New Kimagure Orange Road: Summer's Beginning

Synopsis

New Kimagure Orange Road: Summer's Beginning is a nostalgic anime film released in 1996, featuring the beloved characters from the original Kimagure Orange Road series. The story follows the romantic and supernatural adventures of Kyosuke Kasuga, a teenager with psychic powers, as he navigates complex emotions and relationships during a memorable summer. With a charming mix of comedy, romance, and lighthearted drama, the film explores themes of young love, self-discovery, and friendship. Voiced by Toru Furuya, it captures the essence of the 1980s anime while offering a fresh continuation that appeals both to longtime fans and new viewers looking for a heartfelt story set against the vibrant backdrop of summer.

Cast

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  Toru Furuya

  Kyosuke Kasuga (voice)

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  Eriko Hara

  Hikaru Hiyama (voice)

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  Hiromi Tsuru

  Madoka Ayukawa (voice)

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  Chieko Honda

  Kurumi Kasuga (voice)

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  Kenichi Ogata

  Grandpa (voice)

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  Michie Tomizawa

  Manami Kasuga (voice)

Reviews

Reviews for New Kimagure Orange Road: Summer's Beginning demonstrate a generally positive reception from both fans and critics, though it remains more of a nostalgic piece than a groundbreaking film. On IMDb, it holds a respectable rating of 7.5/10 based on audience feedback, with many praising the animation style and the emotional depth of the characters. Users note, "It beautifully captures the bittersweet feelings of adolescence and young love," highlighting the film’s ability to evoke emotional resonance despite its age.

However, professional reviews are limited, with many viewing the film as primarily targeted at fans of the original series rather than newcomers. Critics appreciate the voice acting of Toru Furuya and commend the film’s soundtrack and atmosphere which effectively evokes the summer setting. Some reviewers mention that the pacing is leisurely and the plot is more slice-of-life focused, which could feel slow for audiences expecting high drama or action.

Rotten Tomatoes does not have an official aggregated score due to the film's niche status, but numerous fan reviews emphasize its charm and nostalgic appeal. Metacritic also lacks formal critic reviews for this title.

Overall, New Kimagure Orange Road: Summer's Beginning is celebrated as a heartfelt sequel that captures the spirit of its classic predecessor, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of romantic anime and coming-of-age stories.