Review of Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple

Let me preface this by saying that I hold Bungo Stray Dogs at a higher threshold than many other shows, as I have been pleasantly surprised by how well it was produced throughout seasons 1-2. That said, I'm reviewing this show based on both its overall comparison to other animes and its comparison to the previous episodes in season 1 and 2. Art~ As a whole, Bungo Stray Dogs has some of the best animation I've seen. The vibrantly colored scenery seemed to change in every shot, with such detail that must have taken far more time to animate than in almost any other show.The lighting, too, was immaculate; showcasing bright, saturated, warm colors and vibrant, chilling, cool tones. As an artist myself, I definitively appreciate how much the animation boosted my enjoyment of this movie. The animation to me is most certainly one of Bsd's strongest features. I could ramble more about this topic, but since this is a review for a movie I'll end it here. (Though I'll touch on these points in more depth for my review of the anime or season 3.)

Sound~

I think that the audio quality was around the same level as those of season 1 or 2. I don't remember any exact tunes distinct to the movie, but I was not particularly unsatisfied and the audio definitively boosted my enjoyment and engagement of the movie. The sound was up to the standard that I'd hold those of a production like BSD.

Characters~

I did find some of the characters' actions to be conflicting. Comparing to his usual self, Atsushi acted quite immature during the crisis in Dead Apple while Kyoka remained calm and collected. I might add that Atsushi was, in fact, extremely annoying in the beginning. Later on after Atsushi toughened up for the "boss fight" he regained his composure and returned, more or less, to normal. Seeing Atsushi swing from a prolonged state of panic to one that radiated a hero-like confidence seemed out of character along with Kyoka's sudden swings of assassin mode and tearful happiness.

(mild spoilers)

What this movie did add to the story is Dazai's character development. We see more into his outstanding foresight as well as his strong desire to save his city. It's well done how the movie uses the repeated interactions between Dazai and Atsushi, in which it begins with Atsushi questioning whether or not Dazai was mourning at a grave at the beginning of the movie, and after Atsushi wins the battle in which he asks Dazai a question in the same manner.

I believe the benefit of watching Dead Apple is that it introduces the new antagonist Fyodor. Watchers are provided with more information into Fyodor's background, though I don't find it absolutely necessary to know his background in order to enjoy season 3.

Story ~

I like the idea set up with the antagonists which was decently creative. The initial confusion over which side Dazai was taking was also another point that was done well. Some things that I think could've been done better include: more background for the antagonists, a clearer explanation for some of their motives, and a slight reorganization of the pacing as I felt that the exposition and climax was un-proportional. I found myself confused even after the story provided the villains' explanation for their actions. The abilities of the crystals and how the villains' abilities work also could've been clearer.

(spoilers over)

Summary/Enjoyment ~

Overall, I enjoyed the show for the obvious reasons that it had my favorite Bungo Stray Dogs characters, and that was a well-animated and action-packed. This review was rather harsh, but most of the points that I touched on were nitpicks and I believe that most people will find this film satisfactory.
There are some details that I think could've been executed better, but it was a great additional movie for this already excellent show.

Note~ Uhh so this is my first review that I've written. Hope it was somewhat helpful!