Anime: Strike Witches Gekijouban 4i1g5m

First, a disclaimer. I watched Strike Witches the Movie in Japanese, my only knowledge of which is what I've picked up in seven years of watching anime. Had there been any complex plot or dialogue details, I'd've been unable to appreciate them. Fortunately, Strike Witches isn't that kind of film.

We open looking between Sanya's legs as she patrols above the clouds. A few moments of beautiful night sky, and then we shift into combat as a Neuroi attacks her. This rather sets the tone for the movie as a whole. There's a certain amount of plot as Miyafuji is invited to university somewhere in the west, and clashes with her superior officer (to the best of my knowledge a new character) over the importance of military discipline en route; later on, the same thread plays out in the combat theater. Of course, there's only one way this can go - but the movie gives weight to both sides, and avoids coming off as too simplistic.

It also avoids wasting too much time. Strike Witches strikes a perfect balance between story, fanservice and action - though it's that last that really makes the movie. It feels like we spend half our time in battles, and the second in particular - a fight above and through Venice, two of the girls against a neuroi - is simply stunning. I've often said that animation should do things that are not possible in live action, and a plane chase under the Rialto Bridge is certainly one of those. The whole city looks to have been constructed with the franchise's typical attention to detail, and the fight choreography is dazzling; it really does set a new benchmark.

In the light of this - but only because of this - the actual finale becomes something of a disappointment. With a need to involve the whole squadron, individual pilots (other than perhaps Miyafuji) don't get the attention they deserve, and the tactics devolve into what's essentially a headlong charge. That said, the visuals remain impressive, with thousands of swarming neuroi; the sheer scale of the largest opponent is also something to behold.

It would be fair to call Strike Witches the Movie effects-driven. Characterization isn't bad by any means, but we don't get a deep exploration of anyone's motivations. The story is likewise functional rather than detailed, but escapes from seeming overly simplistic. Honestly I didn't spare any conscious thought for the sound; I was too busy being blown away by the visuals. When we're out of combat it's classic Strike Witches fanservice, equal parts guns and panties. But the combat itself is simply breathtaking.

It's a shame only a limited fanbase will see it. I don't expect this film to make any new Strike Witches fans - the panties are hard to ignore, and anyone who doesn't object to the premise has probably tried the series already. But if you haven't, and you can stand to see girls without skirts, I urge you to watch it; the Venice fight is quite possibly the finest action sequence I've ever seen. As for those who are already fans of the franchise, you're in for a real treat.