(Parts 1 and 2)
So here we have it, the premier JeffMIND review. And, I should warn, perhaps the best you'll ever see.
For those of you not in the know, Madoka Magica is a very successful 1-season anime series over in Japan. It has spawned a manga adaptation, manga spinoffs, a multitude of merchandise, and legions of loyal fans the world over. When I heard it was coming to nearby Kingston, I knew I had to go see them. The first two of three movies (the third being entirely new content and currently in production) are a retelling, or rather, writer's cut, of the 12-episode series. There's no learning curve for those who haven't seen the series, those who have and enjoyed it will enjoy seeing it again, and those who didn't enjoy it...well, what the hell are you looking at this review for, anyway?
Now, a quick concept summary for the first group. (Quick note: Though the film is Japanese language, I am going to use the English naming method for characters. Given name, Family name, rather than the other way around)
Madoka Kaname is an average girl. She has a loving family, a great school, and her best friend Sayaka has a...somewhat undetermined sexuality. But everything changes when a new student transfers into her class. (Disclaimer: None of the stuff I listed changes.) Homura Akemi seems on the surface to be nearly perfect; She's intelligent, athletic, and beautiful. And Madoka dreamt about her the night prior. But when the mysterious Homura asks Nurse's aide Madoka to take her to the infirmary, she gives a warning; If you value your life, your family and your friends, don't even think about becoming someone you're not. After school, Madoka and Sayaka head to the mall to buy some music, only for Madoka to be called for help by a mysterious voice. The voice belongs to a creature named Kyubey, who is being hunted by none other than the new transfer student Homura! After some quick thinking on Sayaka's part, the three made their escape, only to be attacked by an even stranger creature. Just when all seems lost, an upperclasswoman, Mami Tomoe, saves them, revealing herself to be a Magical Girl who fights Witches like the one that just attacked them. Then Kyubey drops an even bigger bombshell; He wants Madoka and Sayaka to become Magical Girls as well!
Everything about these movies, I loved. The animation was crisp yet fluid, the backgrounds were beautifully painted, and the music was a feast for the ears, ranging from the harmonious main theme, Luminous by J-Pop duo ClariS, to the brand new, hard rock track used when Sayaka and Kyòko Sakura first cross weapons. Speaking of which, the battle scenes are simply epic. From Mami's gun-fu followed by teatime, to Kyòko's red-hot spearplay, and especially Homura's explosive combat style, each fight is powerful enough to knock anyone at the edge of their seat into the back cushions. Despite the high quality of everything else, though, the voice acting is where Madoka Magica has always shined, and if anything, it got better for the movies. The range of emotions in Madoka is massive, and each one is so deep and well done that you can't help but feel everything the girls do. Happiness, Sorrow, Rage, all fill your ears without a single doubt in your mind that they're real. The voice actresses are all to be highly commended for their work, especially Chiwa Saito (Homura) and Ai Nonaka (Kyòko), who had the highest amount of passion-filled lines and definitely delivered. Seriously, the dialogue in these films had me crying manly tears of sorrow and joy throughout all the emotional scenes, something western media never seems to be able to do for me.
If you're getting the feeling that I'm a massive fan of Madoka Magica, well, you'd be right, but anime fans everywhere should see these movies nonetheless, and trust me, they are truly deserving of the scores I'm about to hand out.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Movie Part 1: The Beginning Story - 10/10 Stars
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Movie Part 2: The Eternal Story - 10/10 Stars
And for Kami's sake, if you ever get an offer to become a magical girl, ask for a paper copy of the contract and READ THE FINE PRINT!
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