Review of No Game, No Life: Zero

From what I had seen in the anime it all revolved around high-stake games that capitalized one its dramatic and emotional moments to keep the audience at the edge of their seats. While in-between comedic hilarity would ensue to relieve the viewer. But this movie was utter raw emotion. This was not just a story of the Great War, nor was it just a prequel to the main story. It is the tragedy of two lovers that wanted nothing more than to be each other. Forever... Although the first half could be considered slow and uninteresting when compared to second half. It held the purpose of buildingour affection toward Riku and Schwi. Riku struggling to live his life as a weak, pathetic human, and justifying all those he has sent to death to continue his own. Schwi entirely amiss at attempting to understand the anomaly on human existence and the human heart. Only when they are able to confide in each other do they truly have a reason to live.

In the second half do the duo begin to resemble their current counterparts. The spark that has ignited flourishes itself to a roaring flame. Their determination to succeed brings them ever so closer to checkmate. Then watching them fall apart was tearjerking. Schwi's fight with Jiburil and her death showed how much she has changed. She was more than a robot. The feelings Riku gave her allowed her to defy all odds and procure a miracle for her love. It was so impactful to me to see her desperation to live for Riku, to see her relinquish her life for Riku. It was heartbreaking... Then to see Riku denying victory over having sacrificied so many people's lives, including his beloved Schwi.

The growth and death of Riku and Schwi is what this movie capitalized on. And HOLY GOD was it effective and sentimental. I was tearing up during Schwi's final moments.

Beyond the main plot there are a few things I MUST mention!

The scene of Ten establishing the new laws of the world was FANTASTIC, and a perfect ending to both the story of the Great War and Riku and Schwi and leads toward to main story!! How the music progressively ramps up and then crescendos with the appearance of the movie title. It was just perfect! This scene is prime example of using music to elevate the emotion and tone of multiple scenes. Almost every movie does this, but with the great soundtrack and timing. It really stood out and made the scene.

Another thing is I must commend Riku's VA, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka performance. He perfectly captured Riku's pain in his final scene.

The ending song, "There is a Reason" is AMAZING! (You don't need me to tell you that)

So far I have just been singing praise but there are some issues, especially in the first half. Like how it was unclear that Riku was the leader of the humans, which kind of made it strange with his big fit about all the people he sent to death. Also Riku and Schwi's meeting felt a bit forced. Even though it was justified (Schwi wanting to study the human heart), it was really odd for her to come springing out of nowhere. Lastly I felt that Schwi as an emotionless robot was warming up to Riku a bit too quickly. As a movie you have to make the most of your time, but it would of been a bit nice to see her act cold and calculating a little while longer. Lastly is how the first act felt a bit slow, it was a bit of a turn-off. Yet it made the second half stand out from it, so at least that's good.

Scores:
- Story: 9
- Art: 8
- Sound: 10
- Character: 9
- Enjoyment: 10
- Overall: 9.2