I saw this film for the first time two years ago, and my general opinion of it wasn't cemented until I watched it again. It really is a beautiful work; the animation quality is very enriched, and the narrative, both simple as a groundwork is able to create a sense of many layers under its surface. I have never seen the series in it's entirety, but the movie alone works well as a fantastic adventure, if not an often violent one, and the heart of the work; the maturing love between Hitomi and Van touched me the most. The last scene made me cry.
I will often value a movie great when it stands out on several levels, and in this case the strongest feeling I came away with was a sincere empathy for the characters. Really great movies will do that, and I think this is one.
I will often value a movie great when it stands out on several levels, and in this case the strongest feeling I came away with was a sincere empathy for the characters. Really great movies will do that, and I think this is one.