Liz and the Blue Bird - KyoAni's Musical Masterpiece

From Director Naoko Yamada comes a beautiful, delicate love story set in the world of Hibike Euphonium. Let's see how it stacks up.
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In the depths of his Mother's Basement, Geoff Thew creates videos analyzing the storytelling techniques of anime and video games. He has been named the number one Worst KZbin Anime Reviewer by The Top Tens.

[@nataliakoodziej2582]

Tbh no other anime movie - or show, for that matter- can even touch Liz and The Blue Bird in how real character animation feels. No. Other. The moment when Mizore was about to rest her head on Nozomi's arm left me in tears, jesus christ, it was beautiful. All the close-ups on girls feet when they walked, Mizore's measured steps and Nozomi's cheerful skipping and how it evolved during the run of the movie. All the hidden glances, the body language that conveyed more than words. And this MUSIC! The solo scene is a masterpiece that grabbed my heart and squeezed it until I was choking. This movie is a gem. Soft, underrated, gleaming gem.

[@lelysea935]

what about Violet Evergarden?

[@MrOnetedify]

@@lelysea935 i cant wait for season 2 :D

[@ricardoherrera5494]

A silent voice

[@Its_shiki_time4876]

@@lelysea935 its amazing in a different way although similar

[@inatus_s]

@@ricardoherrera5494 imo I think liz and the blue bird might be better

[@myeternalsin]

Kyoani has always been amazing with the small character movements, I am beyond excited for this film

[@joyboy_3165]

Is it me or KyoAni really is the best studio right now??

[@2slowpoke929]

Psh Pierrot is best studio. No other studio can adapt 10 chapters in 12 episodes as well as Pierrot

[@martinherrera7991]

@@2slowpoke929 No other studio would dare pull such a stunt like adapt 100 chapters in 12 episodes as in Tokyo Ghoul :re

[@PositiviteaTheFirst]

@@martinherrera7991 And no other studio has failed as hard as them trying to do it XD

[@alejandrapedroza14]

Reading this after the tragedy it's really sad

[@candypietravels]

was 😭

[@FantasticallyFred]

If it weren't for videos like these, I'd completely miss the single showing it's playing in the theater near me.

[@ZephyrusBlue]

Fred O'Hara for real, I would’ve missed Maquia if it weren’t for his video about it and then later community post about it. It was cool to be able to take my mom (someone entirely not into anime at all) to a movie like that and have her really enjoy it.

[@FantasticallyFred]

@@ZephyrusBlue nice. I missed that one because the one showing didn't work out for me.

[@ZephyrusBlue]

Fred O'Hara damn, sorry to hear that :( the Blu-ray is currently scheduled to release in February and then the special edition in March

[@MrMetalforever5]

It’s these kind of videos that make me feel like garbage for not having a car good enough or enough gas money to drive the three hours to Fargo to see it. I genuinely wish I could support these movies outside the blu-ray releases, but I just can’t without damaging my wallet and car without repair.

[@ElevenArts]

​@@legitpancake4276 Just an FYI we are releasing Maquia on bluray in standard and deluxe edition :)

[@cocoacoconuts24]

I just watched this movie and I'm still crying. Most movies tend to have one emotional gut punch near the climax. This movie had several sprinkled throughout. A surprising scene that got me was the one where Nozomi playfully shines the light from her flute on Mizore's chest and Mizore just savors it. I know exactly how it feels when the tiniest, most insignificant gesture from the person you love means the whole world to you.

[@gideoncheung8731]

The greatest thing about this film is how it's conveyed even though our main protagonist is the almost always silent Mizore.

[@BSzili]

This is why Kensuke Ushio was a great choice as the composer for the high school segments. His minimalist music supports the visual storytelling, and has you almost holding your breath watching the fragile friendship of the two protagonists.

[@leozendo3500]

I accidentally watched Liz and the blue bird before the entire series. And that has made Hibike! Euphonium 2 so much more breathtaking. I would say Kyoto doesn't quite make the most emotional and philosophical films but its incredible to see things made without the expectation for the general public's understanding.

[@ahuhu]

it's subtly suggestive (and brilliant in hindsight) that liz and the blue bird have the same voice actor

[@matipopa9588]

The thin lines of the artstyle change the feel of this movie much more than I would have expected.

[@thecoochiecrusader2185]

This movie is truly, truly a masterpiece. From the very subtle animation techniques to the gorgeously fitting music composition, I believe it far surpasses any of the other big hitting movies like Your Name or even A Silent Voice. I’m ashamed I had not watched it sooner. Thank you for making this video.

[@GMM5Art]

Whats this? A non-controversial Mother's Basement video?

[@MagnificentCreature]

!!

[@cubeofmeat4982]

NANI!.!.

[@SirSquiggleton]

I wouldn't say that. I saw it in a theater and the audience came pretty close to booing once it was over. It's an arthouse/indie movie that happens to be anime and is aggressively uneventful. I understand the appeal of that but I personally found the characters and their relationships to be shallow, the pace to be grueling, and the revelations to be obvious including a scene near the end where instead of a character realizing something and conveying her knowledge through visual expression just flat out says what each character represents effectively saying "I was the blue bird all along!"

[@Jokubasinc]

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one

[@brandonclemson3301]

i would not say that as i said is he saying k-on and the rest of sound euphonium are not musical masterpieces?...

[@christianweber7372]

Yes, this Movie is an Masterpiece. I didn't watch Hibike Euphonium et, but now i have to do it

[@isaidwithaposedlook4500]

Being able to conceptualize and present the complex shifts in a character's state of mind is no easier than conceiving the logical setup of a plot, especially when it comes to presenting literal beauty to impress the audience. But most of works that use emotion to drive the story are overlooked by the audience, and it's often not a matter of taste but of aesthetics. Of course, this doesn't mean that the viewers of these will be more sophisticated, but it does open the eyes of those who try to position themselves differently.

[@christianweber7372]

A Silent Voice and Liz and the blue bird from Naoko Yamada are truely masterpieces!

[@gembocobo9484]

I hope the lady who directed this stays healthy enough to keep at it. We need more competent folks like her. Just glad that she seems to be doing quite alright.

[@aggelossourelis1040]

I felt a bittersweet void inside me after watching Kimi no Na wa. I felt heartbroken after watching Koe no Katachi. Anime movies have made me feel things that almost no real ones have,and I will gladly go ahead and watch this one too. Thanks for letting us all know Geoff!

[@ZephyrusBlue]

Aggelos Sourelis oi, you MUST see Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms then

[@aggelossourelis1040]

I know, and I really want to! I saw the video Geoff a few months back, and it seems a phenomenal piece of writing as well!

[@ZephyrusBlue]

Aggelos Sourelis it was really good; it caught my mom off guard pretty bad. She’s not into anime so it was cool to be able to take her to something that had a hell of an impact on her 👍

[@aggelossourelis1040]

Oh sure, you know an anime movie is fire when it hits hard non-anime fans

[@ZephyrusBlue]

Aggelos Sourelis absolutely 😤 🔥 lol

[@crisgeraldperez7]

Naoko Yamada..............isn't she the director of K-On, A Silent Voice and Tamako Market?

[@hotohori69]

correct!

[@daddymememaster5432]

Being european is becoming more and more of an inconvenience it seems. :(

[@icedragon4008]

Very true. At least the second Heavens Feel movie gets shown like 20 days after the japanese release here in germany but only once in like 11 cinemas in the whole country...

[@hannyboop]

Yup. We can never watch any shows can we?

[@waves_under_stars]

You think? try being asian.

[@KaimArgonarEyyyy]

Yohohoho, yohohoho

[@banan9247]

@@waves_under_stars whats so hard about that?

[@JGJonny]

*KyoAni is very good IMO*

[@Exel3nce]

but thats a common opinion and maybe the only one^^

[@vanilla_milkshake]

I can't think of a better animation studio. And that's including Ghibli.

[@quicksilvermarvel6392]

@@vanilla_milkshake Production I.G, Ufotable, Madhouse, CoMix Wave Films or Studio Bones ?

[@vanilla_milkshake]

@@quicksilvermarvel6392 all good. But none come close to the consistent and frequent quality of KyoAni.

[@holyfresh9404]

The best IMO

[@Mr168233]

I missed this movie when I was at anime expo, and I regretted it because my friend saw it and loved it.

[@tyronehasanopiniondealwith3703]

Stop sleeping on Kyoani! The best studio out here.

[@user-hn5bi3nw9y]

you spelled Trigger wrong

[@madridistas2217]

@@user-hn5bi3nw9y he spelt and wrote everything right . Kyoani is the best studio out there.

[@KINGGEORGEIO]

Madridistas 22 BONES*

[@biazacha]

Animation, characters, backgrounds, soundtrack.. KyoAni never half-ass a single aspect of their productions and that's why doesn't matter what they're releasing their stuff is automatically on my "will give it a try" when every season is about to start.

[@KoiPuff]

@@biazacha They have the highest quality shows for TV, bar none. They take their time, treat the animators with kindness and respect, and never take on too much. 1 or 2 shows or movies a year. That's it. More studios should take note.

[@JamoboBorg]

Apparently neck-growth is a part of puberty in Japan

[@theberrby6836]

Lol

[@BringerOfD]

Based on observations from anime, yeah, tiny body and HEAD, definitely no neck as kids. then when they hit puberty the neck develops at a rate significantly faster than the head and body. Head and body grow into scale with the neck once they hit their mid to late 20s.

[@isaidwithaposedlook4500]

lol, the art style just wanted to highlight how slim and vulnerable the girls

[@ThatCrazyBookWyrm]

1. Thank God for this video or I would have missed the screening playing nearish to me in like two days! 2. As a flute player I FINALLY have an instrument cosplay I can do and I'm so damn happy T^T

[@tsuki1381]

It is a certified MASTERPIECE, that 3rd moment is just... GODDAMN PERFECT. Though if you watch the Hibike series first, there are some tiny details that are easy to understand once you watch Liz no Aoi Tori.

[@SecretIdentityStudio]

Did you start labelling all the shows and movies used so people would stop asking, "What anime is this?"

[@stelixhyx808]

SecretIdentityStudio isnt that a good thing?

[@RomaricS]

Just watched it, i fricking love the ost where you hear slight bgm and walk sound. Absoluty nothing else and yet you can tell what's hapening in the character mind.

[@BrentonBold]

I hope more animes set their stories in highschool.

[@ryantheanimator1156]

Uh, about 80% of anime are set in high school, lol.

[@th0rrrrr]

@@ryantheanimator1156 woooooosh

[@Odinsday]

I hope we get more isekai animes.

[@quicksilvermarvel6392]

I hope more hentai anime will be made, with more episodes per title.

[@tyronehasanopiniondealwith3703]

I hope we get more tournament ark anime.

[@sarafina2715]

THE CLOSEST SCREENING TO ME IS 4+ HOURS AWAY AND I AM LITERALLY CRYING

[@chazjohannsen]

As a recovering high school Band Geek, I loved Sound! Euphonium. Thanks for making this review to remind me this movie exists. I would’ve missed it otherwise. Please continue to make more of these as anime films come out.

[@hitachicordoba]

Saw the US premier at Anime Expo LA. Standing ovation by all in the Main Hall. I really miss cons.

[@jeremy24tyler74]

I got legitimately hyped listening to the final performance. I binged all of sound euphonium before watching this and in that show i could hardly ever tell what was good or bad. But I KNEW this performance was fire. Felt that shit in my soul

[@jadehendrix]

I'm excited to see tomorrow night in San Diego. Coincidentally finished the series last week! glad you made this review

[@user-hb3mt3fu5o]

Every moment in this movie is meaningful. Every shot, every music construct this great story. This anime film that did the things that normal can't do make me fall in love with anime again.

[@enderfal]

Thank you for this. Seeing this movie was time not wasted.

[@angelb33ts]

Hibeki Euphonium is such a beautiful realism piece, no major drama but it's all incredibly relatable, and the animation is breath taking. Kinda sad it's yuri bait but it's still one of my favorite yuri and I refuse to change

[@snow3910]

I was literally just thinking about this movie. Going to watch it this weekend. :3

[@ExtraLargeJuiceBox]

Hibike Euphonium 2 is definitely tops all of Fall 2016 in terms of artistic merit, though I haven't seen 3gatsu due to having previously read the manga. The acting and directing are some of the most realistically relatable and emotionally captivating work from KyoAni so far. Characters slowly reveal their depth and come off as complex yet coherent human beings. Even small things like jokes in the script play out naturally, usually through direction instead of dialogue; I personally find them miles more funny and cute than the typical overreaction or chibi face emphasis. I don't know if you read these comments, but I hope that some of the side characters from Liz are interesting and nuanced enough to convince you to revisit season 2 of Hibike Euphonium, where they receive the hours of characterization they deserve.

[@lincolny2220]

"it's much bigger on the inside" ah yes, Liz and the Blue Box

[@harpiasan2885]

thats some great video. as always :)

[@greenboy770]

Watched the US premiere at AX and, like Geoff says, this works wonderfully as a work independent from its franchise. I knew absolutely nothing prior to getting in line for it. It was so captivating in a way that I know I can't describe and now it's one of my fav. anime films. If you don't mind movies that are on the slower and subtler side, do yourself a favor and watch/buy it!!

[@Avvisoful]

You got me hyped for this.

[@SamyulDavis]

This is just one of the sharpest film reviews I've ever seen.

[@axlfrost2501]

omg i found this movie by accident last week and instantly bought tickets for it so i don't know anything about it, gonna watch this after i see the movie

[@violetevergarden7680]

How about the movie

[@axlfrost2501]

@@violetevergarden7680 dude, it was great, it made me cry a coupe of times

[@Em-nu2dt]

The song bought me to tears as well, super powerful

[@OmegaMan86]

Thank you. Got a ticket and told some friends about this. Would have missed out if it wasn't for you!

[@JasonBRhoades]

With only one day left until 2020, I think I can confidently say now that this is my favorite anime film this decade.

[@marche800]

I guess you can call this video a *Blue Bird Lamentation.*

[@MOONFALLx.]

Bruh im sad to say i just started ztd and dont want to finish it Gonna miss this series

[@kumakibbs]

wOaH

[@PositiviteaTheFirst]

Well shit, here's your Internet trophy

[@ShizukaHyuuga]

I remember watching this movie in the summer. it really is amazing and it’s so much better in a theatre

[@lexloser3838]

Just finished it, this show is just so beautiful and entertaining to watch.

[@thomassvevo]

I drove three hours to see this movie and I did not regret it a single bit. Unfortunately I missed the first scene but that gives me a reason to see it again!

[@joaquerj9344]

Everytime I see, hear or remember the last song/scene of Your lie in April tears come to eyes. Damn feelings.

[@ccdonuts]

2 minutes in and you've already convinced me to watch this.

[@AlexKensington]

If you were a fan who watched Sound! Euphonium, then you are going to love this film. It takes place after the events of Season 2 of Sound! Euphonium.

[@loonachan]

Saw it last night and all I can say is it certainly rates up there as far as the best anime movies (or movies period) I've ever seen. The first time I really felt the need to hook to movie up to my hi-fi system just to properly appreciate the music. I actually had no idea this was a Hibike Euphonium movie before I started the recognize the side characters, which tells you something about its standalone potential. That whole set of characters is a masterclass in how to pull off subtle, realistically complex emotions with body language, and voice acting/dialogue.

[@Lugia2000]

Dang even just the mention of Your Lie in April had me teary-eyed

[@ghouse7154]

Saw it at Anime Expo on a whim and loved it

[@jazzmint3880]

Gosh I really cried to this its so freakin emotional and it hitted me to a personal level

[@Zelkiiro]

I need this. I need this right now.

[@duwangchew9902]

Was considering getting my brother tickets to this for a birthday present, until I found out the only two theaters showing it in Florida are in Tampa. Way too far a drive for only 90mins. Guess I'll be waiting for the blu-ray release!

[@ZephyrusBlue]

DuwangChew oof. Is it Studio Movie Grill again? I took my mom to see Maquia there and then I saw the MHA movie there the following weekend. It’s a pretty cool place (but as usual, concessions are expensive af)

[@duwangchew9902]

@@ZephyrusBlue I didn't check the individual theater names, just used the map on Eleven Art's website to see they were in Tampa.

[@ZephyrusBlue]

DuwangChew it’s okay, I browsed a bit hoping for it to have an English dub showing and found out that it is indeed going to be at SMG but there’s no English dub yet; I’ll just have to hope that it gets one! Lol

[@Katt1721]

I've been excited for this movie. I wasn't really when I first heard about it, but I've just heard so much praise for it as more people have been able to see it. Kind of funny that this movie is getting a dub before the actual show.

[@chizzicle]

with any luck we get this movie here in Finland some time next year... we did get Your name. Only time will tell but I really do want to see it, legally if at all possible

[@wheresmyeyebrow1608]

Just finished this film. I loved it!

[@D.A-Designs]

The music playing in the background for this video is gorgeous! I live in the UK so I don't know if it'll be showing where I live :(

[@justinkim5356]

I just finished Hibike Euphonium! Nice timing XD

[@BoughtByTheBlood]

I just watched Liz & the Blue Bird for the 1st time today. I absolutely LOVE it! It's gotta be one of the best movies of any kind I've ever seen. Best yet, Geoff's right! I've only watched the 1st 3 episodes of Sound! Euphonium, so I know nothing about the series at all. Do yourself a favor & watch it!

[@bertman4]

It was brilliant. If by chance you're going to watch this at home, please, please have a good surround sound system. The Blu-rays in Japan comes out Dec 5.

[@blakerenimu9033]

Well, I didn´t love Hibike, but something about it made me watch it. Now I realize it was the animation more than anything. And if the movie is as beautifully made as you say it is, I definitely have to watch it. Thanks for the recommendation c: And also for the other movies you mentioned: more to watch!

[@almas9421]

My favorite anime movie. I cried watching the video.

[@jillianKov]

Just booked tickets for monday!!!

[@emmbeesea]

Hibike Euphonium is my favorite anime ever. I am very excited for its associated movies!

[@GrandLotus]

Just watched this movie as it came out online, and honestly this movie was amazing and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants some good characters and story

[@Exel3nce]

the moment i heared what stuff was involved, i didnt need any more informations i hope the ending song in "under the scope´s" video to this movie is one of the tracks of the whole ost

[@thelordoftheweebs9501]

I need to rewatch this. Never noticed how important ther other characters were.

[@ccsi3602]

I hate how Kyoto Animation gets a bad rep from the rest of the anime community

[@KellyJoule]

I never understood this. Of course not all of Kyoto Ani's works are perfect and some feel empty but like... MOST of their work is masterclass material. Hyouka to this day is the most unique and underrated anime I've ever seen.

[@somoa6085]

Kinononono Mnemomomomo honestly had to take a break from anime after endless eight lol also couldnt finish the rest of haruhi

[@scer8712]

@@somoa6085 I get and respect your opinion, but I think the endless eight was actually pretty smart. The point of the arc was to show us how Nagato felt through all that happened.

[@scer8712]

agreed. It really gets a bad rep because everyone just seems to call it "empty moe blob" while ignoring everything good about their works.

[@KellyJoule]

@@scer8712 if they cut it in half it probably would have been perfect, but EIGHT was just absolutely mental. I agree that it does show us how Nagato felt and I also really like the arc's concept but it was way too long and deleted space for new stories as well.

[@mlgkidawesomeness1375]

I was searching up the song “bluebird” and this came up lol

[@placebo4874]

you had me a hibike euphonium

[@aeron4457]

This is probably going to get lost in the comments and its got nothing to do with the actual video but w/e, are you ever going to make a video on sangatsu no lion? I really love the show, and theres lots of topics you could potentially talk abt. It'd also be cool to see a whats in an opening, i love those types of breaking down video's. As far as i know you haven't made a video on it yet, if im wrong anyone feel free to correct me though

[@israfielvalhorn6460]

Right there with you buddy, this show needs more love.

[@kazumamon]

You are absolute right. Now there is still so less antention for Sangatsu no Lion after 5 months you posted this. It's sad cause the 2nd Season of Sangatsu is an absolute masterpiece but is so unpopular or less known.

[@yourdogfluffy4914]

I'd like to see a "what's in an opening" of "Black Clover". Those are some awesome openings! :{)

[@gembocobo9484]

You had me at Kyoani~~

[@queenofglory4089]

Bro I cried watching this review.....Can't wait to watch movie!

[@benjrc3611]

As a concert flutist and an anime fan I wish that there where more anime that conveyed music in this way.

[@vanilla_milkshake]

I'm so frustrated with Eleven Arts. They showed Maquia in my city, but not this. 😣 I LOVE Yamada's works, she's up there with Hosoda and Miyazaki as one of my favorite anime directors. I'm just hoping they add my city later.

[@erikillaguerrero6407]

Maquia was good

[@lawrencebautista1]

No wonder even Makoto Shinkai is a fan of Naoko Yamada of KyoAni.

[@pikusek2550]

I cried when joseph turned his walk man on and bloody stream started playing. And when i was listening to ost of Gurren Lagann

[@FishAnimations]

The cinemas in the UK never release any anime movies and that makes me so sad :////// Edit: okay, so it seems there are anime movies, just none at all anywhere near where I am :////////////

[@bobemmerson1580]

I managed to watch A Silent Voice and Your Name in the UK chain cinema (Empire), I think it was before the big US release. Though the fact that North American KZbinrs talk about the US release when the UK release has either passed or hasn't be schedule yet is a nuisance. I need to find out when "Ori and the Witches Flower" (?) gets a UK release.

[@bobemmerson1580]

Hmm. Well apparently I missed "Mary and the witches flower", because the UK cinema release was 4 month after the US hype. Sigh

[@user-hn5bi3nw9y]

It's hard to believe. Even we have anime from time to time, and I'm from fucking Kazakhstan. You should just check out what's in cinema bit more often.

[@AnimatorNicks]

Mirai - mamoru hosoda new film is coming to UK cinema

[@TheHewoks]

Man Geoff, I also live in Canada but there is no showing here, you so lucky =(

[@TaneTenshi]

I hope I can watch it in Canada when it comes here. :')

[@SickVidsNick]

Sound! Euphonium in general is just so underrated and overlooked in the anime community as one of the best imo

[@johnjoewoods3922]

@nick abad agree

[@graaoline1357]

Got an ad for the movie during the video, as pretty as you said

[@lilowleelani]

Dang it the only theater near me is two hours away and the last showing starts in an hour. I wish I knew of this movie sooner

[@johnnguyen4389]

This movie is amazing

[@TheJH1015]

Eleven Arts, PLEASE bring this to Europe... I NEED to see this!

[@fanboyistransboy5089]

Saw the movie today, it was really great

[@ekaj_]

I actually got an ad for Liz and the Blue Bird while watching this video

[@AbundantCheez]

When You mention these anime movies it's already too late for me to go see them, because I live in Japan.

[@nataliakoodziej2582]

I love living in Poland and not being able to watch any good anime legally unless I buy it on dvd on Amazon UK for some crazy amount of money. I truly, freaking love it.

[@leahkash8363]

I'm gonna watch this too

[@zeldamonking6018]

I just got a commercial for Liz and the blue bird for this video

[@natarindayoo]

I got an ad for this movie before the video. Dang wow

[@RingoFreakingStarr]

This film is the closest I've seen a drama get to perfection.

[@GaiaDblade]

Not a movie I personally want to watch, but seeing your review I can tell the quality.