Kimagure Orange Road: I Want to Return to That Day

Synopsis

Kimagure Orange Road: I Want to Return to That Day is a nostalgic and emotionally rich anime film that follows the story of Kyosuke Kasuga, a high school student with the unique ability to manipulate time. Set in the late 1980s, the film explores themes of love, friendship, and youthful longing against the backdrop of the vibrant Orange Road. As Kyosuke grapples with his feelings for his classmate Madoka and the ongoing complexities of teenage life, an unexpected accident thrusts him back into pivotal moments of his past. This time travel presents him with a chance to reflect on his choices and relationships, ultimately leading to heartfelt revelations. With charming characters, a blend of humor and sentiment, and a memorable soundtrack, this film beautifully captures the essence of youth and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Fans of the series will appreciate its blend of romance and fantasy, making it a tender yet exhilarating viewing experience.

Cast

• 

  Toru Furuya

  Kyosuke Kasuga (voice)

• 

  Eriko Hara

  Hikaru Hiyama (voice)

• 

  Maria Kawamura

  Madoka's Sister (voice)

• 

  Chiyoko Kawashima

  Hikaru's Mother (voice)

• 

  Tomoko Maruo

  Horikoshi (voice)

• 

  Keiichi Nanba

  Seiji Komatsu (voice)

Reviews

Kimagure Orange Road: I Want to Return to That Day has garnered notable praise for its storytelling and animation quality. According to an IMDb user review, the film 'captures the whimsical essence of teenage love while exploring deeper philosophical notions of time and choices.' With a solid IMDb rating of 7.6/10, fans celebrate the film's ability to blend humor with emotional depth, delivering a satisfying narrative that resonates well with viewers. Reviewers on Metacritic highlight the film's artistry, stating, 'The animation is vibrant, and the character design is charmingly nostalgic, perfectly encapsulating the 80s aesthetic.' However, some critics mentioned that the film may feel somewhat slow-paced to those unfamiliar with the series, pointing out that it might not fully engage individuals who are not attached to the characters from the television show. Despite this, the film is lauded as a 'must-watch for anime lovers' who appreciate the delicate balance between lightheartedness and poignant moments. Retrospectives express admiration for how the film evokes nostalgia, making it a cherished part of the anime canon. Overall, Kimagure Orange Road: I Want to Return to That Day remains a well-received film, especially celebrated by long-time fans of the original series.