SummaryCritique
(Final Chapter)
Personal Critique
4.5 stars (of 5)
This movie is the most faithful of all the movies and with me being such a Urusei Yatsura purist that it has probably contributed to my opinion. This is the only movie based upon one of Takahashi's works, the final storyline of UY. This movie is beautifully paced, with the right amounts of drama and humor. Kanketsuhen owes all all of its perfect storytelling to Takahashi as the animators didn't change too much. A descision which I really admire. It even kept in the old Takahashi slapstick. I like that because I was often disappointed when the TV show would often tone down or alter her physical comedy techniques. It's just not the same without subspace hammers.
The animation itself is attractive and well above average, but it could be somewhat better. The designs make all of the characters look more mature which is suitable because it's around the time when the cast starts to finally grow up. Well animated, but nothing too innovative for the times.
Although many tend to complain about the ending, I thought it was pretty good. I know full well the reasons why Takahashi made the descision to give it such an inconclusive ending and therefore I can appreciate it. But still most fans don't share my understanding and just wanted to see everyone get married.
I actually found myself with tears in my eyes while I was watching the final moments of the movie. Not only because I could really feel the emotional turmoil between Lum and Ataru but because it was the end of an era. Emotionally poignant without trying to overcompensate. Overall it's a fabulous movie. I wouldn't give it as high praise as movies 1 and 2. Only because the direction is not as imaginative as those movies. Even if it isn't an animated masterpiece, it is still highly enjoyable. It would be best if you've watched a fair amount of the show before viewing Kanketsuhen. This is the final movie after all.