This film is rather split among the "Naruto" community; some people like it and some people don't. I thought it was good. While it has its issues, the emotional and dramatic aspect of it really makes it come through.
One thing for sure, the "reverse world" aspect of this film was pretty lackluster. A lot of the characters from the reverse world were either extremely annoying or had random personalities. Also, a lot of them had no relevance to the movie and contributed almost nothing other than time-filler.
Another wart is that the main villain, while interesting, was not given much development as far as what his motivations are. They never explain why he is affiliated with The Akatsuki and why he is doing what he is doing.
However, a big strength with this film is the storyline about Naruto meeting his parents in the reverse world. His relationship with them played out in an interesting way, and the scenes where he experiences how wonderful it is to have parents were actually quite poignant.
Another thing I liked was Sakura getting a taste of her own medicine. At first, she believes that not having parents would be the best thing ever, but she eventually gets to realize and experience just how sad and lonely Naruto has been feeling his whole life without a family. Very strong character arc right there.
The final battle was very emotion-packed and thrilling, with the narrative and thematic elements coming together at the perfect moment. As usual, the movie is very well-animated.
I was almost ready to call this a bad film during the scenes with the reverse-world versions of the characters, but the good stuff that comes after all of that makes this another solid entry in the "Naruto" movie series. Definitely worth checking out.
RATING: B
One thing for sure, the "reverse world" aspect of this film was pretty lackluster. A lot of the characters from the reverse world were either extremely annoying or had random personalities. Also, a lot of them had no relevance to the movie and contributed almost nothing other than time-filler.
Another wart is that the main villain, while interesting, was not given much development as far as what his motivations are. They never explain why he is affiliated with The Akatsuki and why he is doing what he is doing.
However, a big strength with this film is the storyline about Naruto meeting his parents in the reverse world. His relationship with them played out in an interesting way, and the scenes where he experiences how wonderful it is to have parents were actually quite poignant.
Another thing I liked was Sakura getting a taste of her own medicine. At first, she believes that not having parents would be the best thing ever, but she eventually gets to realize and experience just how sad and lonely Naruto has been feeling his whole life without a family. Very strong character arc right there.
The final battle was very emotion-packed and thrilling, with the narrative and thematic elements coming together at the perfect moment. As usual, the movie is very well-animated.
I was almost ready to call this a bad film during the scenes with the reverse-world versions of the characters, but the good stuff that comes after all of that makes this another solid entry in the "Naruto" movie series. Definitely worth checking out.
RATING: B