Toei lawl. The first thing you’d notice from watching this is how the artwork pales in comparison to Kyoto Animation’s. For the most part, it’s still tolerable, and the fact the character designs are so QUALITY, allows for exaggerated, comedic expressions that will look out of place in the television series. Other changes include alterations to the storyline that would leave you guffawing in bewilderment and scratching your head. Did I mention how ugly the Dangos here look?

Despite what may sound like gripes, I actually enjoyed the direction the movie took. For one, Kyou and Tomoyo are not fighting over Tomoya’s cock like their TV counterparts, and for a brief moment were the antagonists, as they barred Nagisa from re-establishing the drama club. Worth mentioning is that Sunohara, who’s being mostly sidelined in the series, plays a much more prominent role this time around, which is great, since he is after all, Tomoya’s best friend, being around the male lead through good and bad times together. Even Ibuki-sensei remains in school, not just as a recurring character, but an important one that makes an impact on the story itself. Just like Hinano, I was extremely elated over the total absence of that annoying Fuko, who stays dead in this feature length version lawl. Sadly, Kotomi has been cast aside, as she didn’t even have a speaking role, although she’s not a reclusive person as portrayed in the series. Characters like Yukine, Ryou and Misae are unfortunately not shown as well.

Being what it is, the story focuses only on Nagisa, right up to the After Story(this is remaining main route I’ve yet to play) Though I hate to admit it, Nagisa here is just as endearing as she was in series, making her very easily likable. As such, they wasted no time in pairing Tomoya and her together, with the latter confessing his love right after the play for the Founder’s Festival, which was odd to say the least, as he shouted “I Love You” out the blue, with no prior romantic build up to that scene lawl. Not long after, everyone graduates, with Tomoya marrying Nagisa as expected.

Unfortunately, that fleeting moment of happiness came to an abrupt end, as Nagisa passes away right after giving birth to Ushio. Just like his dad, Tomoya heads into a downward spiral of despair, ending up just like the latter, abandoning his only child. Mr Okazaki fulfills his final task as parent as pleads with Tomoya’s friends to help him get back on his knees again. They comply, and the remainder of the movie as well as the bittersweet ending can easily make one teary eyed ;-;

I was no fan of Nagisa before and I’ve not played her route yet but I must say I really like her now and have enjoyed this movie a lot despite its minor misgivings. Now that I have a better idea of how the story will end, I wonder if Kyoto Animation can match this or do an even better job compared to Toei. Regardless, I’m now more inspired than ever to finally finish up Clannad and see for myself the awesomeness that is Nagisa’s story. Shin out.

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