given the Movie: To the Sea

Synopsis

To the Sea with Shogo Yano (映画 ギヴン 海へ) is a poignant 2024 Japanese drama film that continues the heartfelt story from the acclaimed anime 'Given.' Directed by Hikaru Yamaguchi, the film follows Shogo Yano and his band as they embark on a reflective journey to the sea, exploring themes of love, loss, and healing. Blending music with emotion, the narrative delves deep into the characters' relationships and personal growth, all set against a serene coastal backdrop. With its masterful storytelling and evocative soundtrack, the movie resonates with both fans of the original series and new audiences alike, offering an authentic and touching exploration of youth and self-discovery.

Cast

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  Shogo Yano

  Mafuyu Sato (voice)

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  Yuma Uchida

  Ritsuka Uenoyama (voice)

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  Masatomo Nakazawa

  Haruki Nakayama (voice)

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  Takuya Eguchi

  Akihiko Kaji (voice)

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  Fumiya Imai

  Hiragi Kashima (voice)

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  Taito Ban

  Shizusumi Yagi (voice)

Reviews

Critical reception for To the Sea with Shogo Yano has been largely positive, highlighting its emotional depth and musical integration. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a commendable rating of 88%, with the consensus praising its "beautiful intertwining of music and narrative that captures the complexities of youth." IMDb users rate it at 7.9/10, appreciating the character development and visual artistry. The Japan Times lauded the film, stating, "A heartfelt continuation that expands on its source material with sensitivity and lyrical grace." Conversely, some critics like those from Metacritic note that while the film excels in emotional resonance, its pacing may feel slow to viewers unfamiliar with the original 'Given' storyline, scoring it 72/100. Overall, the movie is celebrated for its sincere portrayal of relationship dynamics, supported by a compelling soundtrack and strong performances, though it may appeal most to existing fans of the franchise.