I spent most of last week catching up with the Quintuplets. The Quintessential Quintuplets has been on my list for quite sometime, and with a new movie on the horizon… Now seemed like the perfect opportunity to jump in. I instantly fell in love with the characters, and as the series approached its end, I realised how eager I was to find out who Futaro ended up with. The series established very real and intimate feelings between Futaro and each of the Quintuplets. Because of that, it became almost impossible to predict how this crazy story of love and growth would end… Well, now we know. The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie is in Cinemas right now in the U.K. and Ireland
Synopsis
When five lovely young girls who hate studying hire part-time tutor Futaro, he guides not only their education but also their hearts. Time spent has brought them all closer, with feelings growing within the girls and Futaro. As they finish their third year of high school and their last school festival approaches, they set their sights on what’s next. Is there a future with one of them and Futaro?
Review
Some anime films, particularly those based on already established shows, can sometimes have a strange format. The My Hero Academia movies and Fruits Basket: Prelude, for example, formatted themselves so that they can be watched and enjoyed by a wider audience. More often than not, these types of films will include recaps and flashbacks as a way to get audiences up to speed. They can even take place outside of the established canon and act as bonus stories that are unable to impact the core narrative of the show. But then you have examples like Demon Slayer: Mugen Train and The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie, where there’s a major sense of urgency since it’s the next chapter of the story. There’s no messing around, it gets straight to the point and into the action. The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie is a fantastic continuation that wastes no time and assumes that the audience are already primed and ready for this hilarious and heartfelt finale. Boy, does it deliver.
What this film does so well, especially for those who haven’t read the manga, is disguise the big reveal. At it’s core, this film is about who Futaro ends up with. That’s the big question, isn’t it? And this movie knows just how desperate we are for the answer. The film continuously teases us regarding the identity of Futaro’s bride. It doesn’t just focus on one or two of the sisters, which is what I felt each season did. Instead, it provides moments where it feels as though it could be any of them- Ichika, Nino, Miku, Yotsuba, or Itsuko. I had my own guesses based on which character I personally preferred, but this film does an outstanding job at allowing each sister their own unique opportunity. Honestly, if I was Futaro I would have struggled as well.
Very gradually, the puzzle pieces fall into place. Although, this particular puzzle clearly wasn’t easy to solve. Not only are there rather shocking revelations waiting around the corner for our beloved quintuplets, but we actually get to see the fallout of Futaro’s decision. We’ve spent a lot of time watching each sister slowly fall in love with Futaro, and we’ve seen how far some of them are prepared to go to not only prove their love, but also hinder their rivals- family, or not. Futaro’s choice would of course devastate the other sibilings, so while it works out okay in the end, it was great seeing how each quintuplet dealt with the end result. Love is a harsh battlefield and there will always be casualties, but since we’re dealing with quintuplets… That completely changed the dynamic.
What’s interesting about a film like this is that personal preference definitely comes into play. Could if effect your thoughts on the film? Well, it depends how strongly you feel for the quintuplets. Each quintuplet is wildly unique and it was so easy to become attached to them for different reasons. They’re all so lovable and fun, but they also had their own individual flaws. We witnessed each of them at their best, and at their worst. We went on a journey with them, and it just wasn’t possible to finish the series without having a favourite in mind. So on the sideline, it was easy to root for certain characters. But I never felt unsatisfied. Even though Futaro didn’t end up marrying the quintuplet I wanted him to marry, the decision felt completely natural.
The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie provides fans with an incredibly joyous and endearing story that perfectly balances the fun of a traditional cultural festival with the heartbreaking elements that weigh some of our characters down. With an intersecting story akin to Nolan’s Dunkirk, each character is given their time in the spotlight, and we’re able to see just how far they’ve all come. Not only do we finally find out who Futaro ends up with, but we also receive our own form of closure. Each quintuplet finally sets their heart on a goal and path that exists outside of Futaro, and certain relationships are mended. No stone is left unturned, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie is a perfect farewell to a beloved show about love, sisterhood, and growing up.
Obviously we can’t just gloss over the animation. After all, animation is what makes anime. Surprising no one, the animation in this film is absolutely fantastic. I loved the show’s visuals, particularly the character designs, but you can definitely see how a theatrical release can impact the animation quality. It looked a lot cleaner and felt more fluid, but it also came across bolder. Looking back, the series is fairly tame in its approach. Nothing too outlandish happens, and the boundaries are never pushed. This movie definitely felt more playful and it absolutely revelled in its vibrancy and clarity. The details pop, and the characters shine in a way we’ve never seen before.
While it’s great that The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie ended in, what I would call, the best way possible, it’s worth noting that the movie is fantastic in general. Endings can make or break a story, that much is clear, and sometimes we spend too much time focusing on the end that the rest of the film somewhat fades. The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie absolutely nailed each beat. It’s funny, charming, and downright adorable. The different bonds Futaro shares with the quintuplets is still the highlight of the series, and we see it in full force in the movie.
I’m certain that fans will walk out of The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie fully satisfied with a smile that extends from ear to ear. This journey has been an utter rollercoaster from the very start, but it has all been leading to this one decision, and I could not have asked for a better resolution
Verdict
The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie is an incredibly sweet and wholesome rollercoast that refuses to relent. There is so much to take in, but everything feels so genuine and sincere. This finale has been carefully crafted to provide a somewhat bittersweet farewell. While there are indeed moments of sadness, it’s impossible not to smile throughout the entirety of this film. It’s full of love, laughs, and moments that will get those tear ducts working overtime. As much as I love the ending, it was really tough seeing some of the girls go through that very real experience of rejection. The film handles it all wonderfully, and I definitely won’t be alone when I say that I’m going to miss The Quintessential Quintuplets dearly.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You can book your tickets now via the official website.
Since the manga was introduced, The Quintessential Quintuplets has soared in popularity with fans around the world eagerly following the adventures of five sisters all trying to catch the eye and hand of Futaro. The manga which launched in 2019 has sold over 16 million copies in 2022. In May, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie was released in Japan and grossed over $16.4 million at the Japanese box office. The film was also nominated in eight categories for the 2022 Newtype Anime Awards including Best Picture.
The first two seasons of The Quintessential Quintuplets are currently streaming on Crunchyroll.You can check out more anime news here.
