Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll

Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll (2019)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


While the story is touching in it's own way how these different characters connect and find ways to help each other, it is also rather disjointed where we get a good deal of the context in bits and pieces of flashbacks. The frequent references to "dolls" is also highly confusing and never well explained. Violet herself seems to have a rather complex history, but we gain very little insight to it as the focus is mostly on Amy and Taylor. Perhaps if you've watched or read the rest of the series it might make more sense, but as a stand alone, it leaves a lot to be desired still.

A Silent Voice

A Silent Voice (2016)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


Shoko is deaf and entering a new middle school. Unfortunately, her story is much darker with a focus on bullying (both her and other students) and a common theme of depression and suicidal ideation if not actual attempts from multiple characters in the movie. While it is very down-to-earth, it's much darker and the good highlights are much fewer and farther in between, often only appearing for a small second before the next scene will seem to take to steps back throwing the main characters back into chaos. It does have a somewhat happy ending, but it's very hard fought for. While this film certainly highlights a lot of real things in life and hard lessons to learn, the difficulty in communication and darker theme make it a harder watch overall. 

Free: Dive to the Future

Free!: Dive to the Future (2018)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Still like the characters and series, but I'm not sure yet what I think of the new cast. We meet yet another group of old swimming friends this time, though one, Ikuya, is being kept away deliberately by his new friend, Hiyori. Hiyori comes off as a little too controlling and condescending for my tastes. Of course this new addition is only on episode 5 so far, so who's to say what will happen before the end. Maybe he'll grow on me like Rin did. The new Iwatobi swimmers are also interesting. Glad to see the club didn't die outright when Mokoto and Haru left, despite two years of failed recruitment prior. There are so many interwoven connections going on here, that sometimes it seems like it would be difficult to keep track of everyone and everything.

Free: Eternal Summer

Free!: Eternal Summer (2014)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


We meet another old classmate, this time one of Rin's friends. Iwatobi and Samezuka swim teams definitely have a unique relationship, but that seems to make the competitions even better. It's good to see Rin and the rest of Iwatobi's team, especially Haru, usually back on track. Haru does seem to be struggling more than the others with the whole college/career idea, but he's got good friends to help him figure it out. Really, there was only one direction for him to go with his attitude and the way he's drawn to the water. Kinda hard to believe he ever tried to stop in the first place.

Free

Free! (2013)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Rin really confused me for a long time. He's an interesting character, and much more complex than Haru, though Haru seems to be the thread that ties everyone together in a lot of ways, despite the outward appearance of swimming being that tie. Almost thought Rin was transferring back to Iwatobi after that last relay, which would have been kind of perfect. I guess they can't really compete as easily if their on the same team in the future, though it's nice to see those friendships mended.