Given the Movie

Given the Movie: A Raw, Music-Driven Journey Through Love and Loss

If you’ve ever stayed up until 2 a.m. crying to a song that feels like it was written just for you, Given the Movie will hit you like a wave of nostalgia and heartache. This 2024 animated film—produced by Lerche, the studio behind hits like Danganronpa—isn’t just a sequel to the beloved 2019 series; it’s a love letter to messy, human relationships, set to a soundtrack that’ll have you hitting “repeat” for weeks.

First off, let’s get real: this isn’t your typical fluffy romance. While the original series focused on Mafuyu’s journey of healing through music after his boyfriend Yuki’s death, the movie shifts gears to spotlight Hiiragi and Shizu, two side characters who’ve been quietly stealing scenes since day one. Fans on MyAnimeList are split on this pivot—some are stoked (“I’m glad for that ending between the two!” one user gushed), while others are low-key stressed that the main couple, Uenoyama and Mafuyu, are still “stuck” in their unresolved tension. But here’s the thing: the movie’s strength lies in its willingness to dive into the messy parts of love, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Take that one scene between Hiiragi and Shizu—you know the one. The one that had fans like, “Did I just teleport into Dramatical Murder?” Yeah, that was wild. It’s jarring, sure, especially compared to the main couple’s wholesome vibe, but it’s also raw. Love isn’t always soft; it’s awkward, it’s confusing, and sometimes it’s a little messy. The movie doesn’t sugarcoat that, and honestly? That’s why it works. As another fan put it, “The music is the only part that is better than the manga… so I’m happy with what we got!” And let’s not sleep on the music—those guitar riffs? That credits song that feels like Yuki’s ghost whispering through the speakers? Chef’s kiss.

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the ending. Or, more accurately, the lack thereof. The movie ends with a cliffhanger that left fans begging for more. “Can we just get another season fr?” one user pleaded. And yeah, it’s frustrating—we want closure for Mafuyu, we want Uenoyama to finally communicate his feelings, and we want to see Hiiragi and Shizu thrive. But maybe that’s the point. Life doesn’t wrap up neatly in 90 minutes, and neither does love. The movie’s strength is in its ability to make us feel that uncertainty, that longing for more.

Critics might say the focus on side characters takes away from the main story, but here’s the tea: the side characters are what make Given feel like a real, lived-in world. Hiiragi’s journey of realizing his feelings for Shizu—even through misunderstandings—resonates because it’s relatable. We’ve all been there: crushing on someone, overthinking every interaction, and finally mustering the courage to say something. And when Shizu reciprocates? That moment is pure magic. As one fan put it, “It’s not the end! Continues! kekeke”—and honestly, we’re here for it.

At its core, Given the Movie is about growth. Whether it’s Mafuyu learning to move forward, Hiiragi embracing his feelings, or Shizu letting himself be vulnerable, every character is on a journey. The music ties it all together, turning heartache into something beautiful. Sure, it’s not perfect—some scenes feel rushed, and the cliffhanger is a gut punch—but isn’t that what makes it human?

If you’re a fan of the series, this movie is a must-watch. It’s not just a continuation; it’s a deep dive into the parts of love we don’t always talk about. And if you’re new? Start with the series, then dive into the movie—you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably end up with a new favorite anime soundtrack. Just don’t forget to bring tissues.

In the end, Given the Movie isn’t about giving us all the answers. It’s about asking the questions: What does it mean to love someone? How do we heal from loss? And can we ever truly move on? For now, we’ll just have to wait for the next movie (please, Lerche, don’t leave us hanging!) to find out. But until then, we’ll be here, blasting the soundtrack and debating the ending with our friends. Because that’s what Given does—it brings people together, one guitar riff at a time.

Final Verdict: 8/10. Messy, beautiful, and totally worth the watch. Just don’t expect closure—yet.

P.S. If you haven’t listened to the soundtrack yet, drop everything and do it. Your ears will thank you.