Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam Movie – Over the Wishes

Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam Movie – Over the Wishes – A Nostalgic Yet Divisive Return

When Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam Movie – Over the Wishes was announced, fans of the Last Exile franchise were met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Released in 2016, this recap film—with some newly animated scenes—revisits the world of Prester, where sky pirates and political intrigue collide in a steampunk-inspired universe. But does it live up to the legacy of the original series, or does it fall into the trap of being just another unnecessary addition?

The Premise and Background

For those unfamiliar, Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam (also known as Fam, the Silver Wing) is a sequel to the 2003 anime Last Exile, though it follows a new set of characters. The movie, Over the Wishes, condenses the events of the TV series while adding some fresh material, focusing on the sky pirate Fam Fan Fan and her adventures alongside Millia, the princess of the fallen Turan Kingdom. Together, they fight against the oppressive Ades Federation, which seeks to dominate the world.

The film’s runtime of nearly two hours suggests a comprehensive retelling, but as many fans pointed out, the existence of two recap OVAs prior to this movie raises questions about its necessity.

Fan Reactions: A Divided Fandom

Scrolling through discussions on platforms like MyAnimeList and Reddit, it’s clear that opinions on Over the Wishes are split. Here’s a breakdown of the most common sentiments:

1. The “Why?” Crowd
   Many fans were baffled by the decision to release a recap film years after the series ended. One user bluntly stated, “If it doesn’t reveal any new plot, then it will be one of the most pointless things.” Others echoed this sentiment, questioning why studios would invest in a theatrical release for a series that had already concluded—especially when the second season (Ginyoku no Fam) was already controversial among fans.

2. The Nostalgic Few
   On the flip side, some viewers were just happy to return to the world of Last Exile, regardless of the format. Comments like “I hope it will have some new material… Been awhile since I’ve seen the Last Exile franchise, especially Dio” reflect a longing for more content, even if it’s not groundbreaking.

3. The Second Season Debate
   A recurring theme in the discussions is the polarizing reception of Ginyoku no Fam (the second season). While some appreciated its fresh take, others felt it paled in comparison to the original. One fan remarked, “The original was one of my favourite anime’s, but Fam was such a waste.” This divide likely influenced how people approached the movie—those who disliked the second season were understandably less enthusiastic.

4. The Airship Enthusiasts
   A smaller but passionate group of fans didn’t care much for the plot as long as the movie delivered on its signature aerial battles. “As long as there will be a lot of airship battles, I’m fine with it,” one comment read. For them, the spectacle of vanship dogfights was enough to justify a watch.

Does It Hold Up?

The biggest criticism of Over the Wishes is its lack of new narrative substance. While the animation quality and action sequences are praised, the film doesn’t offer much beyond what the TV series already covered. For die-hard fans, this might be a dealbreaker.

However, if you’re someone who enjoyed Ginyoku no Fam or simply loves the Last Exile universe, the movie serves as a decent recap with some visual upgrades. It’s not a must-watch, but it’s a harmless revisit for those who want to relive Fam’s journey.

Final Verdict: For the Fans, By the Fans

Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam Movie – Over the Wishes is a niche product. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor does it address the criticisms of its source material. But for those who still hold a soft spot for Fam and her sky-pirating antics, it’s a brief return to a world that once captivated audiences.

As one fan aptly put it: “Meh. Fam was trash that ret-conned most of the original’s lore. Can’t say I’m looking forward to it even as a big fan of the first series.” Yet, another countered with: “I actually didn’t hate S2, so if this is a sequel movie then I’m looking forward to it.”

In the end, whether Over the Wishes is worth your time depends entirely on how much you loved (or tolerated) Ginyoku no Fam. If you’re in it for the nostalgia or the aerial battles, give it a shot. If you’re expecting a game-changing addition to the franchise, you might want to temper those expectations.

Rating: 6/10 – A Decent Recap, But Nothing More.