Is Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

📖 The Core Premise

Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond stands as a 2018 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Animation, Fantasy, Drama landscape. 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. "Natsume has been busy, navigating between humans and Yokai when he coincidentally reunites with an old classmate, Yuki. It brings back painful memories of a certain Yokai. Meanwhile, Natsume also became acquainted with Yorie Tsumura, a woman in the memories of a Yokai whose name he had returned. Yorie knew much about Reiko, but now lived a peaceful life with her only son, Mukuo. Being with this family was comforting for Natsume, but apparently a mysterious Yokai has been lurking in their town. On the way back from investigating, a “Yokai seed” that had latched itself to Nyanko Sensei drops into the Fujiwaras’ garden and grows overnight into a fruit tree. When Nyanko Sensei eats a fruit that is somehow shaped like himself, he suddenly splits into three!"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Hiroshi Kamiya is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. 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 Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond worth your time? If you appreciate Animation, Fantasy, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Natsume's Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 104 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.