty high or you've only got so much time to spare, this movie is pretty harmless. It's not offendedly bad, but calling it good would be a stretch. Just be sure to keep your expectations in check. Chuunibyo was never a stellar show, its second season is allegedly crap. This movie had the foundation story-wise to transcend the overpopulated realm of the barelydecent that its franchise has settled in, but unfortunately, it does not deliver. It had me smirking a couple of time, but that's about it. Nothing happens in a good chunk of the movie, but that shouldn't be a problem if you like the characters. Rikka is cute when she's not utterly retarded and the duo Dekomori-Shika is fun to follow. However, the visuals are really sub-bar for Kyoani, really feels like they put minimum effort. Now if you're familiar with this show, you know how reluctant it is to develop the relationship between MC-kun and Rikka. SPOILER AHEAD. While the movie serves as some kind of conclusion, it feels more like a half-assed attempt to bring closure than a real study of the themes of the show and the characters. It's a shame really because the movie could have tackled serious questions such as " Should you/ Can you keep loving someone even when they stop being who they were ?", " How do you handle the fear of change in your life ?", "Can you really look after someone forever while expecting them to change and get better ?" ... Instead, the movie has its characters kiss twice before relapsing in their chuuni cringe-fest and calling it quits. The message, if there is such a thing, is confusing. If, by any chance, I got what they were going for right, then I'm afraid it's puerile and completely out of touch with reality. Tl;dr : It's an okay movie, funny at times, decent at best. Watch it if you like the series, otherwise there's better stuff out there for you.