Liz and the Blue Bird: Naoko Yamada's Experimental Masterpiece

Catch Liz and the Blue Bird in US theaters beginning Nov. 9th. For a full list of showings and locations, visit the Liz webpage on Eleven Arts' website here: www.elevenarts...
The latest installment in the Hibike! Euphonium franchise, Kyoto Animation's Liz and the Blue Bird is Naoko Yamada's best work yet, showcasing everything that makes her special as a director. Returning the same core staff as A Silent Voice, Liz works in large part because of their willingness to experiment--to push the limits of what you can do with anime. A must-watch for any fan of the medium, see what makes Liz and the Blue Bird such a transcendent work ahead of its US release.
Huge thank you to Eleven Arts for sponsoring this video, as well as allowing me to watch the film ahead of the release and for distributing it. If you live in an area near a screening, I cannot encourage you enough to go see this film--you don't want to miss it.
Naoko Yamada Interview:
japanesetransl...
Kensuke Ushio Interview:
atmafunomena.w...
Special thanks to Clark Cavender, John Reinbold, Ilya Smirnov, Dan, Henri Taarisen, J. Cleaver, Donny Southa, CatXD, R125R11, Gustavo Chau, Kavaran, qwerty23131, Peter Savelyev, Anders Nyhammer, Julian Fischer, Giancarlo Navas, Maximilian Bessert, Matt Wismer, Uri Lifshitz, Costanza lo cascio, Niko from kk40, tincho37, Joshua David, Levi, Andre Cirilo Rijo, Some Patron, Zephorr, and all my other Patreon donors!
If you're interested in supporting the channel, check out my Patreon page here: / jackuts
Please subscribe if you enjoyed the video and feel free to follow me on Twitter (@JackUTS). Thanks!
Copyright ©Ayano Takeda,TAKARAJIMASHA/Hibike Partners
Music used in this video belongs to rightsholders, Lantis Company Ltd.

[@UnderTheScopeAnime]

Liz and the Blue Bird is an incredibly special film to me and I hope you get to see it for yourself when it hits US theaters beginning Nov. 9th. For a full list of showings and locations, visit the Liz webpage on Eleven Arts' website here: www.elevenarts.net/animedistrbution/liz-and-the-blue-bird If you don't live in the US or are not near a screening, I hope you're able to see the film soon as well--a must-watch for fans of the medium. For now, enjoy this spoiler-free look at what makes Liz such a powerful work!

[@LoudWaffle]

I hope it comes to Canada too. The fact that they have an empty section for release schedules in Canada on that website is both strange, and promising.

[@tinfoilstar7324]

Right? Really hoping for it!

[@Zheesh7349]

And here I am in in the anime free land of Hungary where the last anime movie that crossed the border was Howl's moving castle from Ghibli in 2004... I guess pirates for a life aye mates?

[@paulmccool378]

I missed it in theaters, but straight up bought it, after watching "Hibike! Euphonium".

[@stephentimothy4679]

i realize it's quite off topic but does anybody know of a good site to stream newly released movies online?

[@littlerabbitbite91]

I love how much Yamada loves girls. We get such a nostalgic and loving retelling of a group of characters who, in anime, are often boiled down to how cute they are. Yamada treats her girls like they are old friends. Such a refreshing look.

[@ZeusandHades]

"I wanted this movie to be like two girls dancing...." What a great way to start a review for a wonderful film

[@benadrylcabbagepatch2527]

My brain autofilled the space after “two girls” with “one cup” before he said “dancing” I hate the internet

[@SephiMasamune]

Naoko Yamada proves once again why she is my favorite anime director of this generation. Loved Tamako Love Story, laughed with K-On, cried for A Silent Voice and i wonder which emotion this movie will bring.

[@destroyerofnice]

Have you seen the actual anime this is from?

[@Exel3nce]

i very much hope so

[@SephiMasamune]

dakky456 you mean Sound! Euphonium? I'm going to import a copy from the US / Australia, it's impossible to find in Europe (i'm from the Netherlands) but i'm dying to see it.

[@pramitpratimdas8198]

All of the above

[@KINKYmustache]

This feels a lot darker than sound euphonium. I felt a strange emptiness while watching this movie

[@BSzili]

The voice actor of Mizore said this about the film: "I don’t think there are many anime works which focus on ordinary daily lives and find importance and beauty within. I believe this is a great movie studded with precious moments of our daily lives throughout."

[@MeganZimmerman]

I saw the film a few days ago and what struck me is just how well it transports you into the emotional space of Mizore. It was intimate and beautiful and reminiscent of all the feelings a high school girl has at that point in life. I found myself in tears multiple points, I think I cried more than I did at a silent voice, which says something considering the stakes were not nearly as high in Liz and the Blue Bird. Anyway if you have a chance to see this in theaters you should absolutely do so. Naoko Yamada is a god damn genius.

[@kittgeekazaru5126]

Yet another movie to add to the list that never gets shorter...

[@thekillerosquid4841]

Too relatable

[@chevalierdulys]

True...

[@qrowthebird7496]

So true

[@christianweber7372]

You shouldn't put this one on your list. Just watch it. It deserves your attention 😊

[@thanhvinhnguyento7069]

There's too many good movie, I don't think I can watch them all before I die

[@k-ondoomer]

The oboe and flute duet was unreal. I've been playing music and consuming it for a long long time and no piece has ever gripped me and moved me like it has. . 10/10

[@guildfairytail]

Do you like also Gabriel's oboe of Morricone? the live version is amazing

[@juststunts2]

I'm honestly so happy that she is reportedly alive because I love this movie so much. I still can't believe we lost so many talented Kyo Ani staff members though, it still doesn't feel real. I hope it isn't the end. Sad that I instead get to visit the burnt down studios in around a month, though I will get to pay my respects.

[@123playwright]

Might want to provide some context on "I hope this isn't the end" 😳

[@sayakne]

@@123playwright most likely meaning the end of her works.

[@PlansGoneWrong]

Despite being so visually different from the show, I really liked how mature they were portrayed. I think the style fits Kensuke Ushio's tone for the score. I also think the style blends more easily with the storybook segments. Pretty fantastic film

[@Dear_Everything]

There is something very beautiful about the simplicity of this movie. Even though you’re still watching a animation instead of a live action, the whole premise, ambience, characters, especially the music has a raw beauty to it that only anime can produce, the beauty of real life.

[@meowraiu9157]

i just finished this and never in my life did i think that the phrase "happy ice cream" would make me sob the most in anime

[@sebaslolo1]

Why do I always end up with tears in my eyes everytime I watch a video of yours about Kyoani? Thanks for your amazing content.

[@SephiMasamune]

Because that is what their works will do to you, they tug on your emotional strings and i love them because they do that.

[@tindersamurai911]

The ending was so beautiful, it showed Mizore's growth when she was the one leading the way

[@tayanamercedes1750]

OMFG “how can you open the feelings of others if you cannot open yourself?” Mind blown this is it this shit’s been going around in my head for some time now and u just put it into words

[@tony2000and10]

the music is just so serene... that really teared me up

[@ConstantioMahardika]

you guys have seen a long cat.. now behold.. A LONG KUMIKO..

[@PositiviteaTheFirst]

ohno

[@icipher6730]

@@PositiviteaTheFirst Oh, yes.

[@raseruuu3742]

♡ I want to "I love you hug!" this movie and KyoAni.

[@belushibelushi3841]

The music really made me emotional. Truly a wonderful film.

[@TheSuzberry]

This is beautiful animation. I can feel my hair bob as the character’s hair swings, and feel my hand pull at the hair touching my cheek. I’m astonished to remember these touches.

[@TruthinessChibiOtaku]

6:00 OKAY THAT WAS NOT FAIR YOU MADE MY EYES START TO WATER AGAIN WHEN YOU TALKED ABOUT YAMADA SO POETICALLY. This video is almost as good as the movie aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

[@IslaMcTear]

This is just fantastic, interesting, informative but how much you love this film really shines through

[@nekoramenchan6466]

Every single scene in this movie stuck in my head so deeply that I had to rewatch it instantly. The movie gives off a more relaxed and vibrant feeling and the beauty of it is simply divine, yet it broke my heart into pieces. In one moment you feel happier than you've ever been in your entire life and in the next moment you feel empty abandoned and hurt ( or should I say "disjointed" *cough*).

[@doogelyjim8627]

I cannot wait to see this film. Yamada's work speaks to me on a deep personal level and resonates with the entire course my life has taken. Its value to me is tremendous. On one level, it brings to light one of the things I love most about anime as a whole - it's ability to effortlessly bridge the gap between my home culture and the Japanese culture by rendering all of the barriers between the two as unimportant and meaningless and leaving only the feeling and emotion of the human experience behind, that which is omnipresent across all culture's, people's, and era's. By doing so it allows you to pull away from the experience once it's over a realize that there is no difference between us and them where it really counts. And their language, their customs, mannerisms, societal and social rhythms, all seem less foreign. Yamada and her team's work excels at doing this. But then when I actually see her and the members of her team speaking with each other or to groups, the way they stand, the way their bodies move along with the conversation and react and flow to what is being said, the way their eyes read their surroundings, the rhythms of their speech and the specific beats it takes that so drastically contrasts with English, this particular part of the gap, the one that is in many ways illusory, becomes more concrete and realized in my mind. And then I cry. Seeing all of that and than experiencing the work of art that comes from them, that immediately takes hold in my heart without a second thought of hesitation because of how deeply innate it's humanity is, it's incredible. It goes beyond the composition of the original work.

[@j.r.m.s.]

So glad to see someone has made a video praising this movie, it feels so overshadowed and misunderstood by people compared to other movies

[@test-s7i]

Naoko Yamada is so amazing. She is one of my two favourite directors alongside Shinkai. I'm amazed by how beautiful and artistic her works are ever since I first met her through A Silent Voice. That and Liz and the Blue Bird are so far her best achievements for me (I haven't watched Tamako Love Story) yet. But there was something about Liz and the Blue Bird while I was watching it that made me lose my breath in awe. I felt like I wasn't just watching an anime for entertainment, but also like I was watching a piece of art. A piece so visceral that I felt it in my every being, no doubt enhanced significantly by the amazing musical and audio composition. It is not a feeling I get too often, usually only with movies of Shinkai (and the aforementioned A Silent Voice). But even among them, Liz and the Blue Bird felt different, side by side along with my other top favourites such as The Garden of Words. I am truly excited to see where Naoko Yamada goes next, and I want to see her work even more. Amazing review, Under the Scope!

[@DarkSoul-bh3ng]

The scene in which Nozomi points the flash of light at Mizore with her flute, is for me a representation of one thing that one understands only at a certain point in life: that it doesn't matter how special something is to you; no matter how important it is; nor how valuable; eventually you will lose it.

[@なにいってんの-s5e]

I am addicted to Yamada's works and I ahave been wacthing so many anime review on her. Animation is such a big world, there is so much option and things to notice. This is why I love anime! Only downside for me is that non of my friends are interested in it so I just keep all of this to my self and I dont have no one to talk to about this, but no problem at all, as I always think that I should do what I like wether I have people with me or not. i might be alone on this topic but I have hope I ll find someone as interested as me to speak and talk to about this.

[@klaudim1979]

6:36 The most beautiful and saddest smile

[@cornerbytheocean3541]

I loved the film and the free postcards. It was truly an emotional experience. How easy I could relate with the protagonists. Same emotions I've felt just like them. Had a heart break when the film ended 😭

[@christianweber7372]

Just watched the Movie. It was amazing. I also love a silent Voice. And when i saw Liz and a blue bird i noticed immediatley that it must be the same Regisseur / Team behind it. It's definetly the next masterpiece from Naoko Yamada and her team

[@Silias1989]

The moment, I heard the background music I thought: "This sounds like a silent voice... but it isn't. Is this film made by the same people?" After you confirmed it, ich thought: "Ah, that makes sense". Thank you for this video!

[@mechajay3358]

_Fly away, Blue Bird, Fly away_ 🐦

[@kano2444]

im just ready for some hi-impact -finger-to-lips platonic love

[@guildfairytail]

This was really a great movie. Some people might say there are too many scenes were nothing happens but in reality every scene is rich of details that gives information about the main characters personality. Personally i really like more movies like this with few words but many hints or symbols hidden here and there because it feels free to interpretation. At the start of the movie since we get to see more things from Mizore's point of view you think Mizore is Liz and the bird is Nozomi but when we get to see more of Nozomi's point of view it starts to feel that Nozomi thought of herself as Liz while Mizore, with her music skills, was the bird that one day would fly away from her since she doesn't have the same skills. The end too you can see that even if they choose different paths they will still be together because they both want to be together or at least this is how i felt in the end seeing the two white birds fly. No doubts this was really a good executed movie.

[@Quilly-Sammy]

Another movie to add to my list, and it honestly reminds me of spring or a soft breeze, especially with this song playing at 1:37, which I'm still looking for. But it's funny how I can relate to both girls with Mizure's introverted actions of not being able to let go, and Nozomi's optimism. :3

[@treebush]

Rip canadian screenings

[@overkill1340]

It's not like I wanted to watch it or anything... BAKA!!!

[@getwithu4448]

this movie was truly amazing

[@jellydonaths]

This movie is so beautiful.

[@youngman5890]

most technical brilliantly animated film imo. amazing video

[@happygrapler7462]

I love your understanding of diegetic sounds

[@Bmxrkid]

This was such a beautiful movie

[@icyboi13]

What a great video essay about this wonderful film! I just watched it & it was so affecting I can’t believe how long I hadn’t watched it.

[@iamfrancochan3497]

Can I just bring up the fact that this video has been produced perfectly. The tone, the pace, the way the text enters and exits the frame. Everything works together SOOOO well!!! Keep up the outstanding work!!!

[@wa7saka]

i havent watched this in so long... maybe i should rewatch again this movie was so different, i wish i could recommend to friends but they'd probably have to watch hibike euphonium

[@MetrixTsuki]

Beautiful video, I just can't wait for this movie.

[@cubone909]

How much we still have to?

[@RuriGokouMadoMura]

Little Cubone Movie's out now online.

[@MetrixTsuki]

@@RuriGokouMadoMura I have already seen it 4 times since release

[@blehpp7192]

Your commentary was so inspirational! Especially how you were explaining how Yamada has progressed in her work and the industry, comparing her to her debut and most recent film was lovely and really pulled at my heart strings! (Subbed)

[@belushibelushi3841]

truly a masterpiece ;-; very emotional

[@OneMoreMeme_INeedYou]

Naoko Yamada is my favorite director because she captures that mono no aware feeling so well. Great video! I Finally saw the film in theaters, so now I get to watch your video. It was an amazing experience

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Once again, your editing is nothing short of brilliant

[@ChampuStrike]

Had the chance of watching this on the cinema last week beautiful to say the least

[@Rmx2011]

If this was in the movies in EU close to where I live, I'd definitely go and see it but no luck for me.

[@projectfear22]

I need a video like this on anime background art/directors

[@Laura-fl1rp]

I love your reviews. Thank you for admitting that this movie is a love story.

[@bossyvich]

wouldnt have known to seek this movie out if not for your continued evangalism for yamada's work. not only is this film not being talked about by the wider film community, it is hardly being discussed in the anime film community; a genuine tragedy considering how amazing this film is. so thanks for the recommendation :)

[@RingoFreakingStarr]

The film is incredible.

[@yanchengdu2534]

Can’t wait to watch it on Tuesday. Thanks for the love you share.

[@joshualunday2876]

Why am I finding this anime sooo late?! THIS IS MASTERPIECE

[@tomsai9748]

I already saw this movie twice。I can't wait for blue ray

[@thomassvevo]

I drove three hours to see this movie and I did not regret it a single bit

[@sug4randice]

Really want another film directed by Yamada again, Hope she will be back soon.

[@ls-ip6ed]

i love this movie,, mizore in the early parts reminded me so much of myself and the first girl i fell in love with in middle school who was so bright and everything to me but i was quiet and just another person to her

[@ls-ip6ed]

what an amazing director she touches people so deeply and delicately

[@ZeusandHades]

Nice video. I never really got into Sound Euphonium season 2, but I guess I gotta watch it before I watch this film. I can't watch this in theaters cause its not nearby, but your video is really making me consider buying it on blu ray

[@Exel3nce]

i adore hibike so thas why the length didnt rlly matter to me

[@ZeusandHades]

@@1000Tomatoes Yeah, I kind of was more focused on the last part of that episode, so I just fast forwarded to it; thus, the rest of the episode didn't really capture my attention. Perhaps that's why I haven't really caught on with season 2. Right now, I'm just watching the recent shows, like Zombieland Saga. There's just a lot of shows on my backlist.

[@stratoge]

Thank you Jack (and all the other aniTubers who made videos on Liz). I would not have known about Yamada's new film was being shown this weekend and subsequently have the privilege to see it in a nearby theater. It's such a beautiful film filled with little subtle details that I just couldn't stop looking at every frame in the movie. It made me excited and invested to hear footsteps in in sync with the music or even seeing hands grazing through the corner as they leave the shoe lockers. (on another note: can't wait to see Mamoru Hosoda's new film 'Mirai' in theaters in a couple weeks! This year has actually been a great year of watching anime films in theaters (Mary and Witches Flower, Maquia, Night is Short, My Hero Aca, Liz, Mirai). Can't wait to see what's in store for 2019)

[@coffeebreak5367]

This was so inspiring and emotional to watch! Great job with the analysis dude, now I definitely gotta watch this

[@BrianNguyenIHASDACANSER]

I watched the film today and i thought it was great. Can't wait to watch it again with my friends!!

[@pramitpratimdas8198]

Seems like this movie activated UTS' inner poet. Love it! Awesome work as always

[@lapraslasagna589]

i haven't even seen the movie yet and i'm already tearing up luckily, i got a showing 5 miles away from me for either the 12th or 13th. i'll be looking forward to it.

[@mariekyslingerova4505]

I need to watch it!

[@justinmullins1112]

I definitely want to watch this, shame nobody I know has seen the show yet.

[@ProtomonDB]

I was looking forward to watching this when it comes to a theater near me thanks to Eleven Arts, and this video definitely builds the hype for me. Once again, great video!

[@LORDOFDRAGONS555]

hopeful this movie comes to Canada as well

[@saiyidahaisyah6646]

Thank you 4 making me cry😌

[@Zoroasto1]

I know I will love this movie.

[@themasterofkh]

I am going to watch this on the 10th, I am more excited to watch it now after watching this great video! thank you

[@hattheduck2359]

Be right back, gonna go watch the film

[@esjayefpi]

As I've thought. I immediately saw the same eyes from Silent Voice.

[@ZeusandHades]

The film looks really pretty, different than the anime series in it's own unique way

[@wa7saka]

funny how yamada wanted them to "marry eachother" ahaha

[@jamaru3870]

Your videos always make me cry

[@Abc-z9b]

My current favourite

[@PredictableEnigma]

Holy perfectly placed shots in every second of this edited video batman

[@kisaragi-hiu]

Oh no I need to finish my Liz/BB reflection from over two weeks ago to catch its hype train in the US (X

[@thisislesbomaya]

I cant wait for this to come out on blue ray, the nearest showing is like 700 miles away

[@folcwinep.pywackett8517]

Wonderful review of one of the most beautiful and wonderful of movies! Oodles of Kudos!

[@寂び侘び-b6s]

Thank you for such an excellent analysis on one of my all time favorite films.

[@Wilco4009]

Really wished it was coming out in Canada...

[@danielleoliveira8190]

I love this franchise and your touching style of narration so much! Thanks you for this!

[@TheHalomaster256]

Haven't even seen the film and won't be able to for a while, and yet you still managed to make me cry somehow. Could just be my love for all things Yamada but I seriously love your videos. In hopes you continue to make more I'm going to subscribe to patreon.

[@JimmyTAus1]

I don't understand how you don't have more subs

[@centuriongirlw5822]

I love your videos. They are so engaging and filled w so much heart and passion for the medium.

[@mushgar]

Before I even fully watched it I liked the video. I just love everything you make

[@wheresmyeyebrow1608]

I loved the film! I just wonder what's going to happen in their futures.

[@bevrynoblefranca7381]

I love Hibike Euphonium.. and this came!!! 😍😍😍

[@Lukz243]

it got me interested, hope to see as soon as the Blu-Ray releases :D

[@vazak11]

OK I clearly have to see this!

[@tamaramylo]

wow, this is a beautiful review!

[@thelegokillers]

Ahhhhh I wanna see this film sooooooooooo badly... Can't they just release the BD worldwide instead of showing it in the US ONLY first... Not fair man...

[@Nessmess001]

Really wanna watch this

[@jaywye]

Can't wait for bluray