As disappointing as the previous movie was, this movie is that much more impressive. With this movie, Given returns to its roots by exploring themes like healing, trauma, and connection through music — the very things it does best. At its core, Given has always been about Mafuyu’s journey toward healing. This movie begins with our main character at one of his lowest points. Haunted by the loss of his late boyfriend, Mafuyu is afraid to pursue music, uncertain about his future, and terrified of being abandoned. He feels as if everyone’s moving forward and he’s being left behind — a feeling that’s painfully relatable, especially ifyou’ve ever been a teenager. However, with the support of his friends and through his own inner growth, he finds the courage to take a leap of faith.

The emotional payoff in this movie hits especially hard. Uenoyama’s desire to help Mafuyu find his voice again gives their relationship so much weight. It’s not about rescuing someone from their pain, it’s about walking alongside them through it. And the new song feels like a turning point. Not just a performance, but a release of everything Mafuyu has carried. And the sea imagery throughout adds so much melancholy. It captures that feeling of floating between who you were and who you’re becoming.

The moral of the story is that despite the hardships, it will be okay. You may not feel ready to move on, but you still have to. It will be different, but it will be okay. Mafuyu’s journey is quite a realistic one and this final installment of the series feels very satisfying. Each character seems to have arrived at a place of emotional peace.

This has always been a comfort series for me and I'm very satisfied with the conclusion of it.