Review of "To All the Boys I've Loved Before": A moving love story and its appeal

"To All the Boys I've Loved Before" - The charm of a heartbreaking love story that transcends parallel worlds

■Overview of the work

"To All the Girls I've Loved Before" is an animated feature film released on October 7, 2022, and is based on the novel by Otono Shihoji. The original work was published by Hayakawa Publishing and is a popular work with a total circulation of over 310,000 copies. The animation was produced by BAKKEN RECORD and directed by Matsumoto Jun. It was distributed by Toei and is a 102-minute, one-episode film.

■ Story

The protagonist, Takasaki Koyomi, is a high school student who lives with his mother after his parents divorce. One day, he is approached by his classmate, Takigawa Kazune. Kazune tells him that she has come from the 85th parallel world, and that in that world, Koyomi and Kazune were lovers. This encounter marks the beginning of the heartbreaking love story between Koyomi and Kazune.

■Explanation

"To All the Girls I've Loved Before" is a love story based on a setting where you can travel between parallel worlds. The original novel is made up of two works, "To All the Girls I've Loved Before" and "To the One Me Who Loved You." Each story is independent, but by reading the two works, it becomes clear that the two worlds intersect and support each other. This innovative setting became a hot topic on TikTok, and the total number of copies published has exceeded 310,000.

In the animated version, "To All the Girls I've Loved Before" was produced by BAKKEN RECORD, while "To the One I've Loved Before" was produced by TMS Entertainment, with each work being produced by a different studio. BAKKEN RECORD is the studio that made waves with its new animation expressions in Nissin Foods' promotional video "HUNGRY DAYS: Are You Still Young?". Meanwhile, TMS Entertainment has a track record of creating a world view that mixes two works from different original works in "Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: The Movie," which was a huge hit.

■Cast

Miyazawa Hio was cast as Takasaki Koyomi, Hashimoto Ai as Takigawa Kazune, Mizuno Miki as Sato Genko, Yo Kimiko as the elderly Kazune, and Nishioka Tokuma as the elderly Koyomi. These actors deliver performances that convey the deep emotion of the story.

■ Main staff

The original work was written by Otono Shihoji, directed by Matsumoto Jun, main directors Kudo Susumu and Ogiwara Ken, script by Sakaguchi Riko, and music by Omama Ko. The original character design was by Shimano, planning and production was by Ishiguro Kenzo, producers Tachibana Yukari and Saito Tomoyuki, and associate producers Sudo Kento and Shishido Juntake. Character designs were by Kondo Keiichi, Sasaki Rika, and Komiyama Fuuno, stylists Mita Shinichi, animation directors Fujisaki Kenji, Omae Yumiko, and Shibata Kenji, art director Yasuda Yukari, cinematographer Konishi Yohei, color design by Nobori Haruko, CG director Suga Tomohiko, editor Sakamoto Masaki, sound director Imaizumi Yuichi, and animation producer Omatsu Yutaka. Animation is produced by BAKKEN RECORD, produced by the "BokuAi" and "KimiAi" Production Committee, executive producer is Dentsu, distributor is Toei, and special sponsor is AHKAH.

■Main Characters

Takasaki Reki is a high school student who lives with his mother after his parents' divorce, and meets Kazune at the local preparatory school where he was the top student. Takigawa Kazune is a classmate at the same high school as Reki, and is a girl who moved from the 85th parallel world. Sato Genko is Shiori's mother and serves as the director of the Virtuality Science Institute.

■ Related works

A related work to "To All the Girls I've Loved Before" is "To the One I've Loved Before." Although these two works are independent stories, they share a common setting in parallel worlds and are deeply related to each other.

■ Theme songs and music

The theme song "Kumo wo Koiu" was written, composed, arranged, and sung by Keina Suda. The inserted song "Shion" was written by Shinya Ishihara, and composed, arranged, and sung by Saucy Dog. Another inserted song, "Rakuka Ryusui" was written, composed, arranged, and sung by Keina Suda. These songs further deepen the emotion of the story.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"To All the Girls I've Loved Before" is a work that combines a unique setting of parallel worlds with a heart-wrenching love story. Reflecting the popularity of the original novel, the animated version has also received high praise. In particular, the acting of Miyazawa Hio and Hashimoto Ai enhanced the moving story and left a deep impression on viewers. In addition, BAKKEN RECORD's new animation expression enhances the visual appeal and richly depicts the worldview of the story.

This is a moving story that depicts the sweetness and sadness of love, and the intersection of life choices and destiny. The parallel world setting will make you think about the complexity of human relationships and the depth of love. There are many elements that young people who are struggling with the troubles of adolescence and the pain of love can relate to.

■ Recommendation points

"To All the Boys I've Loved Before" is recommended for the following reasons:

• Innovative setting : The parallel world setting adds depth to the story and draws the viewer in.
• A moving love story : The heartbreaking romance between Takasaki Reiji and Takigawa Kazune will touch the hearts of viewers.
• A star-studded cast : The performances of talented actors including Miyazawa Hio and Hashimoto Ai add excitement to the story.
• Beautiful Animation : BAKKEN RECORD's new animation expression enhances the visual appeal.
• Emotional Music : Music by Keina Suda and Saucy Dog adds depth to the emotion of the story.

■ Message to viewers

"To All the Boys I've Loved Before" is a moving work that combines a unique setting of parallel worlds with a heart-wrenching love story. This story, which depicts the sweetness and sadness of youth, and the intersection of life's choices and destiny, is sure to deeply move and sympathize with viewers. Please enjoy this work and feel the depth of love and the complexity of human beings.