木更津キャッツアイ ワールドシリーズ ▫️ 2006 ▫️Info

The legacy of one of my favorite series is ending. And to me, this was a rare, perfect ending.

I absolutely loved the drama from this series, and despite the first movie being a bit too scattered and wacky for me to fully connect to it, these characters hold a very special place in my heart. I think that’s a big reason why this movie floored me. It was crafted so expertly as a way to say goodbye to this universe but leave the audience feeling hopeful and satisfied. You can feel all the love from the cast and staff and their understanding of the magical thing they have created together.

This movie felt a lot more balanced than the first in terms of the wacky and emotional. One of the things I enjoyed about the show was how hectic and silly it was, but it also had this overarching emotional story of loss, friendship, finding your way in life. To me that got lost in the second movie a bit, but was fully present this time around. I also love that Sakurai is now lead and that gave it an interesting change of energy. The production of this whole series is so creative and unique–many directors attempt to pull off this style but I feel only a few succeed because it’s hard to balance something this erratic and surreal.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed the silly side quests with the zombies and self-defense force (big fan of Kuriyama Chiaki because of Kill Bill), the main appeal to me was the reunion of the main cast and the way they navigate change and pain. Everything was presented in such a playful way that the ending, when you finally realize why his father couldn’t see Bussan’s ghost and he finally says goodbye, is one of the most devastating and beautiful things I have seen. I am basically crying just thinking about it right now! The way they all find a way to say goodbye to Bussan, Bussan finds a way to say goodbye to everyone, and the audience finds a way to say goodbye to this universe was flawless. I’m so grateful for the joy and tenderness this whole series left me with. I think someday soon I’d like to watch it all again, especially this final film. I don’t think it would land as well if you haven’t seen the rest of the series, so definitely start from episode one of the drama and make your way here to get the full emotional impact. I’m so glad I finally took the time to watch it all.