Is Chihayafuru: Part II Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Chihayafuru: Part II (2016), audiences are invited back into the world of Romance, Comedy, Drama. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "After successfully won the Tokyo qualifying tournament, Chihaya and her friends are set to go on to the nationals. As they prepare, Chihaya is faced with new personal issues as her childhood friend and inspiration, Arata, has announced that he has quit competitive karuta. Not only that, but a new rival emerges in the reigning female champion karuta player, Shinobu Wakamiya, a karuta prodigy who became the nation's and the world's greatest female karuta player as a 9th grader. All of this forces Chihaya to reexamine her love of the game in the midst of preparing for one of the biggest tournaments of the year."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Chihayafuru: Part II, Suzu Hirose delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Romance. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Chihayafuru: Part II worth your time? If you appreciate Romance, Comedy, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2016, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Chihayafuru: Part II is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 112 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.