The Last: Naruto the Movie - Film Review

The Last: Naruto the Movie - Film Review

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Posted 2015-01-27 by Zoenxisfollow
Fifteen years, 700 chapters and two anime series later, one of the most well-known and well-loved Japanese franchises has finally come to an end. "Ah, not quite yet," whispers Masashi Kishimoto, creator and author of Naruto.

While the final chapter of the manga series was a die-hard fan's fantasy come to life (depending on which couple you were rooting for), the time skip left many questions unanswered - crucial life-and-death questions, such as when, where, and how did the orange jumpsuit-wearing title character end up with the shy girl who loved him since forever.

Behold, the remedy to every shipper's frustration:



In essence, Naruto's narrative has never revolved around romance. It was mainly about cool ninja techniques and action and good versus evil.

However, if you're watching The Last to revisit those good ole days, then prepared to be sorely disappointed. This movie is first and foremost a love story - one that may be cringe-worthy at certain points, but overall sweet and romantic enough to rouse cheers and applause from the audience.

The Last is set two years after the Fourth Shinobi War. Naruto is now a chick magnet, amassing hordes of female admirers who are determined to either drown him in mountains of gifts, or deafen him with high pitched squealing.

Meanwhile, Hinata decides to convey her long-lasting infatuation with Naruto by knitting him a scarf. A very, very long scarf.

Naruto, as always, is oblivious to Hinata's feelings, in addition to her newly-knitted scarf. In fact, this scarf was so heavily featured in the movie, it almost threatened Naruto's position as the main star.

To make things even more dramatic, a new villain emerges and decides that Hinata would make a fine bride. He also decides to blow up earth and live with her on the moon.

The plot is nothing revolutionary, but then again this movie is really about Naruto and Hinata. Paired with a wonderful soundtrack and fluid action scenes, it fares exceedingly well in portraying Naruto's slow but eventual realisation of his feelings, and his consequent reciprocation of Hinata's love.

The reduction of key characters such as Gaara, Kakashi, and the rest of the beloved cast into cameos was disheartening. Yet, the Naruto-Hinata shipper in me was rejoicing and popping open champagne bottles by the time the final scene aired in a shower of sparkles bathed in moon-light.

So, is this movie worth watching?

Definitely.

As a long-time fan, The Last: Naruto the Movie was an emotional ride for me. Watching the end of a series that I have followed throughout my childhood brought a heavy sense of nostalgia, and quite a few tears.

Alas, the curtains must close, and a new adventure awaits.

The Last: Naruto the Movie was released in Japanese theaters on December 6, 2014. The film is now showing in Australian cinemas with English subtitles.



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87952 - 2023-06-11 07:45:45

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