Review of Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale

Alright, I'll keep this review clean and as spoiler-free as much as possible since I haven't really written any new reviews for the past two months. To begin, I must say that Ordinal Scale actually went above my expectations. It simply went off with a large bang and it really kept me at my wits end. Since we're talking about Kawahara Reki-sensei here, expect awesome twists that really connects along all the dots. The story focuses on Asuna and Kirito's current relationship and it tests that connection to their limits. If you think about it, it's somehow generic, but the story build-up is spectacular and it reallyleaves you awe-inspired.

In terms of the sound, art, and animation, I have no qualms about that. A-1 Pictures really did a number on the art and especially the animation, and that mostly and definitely made me give the movie the praise it utterly deserves. The action or battle scenes are pretty much enough to make you say "wow" — I mean... you really gotta see those colors and distortion effects flying through the screen.

In terms of characters... I'm really glad to have seen Kirito and the gang again in action, also, don't forget the new characters because they also give a lot of meaning to the show. With the addition of these new characters, you can almost guess where the next story will lead you. Personally, I think that SAO is going to take a much, much darker turn.

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My verdict: 10 out of 10

NOTE: Please watch the movie up until the end of the credits. There are extra scenes after the credit roll.

February 23, 2017: Watched the one-time screening full English-subbed movie on the big screen with my kanojo.