Is Kiddy Grade II: Maelstrom Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2007)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Kiddy Grade II: Maelstrom (2007), audiences are invited back into the world of Animation. 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. "The story takes place in a future where the human race has expanded and inhabits a multitude of planets in the universe with fantastic technology. Unsurprisingly, crime has grown alongside technology, and thus the GOTT, Galactic Organization of Trade and Tariffs, is formed as a sort of universal police force. Within this organization, there is a special (and secret) branch known as the ES Force (ES standing for "Encounter of Shadow-work"), consisting of twelve young people that possess amazing superpowers. Each ES member operates with another as a team, and the series' focus is a team of two low-level members, Éclair and Lumière. As the series progresses, they start to see the darker side of GOTT and its secrets."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Kiddy Grade II: Maelstrom, Aya Hirano delivers a serviceable performance that keeps the narrative moving. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Animation. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Kiddy Grade II: Maelstrom worth your time? If you appreciate Animation films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Kiddy Grade II: Maelstrom is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 80 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.