Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: The Rebellion Story (2013) User Reviews

A descent into madness and an exceptional continuation

[MarkyMarkus · 9/10 · 8 April 2014]

I first watched this film in theaters and after receiving the bluray yesterday and after watching it a second time, I feel like I can say that this is an exceptional film. Same with before, the music is excellent and the animation is dazzling. It's avant-garde style make it really look unique, almost like an a bad LSD trip. The production values are high to say the least.

What I really like about this movie is how the main focus is on the most interesting of the magical girls in the series, Akemi Homura. I can't go into any real detail about the story other than this. It starts out in a world that is too good to be true. Then Homura starts getting suspicious of it. This movie really explores her character and never feels forced. Given her past actions and her mental state, everything she does feels organic and like a natural continuation of the series. Granted, some say the series didn't need a continuation, and in some respects they are right, but it doesn't take away from this at all.

It may not be the story you want, but at the very least, it makes perfect sense and is a great exploration into the tragic character that is Homura. It also opens the door to more entries in this series and as long as the quality stays consistent, that's not bad at all in my book.

Excellent Continuation of the Series

[Ore-Sama · 8/10 · 7 March 2014]

I love "Magic Madoka", and was curious about this movie that follows up the movies, so by extension, the series (for those who don't know, the first two movies are a slightly condensed version of the 12 episode series) If you don't know anything about Madoka, you should stop reading here, unless spoilers don't bother you.

The movie is slightly confusing at first, and I can't describe the plot too well without giving away spoilers. I can say this much: Homura wakes up in a world where all her friends are back and they're all happily fighting monsters together. Homura grows suspicious. About as much as I can say.

Honestly, of all the ways to continue this franchise, this seems like one of the best options. It really takes Homura's character in a fascinating direction. It doesn't feel like a cash in, cause a cash in would've just had a mindless action movie with an excuse plot, and not the furthering development of Homura. There are scenes here more shocking than anything even in the series. It's not the stereotypical direction.

Of course some people aren't going to like this. Some for legitimate reasons, cause the ending of the series was perfect. Though that doesn't make this movie bad by any stretch. It's a great character piece for Homura, and given the ending, I would certainly look forward to another follow up.

A worthy yet controversial sequel

[glumski · 8/10 · 28 January 2022]

The original series and the movie duology that retold it ended with a finale that was heart-rendingly bittersweet yet incredibly positive, but also had a slight note of dissatisfaction. Rebellion seeks to rectify that and just... doesn't?

From a technical standpoint, the movie is fabulous. The soundtrack is lovely, and the visuals are gorgeous. What surprised me even more was the imagery: Where I found the abstract depiction of the Witches odd and jarring in the series (and to a lesser extent also in the duology), I found it absolutely beautiful in Rebellion.

But as fantastic as it looked, it could not hide some problems with the pacing I feel this movie has. A runtime of almost two hours certainly isn't short, so I wonder if it was truly necessary to spend five minutes on a fairly silly 'magical transformation' sequence that is meant to be partially satirical. Similarly, there were two quite long fight scenes that just dragged on where nothing really mattered. IMHO the pacing is one if this movie's biggest flaws; I was never quite bored but I certainly came close occasionally.

The biggest flaw, however, is the plot, or rather its conclusion. I love the premise, I love how it is revealed, I love how it is concluded. I don't love what happens after the conclusion of the premise. Similarly, I love how all our favourite characters are there, and I love how the writers managed to unify their tragic fates with the positive premise (particularly Sayaka). I don't love what they did to Homura at the end.

All in all I find the final choice the maker's did to be a questionable one. They did not want to conclude their movie trilogy with a clichéd, super sappy, overly perfect ending. Turning clichés around is one of the most beloved and major themes of Madoka Magica, so I suppose it fits the modus operandi. But the series and duology are also so beloved because their final message is so utterly positive, and the one of Rebellion just isn't. I don't really see why.

It's a bit similar to the duology, where Beginnings ended with horrible revelations and Eternal tried to fix anything, only that there is no fourth movie to fix Rebellion's ending. Which is so weird because the movie had its perfect ending, and then threw it away for another dramatic twist that just didn't get fixed in the end.

From a theatrical standpoint, I guess this is excellent. From a personal standpoint I find this fairly unsatisfying. Still an amazing movie, though. You just might want to replace the last ten minutes with 'And then they lived happily ever after' in your head.

Homura has always been the protagonist!

[mcrpghk · 10/10 · 17 May 2021]

While its predecessor had as main point the subversion of a genre, this subverts what had already been established by the anime. Focused on the character Homura, this film studies the psychological and personality of the character through symbolism and subliminal messages, while giving us a tragic continuation of the previous story that, although melancholic, reached a minimally happy ending.

The anime that had worked out mixed feelings in the midst of a chaotic situation is no different from this one, which decided to focus entirely on negative but natural feelings of most people, what is evident with this is what had already been shown in the background in the series, that Homura is the main character of Madoka Magica, everything that happened previously was only because of her actions, that is, Madoka was only capable of her achievements in the previous one because of this.

The film majestically works on selfishness and desire, that even in a world that was balanced and healthy there are still those who do not accept it, who can still suffer even with the guarantee of a "happy ending".

In addition to expanding the fantasy universe, he also masterfully studies the philosophy between good and bad, which when they are unbalanced are nothing more than pure chaos, Homura who until then had not noticed this "flaw" in Madoka's plan at the end of the anime , decides to take the lead, until he realizes that regardless of the fear of becoming a witch, he disappeared, that would not necessarily cease the negative feelings and apprehension that we feel daily, causing the character to take drastic measures in the face of the situation.

Rebellion is responsible for creating one of the greatest antagonists of anime, not because of its psychopathy and supposed malice, but because it is something so close to us and our actions that it makes us reflect; "What if I was in this situation? It would probably do worse! ".

Sequel for an anime that absolutely didn't need a sequel. Yet it was breathtaking!

[nazwa-ekranowa · 10/10 · 12 April 2015]

"Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion" is a movie sequel for popular "Madoka Magica" anime series. It is preceded by two movies which retell the events of the anime. "Rebellion" is a first proper sequel with new story.

All sequels following a successful work of art are automatically suspicious of being blatant attempt on cashing in on the previous achievements. The creators may run out of ideas, get lazy or just lose interest in continuing story at original level of creativity. This is absolutely not the case with "Madoka Magica 3". I'm still surprised how good this sequel actually was.

Everything what TV anime series was praised for is present in the sequel. Soundtrack is equally good and animation style is even better - while equally imaginative it's even more psychedelic, more detailed and more stunning. The storytelling is as brilliant as it was in original series. It gradually reveals the new mysteries of the (now slightly different) world and is meant to surprise the viewers and to shatter their expectations. And yes it does shatter them! At least one of major plot twists (there are many) is of the category "Absolutely didn't see that coming!". And yet it isn't some random event pulled out of thin air - immediately after re-watching one will definitely see why it made perfect sense.

This particular plot twist is a reason why not everyone liked the movie, there were even accusations of "ruining the franchise". I can't delve into details why I find these accusations unfounded. If you like the original series you must watch the sequel to see for yourself.

Fantastic

[bekind-03018 · 10/10 · 30 October 2018]

My Favorite Thing In The World So Excellent And Breathtaking

The amazing series that precedes this film makes you think it's all over

[TheGreatGreenBadger · 10/10 · 28 December 2021]

Well, it isn't. We return to the Madokaverse to find a world that's not quite the same as we left it, making us ask ourselves, is this the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? The beauty of the Madokaverse keeps growing, and I can't wait for the future of this Puella Magi Madoka Magica!

Would've been the perfect wrap-up of the series...

[CinderFall · 6/10 · 6 January 2017]

...if it hadn't been for the last 5-10 minutes of the film. I understand that there can't be a God without a Devil, but the way they ended the film was really stupid.

The buildup to the final fight scene could not be more beautiful! The art, the characters, and the story were wonderfully made; but the ending killed the entire movie.

One thing that I liked was how they told the story through Homura's perspective rather than Madoka's as they start a familiar story. From the beginning, instead of having the stoic Homura, we have the shyer and kinder one that slowly becomes the herself of the series. The symbolism of the movie is very vast and insanely deep, but the ending had something to be desired for.

To call it a cop-out would be too insulting, but they went a very ridiculous route by making Homura become the Devil after she escapes her soul gem. Believe me, I was not expecting that, but the route they ended up with seemed too condescending for me.

Good story, ending sucks. 6/10 BECAUSE of the ending.

Get ready to watch it twice.

[bmcafee_98-257-960319 · 9/10 · 13 January 2016]

This is the direct sequel to the TV series, or the two recap movies. It picks up shortly after Madoka's transformation into her ultimate form, where she changed the fate of all magical girls, became "The Law of Cycles," and disappeared from the world, forgotten by everyone but Homura. So why is she in this movie? Why is Sayaka present? Why does Kyoko go to school with the rest of the girls? Why can't Kyubey talk? And where are the wraiths that I expected the girls to be fighting?

The movie expects you to pick up on all these things which aren't quite right. It starts off basically re-playing the events of the first episode of the series, but with lots of differences, which quickly add up to "everybody is way too happy!" Homura eventually realizes this, and starts searching for answers. She's fairly certain everyone is supposed to be miserable, and she's going to fix things. Sayaka even blatantly confronts her about the inevitable outcome of her quest to set the world right, but Homura just won't listen.

Let's break it down:

Animation: 9.5 You can really tell the budget for this show was much higher than the series. Everything is so detailed, crisp, and beautiful. The series used the witch labyrinths to showcase some outstanding and heavily symbolic imagery courtesy of Gekidan Inu Curry. We get more of that here, and perhaps a bit too much. Akiyuki Shinbo has gone completely ballistic with the symbolism and imagery, to the point of sensory overload. This overdose of imagery is really the only negative I can find with the art of this movie. It's definitely an eye-popping extravaganza.

Where the original series story was told with 80% actions/dialogue and 20% visual symbolism and metaphor, you get a complete reversal here. Rebellion's story is told, perhaps as much as 80% in visual symbolism and metaphor, and only 20% through character dialogue and action. Get ready to watch this again, 'cause there ain't no way you are going to take all this in on just one viewing.

Sound: 9.5 Yuki Kajiura has knocked it out of the park once again. This soundtrack is very original and memorable. Clara Dolls, Mada Dameyo, Flame of Despair, etc. Some songs here will definitely get stuck in your head, and you won't mind it at all! Still, I can't give it a 10 since I do like the music from the original series better. Still, this soundtrack is pure magic.

The English dub is quite good. Cabanos did a great job as Madoka, and the entire cast did a fantastic job. Of note was Christina Vee, reprising her role as Homura. Her performance in the series was outstanding, and this is more of the same high quality work. The translation was extremely faithful, with a few exceptions, all of which I felt were improvements (let me explain before you take up arms). Subtle changes were made during the pivotal scene where Homura and Madoka are in a field of flowers, talking around the issue of Madoka's decision to become the Law of Cycles. Many fans completely missed the fact that this conversation fully justified (in her mind) Homura's actions at the end of the movie, and the dub does a much better job of conveying that idea. Also, Kyubey is used exclusively as an exposition fountain near the end of the movie, explaining to the audience what has been going on behind the scenes. This explanation seemed to flow nicely and was easier to follow. The glaring exception to all this is the Cake Song. I wish they hadn't had to translate it. The English dub of the cake song just isn't the same.

Story: 9.0 Its very hard not to compare this to the original series… Perhaps impossible. Still, while it may be fair to compare the music or the animation to the original, Rebellion lacks the running time to compete in the story area, but wow, what they did in the two hours they were given is still outstanding. To paraphrase another reviewer (http://kotaku.com/the-new-modoka-magica-movie-is- the-sequel-you-never-kne-1453844468#), it's fantastic that watching five girls having fun and eating cake can inspire a feeling that 'something is horribly wrong!' It's also a fun ride following Homura as she realizes the world is not as it should be and searches for the reason why. And the ending! You will either hate it or love it. I haven't found anyone yet who wasn't totally polarized by the ending. I'm firmly in the "Homura did nothing wrong!" camp. After all, when the series ended, she was the only magical girl whose wish had not been granted, and after everything she went through, she earned that ending. Bought and paid for. And before you say that her actions overrode, or disrespected Madoka's wish, remember that Madoka's wish overrode Homura's. Turnabout is fair play. When you sell your soul for something, and you don't get it, it's time to go to extremes.

Characters: 7.0 This is Homura's movie, and she is the main character, and the focus of any and all development. It works well if, like me, Homura is your favorite character, but if you are looking to see more of any other character, you may be a little disappointed. Still, Homura's journey from meek to powerful, from stable to demented is a ride worth the ticket price.

Overall: 8.7 Not as epic as the original series, but how could it have been? When a show has such a solid ending as Madoka Magica, adding new content is usually a recipe for disaster. Everyone hopes that the unnecessary sequel will be more than just a bid to make more money off a successful name. This new chapter of the Madoka Magica story is definitely not resting on its laurels.

Magic Homura!

[Fernando-Rodrigues · 7/10 · 5 August 2021]

This movie sequel is a visual spectacle, and it also adds inventive takes on Madoka's story, tho I was already satisfied with the closed ending of the anime TV series.

Amazing film and a gut-wrenching end to the story

[lightningbarer · 10/10 · 12 January 2020]

Where I've had points to argue in the previous 2 entries, in this film, I have zero problems with anything. I can easily suggest that the "adaption" is over with now and we're into original content territory now, with the problems of the series no longer hanging over the films head, we can completely focus on this as the movie plot and get the character development we need.

Everything is done masterfully in this, from the animation and character development to the addition of previously unknown people in the story that act as easter eggs for fans of the series and the story behind it, while not detracting from the overall plot.

Everything in this movie is done to perfection with glorious animation and set pieces, to one of the best character writing points I've ever seen in fiction. The character development works so well in this, so much that I think it has effected the industry to a degree with some series and their attempts at a shocking revelation. Its to be expected though, as there will always be people who see a trope and think its good to copy, but sometimes not putting in the work necessary to make it good for them.

But in this movie, it does everything as well as I'd want.

Large Disappointment

[mll23 · 5/10 · 17 May 2015]

Madoka Magica was, and still is, one of my favorite Anime series. The show had amazing animation, great soundtracks, action, emotion, and a great amount of character development.

Knowing the first two movies were a review of the show, I was intrigued to see what the third movie would have to offer, given the ending from the original series/duo-logy was one of the most powerful of any show I had ever seen.

This movie in my opinion was a huge letdown. The beginning had many aspects I enjoyed from the original series, but as the movie progressed I could sense it struggling to keep the balance of its characters, and flowing as the first two movies did. The movie seemed choppy and I struggled to connect in the same way as I did with the original series.

If you are content with giving up on the touching experience from the first two movies, feel free to ride a less emotional, confusing, and character altering experience. This movie lacked many of the qualities that kept me watching the original series, and overall left a sour taste in my mouth. Besides a scene here and there, I contemplated turning it of numerous times.

As a huge fan, the artwork is still wonderful, the music is great, and the action scenes are thrilling. however, if the emotional ride, the characters, and the story are what compelled you to watch Madoka Magica, I highly recommend you stick to the series, as you will be disappointed with this movie.

This post-finale sequel really surprised me. MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD! I mean it.

[adampkalb · 10/10 · 13 June 2019]

It's like Ash vs. Evil Dead in reverse. What was meant to be a 4th Evil Dead movie had too much material and became the first season of a new Starz series, and what was meant to be a 2nd season of Madoka Magica became a new movie that wasn't old episodes taped together. It took 12 episodes for Madoka to become a magical girl, but just 4 episodes for her friend Sayaka to change. In the last episode of the main Madoka series, Madoka wished for all witches to disappear from time so that magical girls could not become them. I think that is actually the reason why Mami and Kyoko are back from the dead. Madoka wishing all witches out of existence means they never got killed trying to fight the Waluigi-I mean, Walipurgsnacht. However, I am not sure why Sayaka and Madoka are also here, since Sayaka retired to the same "higher plane of existence" as Madoka so she could keep her wish of Kyosuke's hands functioning, so they are both in the same boat of...mysterious canon discontinuity!. This story is just genius. Homura is the only one who remembers Madoka's and Sayaka's existence, which means she is the only one from the timeline where there once were witches...which makes her the last witch in this new timeline!

For the first 30 minutes, it feels like the universe has...rebooted because it retreads the first 6 minutes of Episode 1 after the cold open (except for replacing Hitomi with Kyoko, giving all of the girls magical girl rings and Kyubey being Madoka's new pet), and Homura has reverted back to her original shy self from Episode 10. We get to see all 5 main magical girls together for the first time (Kyoko in the series is introduced the episode after Mami's death) and together they fight Hitomi's nightmare. Then Homura starts to suspect something is up, and the movie veers into really interesting complex territory after the first 30 minutes. God-Madoka is still here because even though no one knows her, she is still everywhere, and Homura is happy to see her again, until she realizes she is in a fake identical world she created because she wants Madoka to be with her. After Homura is under despair and turns into a witch, the other magical girls save her and when Madoka comes back for Homura, Homura creates a brand new universe where she is the Devil and Madoka is God, but they live among normal humans and Madoka is now the new exchange student instead of Homura. Homura is glad to have Madoka exist out of her mind again, and to have Madoka love the world she lives in and not willing to break the rules. This was a fantastic ending to a short-lived 1-season series, and I can't wait to see how they'll top it or topple it in Magia Record, the Madoka Magica Side Story, which is a midquel to Episode 10. It's a double or nothing deal at this point. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that the Bebe creature has her own white-haired human magical girl form now.

Signficantly weaker than the original

[jose-cruz53 · 8/10 · 31 December 2013]

The first two PMMM movies are, at the time I was writing this review, the most powerful emotional experience I ever had while looking at a screen. The third one is much weaker than the masterpiece that the original duology is (which is made up of the TV series edited with a few cosmetic improvements and a few scenes cut there and here). This sequel was only made as a cash grab to capture the money of the fans of the original duology/TV series, nothing less and nothing more. Still, given it's a cash grab sequel it is actually excellent if compared to other ones, Urobuchi is a very talented writer, able to come up with very creative and unexpected plot developments that one would never get in a conventional Hollywood movie.

My favorite movie of all time

[natchapongnantajit · 10/10 · 1 March 2021]

A sequel to the TV Mini-Series aired in 2011.If I want to talk about the movie,I think I should talk the prequel first, which is what builds up this amazing piece of art that is my most favorite movie I've ever watched. It's a show following 5 main characters in a theme of magical girl protecting the world from a dangerous threat. At first glance, this looks like a typical good guy vs bad guy anime that you would find very commonly in the old days. However, as the most common idioms goes "don't judge a book by its cover" , this is exactly what this movies is about. The show pretends to be cheery, bright and full of magical stuff you would easily get bored with for the first few episode, then, it tears down all of your expectation. All of that sweet colorful storyline is just a cover for what really is inside this movie. A psychological-horror style genre that follows a tragic story of hopelessness of a character. Now, about the sequel, I really love that they stay true to the prequel. It starts off with a bright cheery music and theme and then later on reveal the real tragic truth just like in the first one. The music, is still amazing as always. It gives off a magical style vibe that you would certainly recognize. Following the same style of first one. Some feels sad. Some are really epic and intense. The action scene, though quite short, was done amazingly. The fast paced and intense battle utilizing each character uniqueness really brought an unexpected most satisfying scene into the movie. The storyline is what shocked me and what made me love this movie so much. Just when you thought that when everything was over. The good guy win. Everything could end beautifully, but then that wouldn't really fit the nature of this movie. A huge twist that no one expected came out of nowhere. Thus, created the biggest cliffhanger I've ever witnessed. In conclusion, I just love every part of this movies. It's a very unique movie in its own genre. The storyline that includes more realistic view of this genre and features both depressing and hopeful emotion to the viewer is what got me hooked to it. It's one of the best movie I've ever watch and would recommend to others as well.

The definition of pointlessness

[lepermessiahtr · 3/10 · 30 August 2022]

This movie adds nothing, but takes away a lot. The animation is gorgeous (I mean it's computer animation, so what, but still very creative), except for some jarring "IN THREE DEE" scenes. The characters that were weak and/or stupid in the original are the same here (you know the ones). I really don't know where the original character (Mami's pet) comes from, maybe from a manga or spin-off? Also quite jarring. The first half was promising (I originally believed it was the original timeline, namely the one that leads to Walpurgis night), but somehow it turned out to be a sequel to the series after all (that didn't entirely make sense but it was still OK), but the second half was progressively pointless and fanfictiony. Main problem is that like I said, this doesn't actually add anything at all to the series which already had a satisfying end. This was like adding a sequel to Evangelion episodes 25 and 26, instead of episodes 1 to 24.

PS: The music got a little too French for me at the end. Somewhat annoying.

PPS: Kyubey never was a villain. Kyubey is super sane. The original handled that quite well, this movie however, didn't, which is its ultimate downfall.

Angry

[dariusgoodq7 · 1/10 · 24 February 2014]

This movie ruins the series and should have never been made, the ending is a cop-out and was a big mistake. The series was fine without it. The purpose of this dreaded film is to screw over the fans who liked the way the series ended. as far as anyone should be concerned the movie doesn't exist. This is one of those rare films that butchers the franchise that it was meant for. This is a bad movie and was a very bad choice. The ending is the worse aspect of the film, like said before "cop-out" The main character becomes a bad guy just to take out the other villain. You can't have a character do that. and even worse she is still a bad guy nothing happens to her. In a film a villain can't defeat another villain and the ending can't be happy. It was a bad ending to an even worse film. There that is what needed to be said.