This review contains no spoilers As such plot elements discussed are kept as vague as possible in favour of an analysis of its themes. All images are clickable and take you to various OST of the film 1080https://anigamers.com/uploads/entries/LizandtheBlueBird20200608133917.jpg https://www..com/watch?v=EvNG2gLqlhslist=PLn3vj8lJmLkBUKufJdzBs71CkWsgkkwP What makes Liz and the Blue Bird henceforth shortened to Liz so special is everything that its parent story is not. This isnt to say that Hibike Euphonium wasnt amazing in its own right but I think that Liz offers a bit more universality in its storytelling and character development it tells an endlessly grounded and earnest tale of human connection and the impact we can have on each others lives. If youve seen Hibike youll already know the dynamic between the two main leads Nozomi and Mizore. But what I think is absolutely incredible is that this dynamic which was built up over the course of multiple episodes of development with an entire season of backstory to contextualize it is organically established in the opening sequence of this movie and holds its own weight as a distinct story well Nozomi and Mizore arent the focus of the actual opening sequence but I digress. A prior viewing of Hibike might enhance ones outlook on this film but it is most certainly not necessary. This sequence is where Liz hooks you and never lets go. Anyone familiar with A Silent Voice which is most of us shouldnt be surprised by the jawdropping production value and audiovisual masterclass that Naoko Yamada and Kensuke Ushio squeeze out of every frame yet this duo as well as the entire rest of the production staff remind you of the incredible feast of creativity and novelty offered by each and every one of their works. Youre presented with a pristine animation style and luscious colour palette that deviates significantly from the parent series and for good reason. Hibike possesses rather dramatic flair exciting musical climaxes grueling personal and interpersonal development and tells its tale through highstakes highly rewarding characterization. Meanwhile it is immediately clear that Liz is much more subdued in its storytelling with purposeful quaint absences of dialogue and action that lets the divinely diegetic OST do the talking. Quite appropriate for a music anime but the band and performances take a considerable backseat throughout this film. 1080https://formeinfullbloom.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/liz7.png https://www..com/watch?v=xGuvK1K086Qlist=PLn3vj8lJmLkBUKufJdzBs71CkWsgkkwPindex=6 After all the main focus of Liz and what its meticulously crafted first few minutes portray wonderfully is that Nozomi and Mizore take center stage. While they are practicing and working towards a performance duet together its what this song embodies that drives the rest of this film. Its abundantly clear right from the get go as demonstrated by the actual opening scene that the story their performance is based off of is an allegory for their own personal relationship. Even if you arent familiar with Hibike in the slightest the beginning of this movie takes so much care in organically developing and pacing the two leads that anyone is able to uptake this allegory with ease and see how it defines their dynamic. Even more amazing is the fact that through this choice of storytelling it is also made abundantly clear as to the direction that this movie will go and it is all the more special that KyoAni are able to maintain your undivided attention regardless. Naoko Yamada achieves this in many ways. The minimalist art style compared to Hibike lends itself to subtle details in the physical movement of the characters that advance the narrative far more than most other directors dare to rely on. The flaring of nostrils the saccadic eye movements the lowering of shoulders the forlorn cheekbones as a result of a halfhearted smile its all there if youre willing to seek it out. If youre looking for expositional storytelling through dialogue and plot development youre not going to find it here. The devil is in the details and none are more demonic than Kyoto Animation. 1080https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/sm/upload/cw/hq/7r/40/liz12001200675675crop000000.jpg?v=06ae8f4f41 https://www..com/watch?v=5zprnzA2h8list=PLn3vj8lJmLkBUKufJdzBs71CkWsgkkwPindex=10 What this movie achieves while keeping this section as spoilerfree as possible isnt a breathtaking musical performance or a triumph over hardship and adversity or even the strengthening of bonds. Because in fact its sort of the opposite. Liz embraces transience and embodies the fleeting nature of human relationships. While this movie is about letting go its not about loss or at least not in the traditional sense. Theres so much to be gained by journeying through life with others by your side but there comes a point where a path is best walked alone. Its strange were social creatures but we also have an inalienable sense of individuality that can define our lives at critical moments. Liz and by extension KyoAni take us on a journey through the turning point of Nozomi and Mizores lives. In so doing they challenge us to rise up to the occasion ourselves. To remember the lessons gained through deeply fulfilling friendships and connections but also to learn to let go when our heart wants to take its own path. 1080https://assets1.igns.com/2018/10/26/liz1540576795447.jpg https://www..com/watch?v=hvwrzIYZ34Ilist=PLn3vj8lJmLkBUKufJdzBs71CkWsgkkwPindex=30 All of this is to say that Liz is a significant departure from Hibike in many ways from its tonal atmosphere to its audiovisual flair and even its character development. Liz is its own standalone work one where the synchronicity of a band is irrelevant where the highstakes environment of performances are absent and where the stress and pressure of practice are only a red herring for what truly lies behind the curtain. Everyone has unfortunately dealt with the pain of loss and the regret of fleeting relationships. Thats just how life goes and this movie does incredibly well to flip the script on its head and not only accepts but embraces a parting farewell. Its heartbreakingly human and poignant yet infinitely fulfilling. To let go of something means you had it to begin with and at the same time to be saddened by that goodbye means that what you had is forever worth cherishing. Thank you for reading: