Review of Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation

Following the same concerns and affection of the anime series, Sasaki to Miyano: Graduation reunites the cutest couple of 2022. Sasaki is graduating from secondary school and Miyano is anxious about their new routine. The two won't see each other daily as Miyano is staying in school while Sasaki applies for college. The hauntings in Miyano's mind first appeared at the series' finale and persisted in the movie's opening minutes. Nevertheless, the storyline fades naturally as the film progresses. Leaving aside the worries of a new relationship routine, "Graduation" shows a beautiful and necessary evolution by presenting the "coming out" scenario for themselves, their families, andfriends.

Miyano received support from his close friends Tashiro and Kuresawa, whereas Sasaki did not, as he didn't express his romantic feelings for Miyano to his friends. We can say the movie trully begins when the couple share affection on the train, when Sasaki talks with Okasawara, and when they tell their families they are in a same-sex relationship. The best and most crucial moment of the film is when Sasaki and Miyano openly reveal their relationship as a couple.

The conversation between Miyano and his mother regarding his same-sex love interest with a senpai from their school, feels natural. Miyano's mum hears the "news" and welcomes Sasaki home, indicating they have a new secure spot to express themselves and hang out together. Miyano's primary concern was their dating set up, but now they have a new place to hang out.

In contrast, Sasaki's sister leaves the place in tears upon hearing the news. However, through a necessary dialogue with Miyano about love, relationships, and personal growth, the situation is soon resolved. A brief part of the film that portrays Sasaki's family dynamic and his close bond with his sister.

The movie maintains the charming style of the animated series with scenes featuring the cats while also incorporating shoujo elements in significant parts. Overall, Sasaki to Miyano: Graduation is a delightful and heartwarming depiction of the challenges that every same-sex couple experiences. A film that is more straightforward than the series and can only achieve that because we had a well-developed couple in the previous material.