Sword Art Online is back with another dazzling film. Scherzo of Deep Night is the highly anticipated sequel to Sword Art Online The Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night (2021), now available to stream on Crunchyroll.com. The film follows protagonists Asuna and Kirito as they continues their journey through the virtual reality death game, where “Game Over” means death in the real world. Based on the light novel series written by Reki Kawahara, the two films essentially act as a retelling of the series’ Aincrad Arc from the first season of Sword Art Online. Fans of the show can catch Sword Art Online The Movie – Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night in cinemas from February 1st.
Synopsis
The world’s first VRMMORPG (Sword Art Online) became a game of death. Over a month has passed since 10,000 users were trapped inside the game world. Asuna, who cleared the first floor of the floating iron castle of Aincrad, joined up with Kirito and continued her journey to reach the top floor. With the support of female Information Broker Argo, clearing the floors seemed to be progressing smoothly, but…
Conflict erupts between two major guilds that should be working together – the top player groups ALS (the Aincrad Liberation Squad) and DKB (the Dragon Knights Brigade). And meanwhile, behind the scenes exists a mysterious figure pulling the strings….
In a dangerous battle of death, there is an assault that differs from the threat, and it will involve Asuna and Kirito.
Review
Since Ordinal Scale back in 2017, the animation for Sword Art Online has improved drastically. Not that it was bad in the first place, but the films have really take things to the next level. Scherzo of Deep Night continues that tradition by providing a visual spectacle full of vibrant energy, exciting fights, and unique foes. With the epic soundtrack blasting in the background, each fight scene feels special. The animation is utterly fluid and once again proves that Asuna and Kirito are a force of nature as a pair. When they get together and work together, magic happens and that’s where Sword Art Online tends to shine. Sword Art Online relies a lot on the relationship between Asuna and Kirito in regards to the story, as well as the action. This film presents us with two big opposing factions, but their skills are no match compared to the combined strength of Asuna and Kirito, not by a long shot. Similarly to the previous films, Scherzo of Deep Night uses their bond to elevate the visually awesome confrontations and battles.
One thing this film does better in comparison to both the show and films is mess around with this concept of video game bosses. While avoiding particular details about the boss hidden on the 5th floor, the way in which they utilise this boss is genius. It felt like a proper video game boss that had rules, weak points, and an interesting arena. A strategy was required, and the characters had to think outside of the box. When looking back at other enemies, like Illfang the Kobold Lord from the 1st floor, they can be somewhat simplistic. It can easily become a hack and slash type job. But with Scherzo of Deep Night, the enemies are incredibly unique and that’s something that Sword Art Online could definitely exploit. Beautifully animated fights are great, but something innovative and different is even better, and that’s what Scherzo of Deep Night achieved.
The relationship between Asuna and Kirito is at the heart of Sword Art Online, whether it’s the films or various shows and sequels (excluding Gun Gale Online). While the original Aincrad Arc is the definitive origin of that blossoming bond, this film does an excellent job of exploring Asuna and Kirito’s relationship in a brand new light. At this point, their relationship is still gradually developing into something more and they really do have fun with it. There are some really funny and endearing moments between the two, and even moments of vulnerability which are crucial for characters like Kirito and Asuna. They may be overpowered, but they’re still human. Scherzo of Deep Night picks some really good moments to remind us of Kirito’s status as a “beater”, and even Asuna’s own fears and insecurities outside of her dedication to Kirito. It helps develop these characters beyond what we already know, and it’s just that extra layer that we didn’t really see in the original anime all that much.
Of course, Sword Art Online isn’t just about Asuna and Kirito. Other characters join the fray such as Mito, who is still feeling guilty about Asuna’s fate. Argo, one of SAO’s information brokers, also has a much larger role in the film, and Agil who needs no introduction. There are also a host of new characters from the rival factions, and it was great to see the more brutal side of SAO. It’s easy to forget that death is literal in this VRMMORPG, and Scherzo of Deep Night focuses ever so slightly on how people are adapting to their current situation. It’s almost as though this is still a game to certain people, whereas to others it’s purely about survival. It creates an interesting dynamic between characters, and that’s something that Sword Art Online has always done really well. You always get different types of players in games, but when death means death, whole new breeds of gamers are born and Sword Art Online loves presenting us with the very best players and the utter worst.
However, something didn’t feel quite right with Scherzo of Deep Night. There was definitely a lot to love in terms of the animation, the exploration, and the time we spend with Kirito and Asuna, but the film felt like one big OVA rather than the next chapter in this life or death narrative. It would be harsh to say that nothing happened, but the stakes felt very low and inconsequential. That seems to be the problem with this kind of soft reboot. The brand new and explorative elements may bring Sword Art Online a new lease of life, but there’s never any imminent danger. The boss may have been very cool and intimidating, however, its fate had already been predetermined. That’s where this film falters. You don’t really walk away wondering what’s next.
Verdict
Filled with that intense action that’ll have you gawking at the screen, this film delivers an epic and wonderfully animated spectacle that’ll shine on the big screen. The whole world feels much bigger this time, and exploring it with Kirito and Asuna makes it all feel worthwhile. Unfortunately, the film is dragged down by this lack of urgency and danger which makes it feel predictable. There’s no real threat because we know what our characters are capable of and wait awaits them as they climb. Regardless, Sword Art Online The Movie – Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night is still a very good addition to the vast Sword Art Online franchise.
⭐⭐⭐.5
You can find out more from the official SAO website. Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night will arrive in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on Wednesday, February 1st. The film will be available in both Japanese with English subtitles as well as dubbed in English.
For more anime news, click here.
