Review of Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple
Bungou Stray Dogs is back at it again, but this time it’s a movie called Dead Apple! Plot: 7 The story’s about Shibusawa who’s known as the ‘collector’, has created incidents all over Japan, stealing ability users abilities with his fog. Shibusawa was spotted in Yokohama, so it’s up to the Armed Detective Agency who have taken the case in investigating the incidents around him. Let me start by saying the story wasn’t well executed. The story could have been explained better because I have no idea what Shibusawa and Demon Fudou’s goals were. It became more convulted and confusing in the second half. Characters: 10 If you’vewatched the first two seasons of Stray Dogs, you’ll see that the characters are still as diverse, well developed and likeable as always! The dynamics were well done and really fuelled the plot. I like that the characters were separated and split off into smaller groups because it avoided any bloating/useless characters on screen that I feel some movies suffer from.
I’ll admit, Atsushi’s whining and self guilt with his past did annoy me in the first half, but his character development was amazing. Atsushi overcoming his past, not fearing the white tiger anymore and coming to terms with it was the acculumtion of his character arc so far, which was great to watch.
Kyouka was badass as always. I liked her character development of realising that she doesn’t hate Demon Snow. It’s the symbolic representation of her mother who she loves and maternal love to protect their child. Best girl by a mile xD
I like Dazai and Chuya’s relationship. It was great to see Chuya finally go all out and his ability is overpowered af!
I loved the dynamic displayed between Atsushi, Akutagawa and Kyouka, especially the teamwork they displayed in the final fight!
Art: 9
The art was as amazing as it is in the anime, but with the movie’s beautiful animation it really shined. The fight scenes were beautifully choreographed and hype, especially when the opening music was playing.
Sounds: 8
The opening and ending are still some of my favourite. The osts really stood out and were memorable
What I didn’t like about this movie:
The villain were the weakest part of the film. Shibusawa came across as a twisted, psychotic evil villain that’s trying to be complex and philosophical. His Momoshiki like appearance and god complex were awful. His motivation were unclear and confusing.
Why did Daizai team up with the other two? Even though Daizai was a double agent because he wanted to save the city, his reasoning was unclear. It felt like he needed to be removed from the story so other characters could shine.
On the topic of other characters, I would have liked to see the other detective agency members fights. I felt like they were supposed to show them, but cut them out because of the movie’s time constraints.
Why does everyone want Atsushi’s tiger ability? They claim it’s the “special gift that’s envied by other abilities users” and the villain claimed it’s the “anthesis of all special abilities”. Why? Atsushi gains physical strength, better movement and can heal. Unless I’m missing something about Atsushi’s power that has yet to be revealed, I don’t see the hype.
Overall: 8/10
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The movie felt like a 4 part- extended episode which was great. It came at the perfect time to remind me how much I love this anime, while I anticipate season 3!