Grisaia : Phantom Trigger The Animation – Stargazer

Alright, let’s dive into “Grisaia: Phantom Trigger The Animation – Stargazer.” First off, this 90-minute film from Bibury Animation Studios hit screens on November 27, 2020, as part of The Fruit of Grisaia franchise. Directed by Kousuke Murayama, it follows Tohka as she grapples with unresolved family memories and a broken promise to a friend—though, honestly, the emotional depth here feels a bit surface-level compared to the original series.

The plot kicks off with SORD members (minus injured Rena and Maki) heading overseas for a school trip. But wait, no vacation for these teens—they’re immediately dragged into a manhunt for a SORD deserter, teaming up with St. Aile’s International School students Sylvia and Velvet. The action sequences? Total eye candy. Fans raved about the “tense” terrorist hideout assault and the brutal, badass St. Aile girls—seriously, those nun outfits with bulletproof hoods? Chef’s kiss. And let’s not forget the meme-worthy moment where Tohka uses Murasaki’s butt as a bipod—pure chaos, but hey, it’s memorable.

Visually, the animation is top-tier. Bright colors, smooth fight scenes, and detailed character designs (shoutout to St. Aile’s sleek uniforms) make every frame pop. But here’s the catch: while the art slaps, the story feels like “more of the same.” Longtime fans noted it’s lost the original’s secretive edge, now leaning into generic “gun gal” territory with extra gore to keep viewers hooked.

Character-wise, Haruto’s leadership is solid, but he’s no Yuuji—many missed the OG protagonist’s badassery. Tohka’s arc about healing? It’s there, but it’s overshadowed by forced romance bits that left some cringing. Remember that scene where Rena and Maki gush over Haruto instead of talking about their own bond? Yeah, that’s the stuff that made fans go, “Give me a break.”

The film adapts Volume 3 of the Phantom Trigger game, and it shows—plot beats feel rushed, and character development takes a backseat to flashy fights. Some moments, like the brief focus on Maki and Rena’s recovery, are sweet, but they’re too short to land an emotional punch. The ending song is a bop, though, so there’s that.

So, who’s this for? If you’re here for stunning animation and mindless action, you’ll have a blast. But if you loved the original Grisaia’s depth, you might leave feeling underwhelmed. It’s a 6/10 from most viewers—fun, but forgettable.

In short, “Stargazer” is a visual feast with enough gunfights to satisfy action junkies, but it lacks the heart that made the franchise iconic. Still, if you’re craving more Grisaia content, it’s worth a watch—just don’t expect it to rekindle that old magic.

Final thought: The St. Aile nuns are low-key the real stars here. Let’s hope they get more screen time in the upcoming TV series! 🎬🔫