I Saw The given Movie So Now You Have To!

This week I celebrate Pride month the right way: watching the given movie in theaters!

For one night only given: The Double Album: Hiiragi Mix & To the Sea played in select theaters in the US. The screening contained not one, but TWO movies. Given The Movie: Hiiragi Mix was 1hr 10min, and given The Movie: To the Sea was 59 minutes.

I have seen the given anime about three or four times now, but it’s been a while.

I’m glad to share that I squealed and teared up just as much as I did watching the original series. All the characters pull you right back in, it’s hard not to have a favorite……or two….or five. I was not alone in my excitement. From the second the theater recited “Aniplex” I knew I was going to have a good time. Watching an anime movie in theatres is such a unique experience, and watching these films as a group contributed to my enjoyment. 

The first movie was given The Movie: Hiiragi MIx. It took me a solid 3 minutes to remember who these characters were at first, but my heart melted as soon as I did. While our beloved members of given are in the movie, it focuses mainly on the relationship between Shizusumi Yagi and Hiiragi Kashima. The two have been best friends since childhood and are both hiding their true feelings. The two are in a band named “syh” and have just gone pro! Shizusumi is willing to put his own desires aside because what he truly desires is a life with Hiiragi. Hiiragi is willing to do whatever it takes to finish a previous bandmate’s song. Their bond is tested when past trauma resurfaces. I won’t delve any further into that topic, because it is A LOT, so if you haven’t seen given yet please do! 

I was really intrigued by their dynamic.

One is willing to turn his back on everything to give the other the life they desire. While the other is seemingly chasing someone who is already gone. It’s clear that these two have something unique, and I loved every minute they were on screen, well kinda. 

While nothing directly explicit is shown. There is a spicier scene that I PERSONALLY wasn’t a fan of. It definitely took me out of the moment. I also think it would have been better to leave a bit more mystery. But again, this is just my personal opinion on the matter.

What I appreciate about this double feature is how there is a tie between both films.

While Shizusumi’s and Hiiragi’s friendship is being tested amidst confessions and painful realizations. Our boys of given are also going through issues of their own. They were offered the chance to go pro themselves. While great news, not everyone is eager to accept it. This plot point carries into given The Movie: To the Sea. 

As the band, namely Mafuyu, is struggling with this decision, Uenoyama learns more about his relationship with Yuki. (Again, I will not be explaining all the lore, please watch given). Mafuyu is still not healed, and Uenoyama is doing his best to give him a bit of peace. He does this through music, specifically while being a substitute guitarist for “syh.” Yuki’s former band. While Uenoyama’s intentions are pure, Mafyuu regains his internal conflict with music as a result of this odd circumstance. 

This internal conflict is heartbreaking to watch. He’s seeing repeating patterns and reverts back to his old demeanor. If I’m being honest, there were several times I just wanted to yell for Uenoyma to say something. But of course, for the plot, THAT would never happen. 

I enjoyed both films, though I don’t think I would run to theatres again.

Not that they weren’t worth the visit, but I felt I would enjoy it more on my couch surrounded by blankets and a nice drink. 

It dawned on me that this may be the last bit of given animated media that we’ll get in a while, if at all. So I did tear up at the end, but how could you not?

Honestly having these films be a double feature was a genius idea. If I’m being honest, I don’t know if I would have liked these as much if I had seen them separately. While both films were full of cameos and feet-kicking moments, I think I could have forgotten there was another film. Which sucks, because I loved both of them so much. 

I do wish the one-night-only wasn’t a Monday night, as this is more of a Thursday/Friday movie. (don’t ask what that even means)  But of course, that may not be easily controlled!

If you missed out on this experience, Hiiragi Mix is currently available on Crunchyroll. Unfortunately To the Sea is not currently available, but should be available for streaming later this month!