Given the Movie (2020 film)


Given the Movie is a 2020 Japanese animated romantic drama film directed by Hikaru Yamaguchi and written by Yuniko Ayana based on a manga of the same name by Natsuki Kizu. Produced by Lerche and distributed by Aniplex, it adapts the second story arc of the manga, as well as taking place after the events of the anime series, focusing on the relationship between Haruki and Akihiko. The film stars the voices of Shōgo Yano, Yuma Uchida, Masatomo Nakazawa, Takuya Eguchi and Shintarō Asanuma. It was released in Japan on August 22, 2020.
The film was licensed by Crunchyroll, and was streamed on its website on February 2, 2021. A sequel two-part film was released in Japan in 2024, with the first film, Hiiragi mix on January 27, and the second film, To the Sea on September 20.
WWW movie2020.given-anime.com

Synopsis

The story follows the members of the band Given as they navigate complex emotions and shifting relationships. Haruki Nakayama, the bassist, grapples with feelings for their drummer, Akihiko Kaji, who is still entangled in a difficult past relationship. As the band prepares for a significant live performance, tensions rise, and the power of music becomes a key force for expressing what words cannot. Throughout this journey, the characters confront their personal struggles and begin to find clarity and hope, both in their connections with each other and in their shared passion for music.

Voice cast

Production

In September 2019, it was announced that a sequel anime film of Given anime television series was in the works by adapting the second story arc of the manga. The key staff and cast members reprised their respective roles for the film. Fuji TV's new boys' love anime label, Blue Lynx handled the development of the film. The key staff, including director Hikaru Yamaguchi expressed their gratitude for the film.

Release

The film was scheduled to release in theaters in Japan on May 16, 2020, but was postponed to August 22, 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic. Crunchyroll acquired the international distribution rights for the film, and streamed on its website on February 2, 2021. In Southeast Asia, WeTV released the film on May 25, 2021.

Reception

Box office

The film opened at number 9 out of top 10 in the Japanese box office in its opening weekend, and later dropped off from the charts in its second weekend.

Critical reception

Kim Morrisy of Anime News Network gave the film a solid "B" rating, and stated "Overall, I will say that I was satisfied with this continuation, even if I didn't like it quite as much as the original series".

Sequel

A sequel two-part film was released in Japan in 2024, with the first film, Hiiragi mix on January 27, and the second film, To the Sea on September 20.