Seishun Buta Yarou wa Randoseru Girl no Yume wo Minai

This movie felt like an old friend. It's been years since I've watched the ending of the series, and I've skipped two movies in between, but watching it was an easy return to what I enjoyed about the Bunny Girl senpai. (I refuse to call it the Dreaming Rascal series, I only do watch it for Mai.)

This movie had an air of finality around it. Sakuta's family arc has come full circle, and Sakuta is ready to move to the next level with Mai. I really like the poetic echo of the call back to the first arc of the series, with Sakuta experiencing Mai's ... "adolescence complex". Switching places meant Mai got the chance to save Sakuta, if she wanted it.

Really, this was a good place to end the series, even if it has several novels remaining and it is ongoing.

It's been a while since I watched the Bunny Girl Sempai movies prior to this, and I must say it's just an okay watch.


§ Overview

Whilst waiting at the beach for Mai, Sakuta finds a younger version of Mai, a kid with a knapsack, hence the title. After some time, she disappears and the real Mai appears and is ready for her high school graduation. Later on, Sakuta has to deal with his mom.


§ Remarks

This younger version of Mai holds the key to dealing with Sakuta's experience of adolescence syndrome, which manifests similarly to Mai's experience in season 1. This movie, for the most part, is ... boring. It doesn't engage you as much as the earlier movies.

The earlier scenes were mostly for build-up. Once you reach the climax, it's a bit emotional and makes you give this somehow a pass, but the damage of the boredom has been done.

The animation and visuals, for the most part, are just serviceable. There's nothing in it worth mentioning.


§ Conclusion

I have mixed reactions to this. If this were a self-contained story, I would not recommend this or I would recommend this to wile away the time. But since this is connected to the Bunny Girl series, it is a necessary watch, especially if you will watch the upcoming university arc. I can't guarantee that you will enjoy it though. Your mileage may vary.

Sakuta: *cries his heart out*
Mai san: "Listen, I know no one can see you and I might forget you again and your life is potentially in danger, but I really gotta get back to work."

What actor works 24/7 and can't get a day off for health or family? Come on now. The way Mai san's career is used to make her not be present at crucial moments in the story is not good.

I like Bunny Girl Senpai, I gave season 1 and the first movie a 10, but what the hell happened, these last two movies have been terrible. Abysmal in comparison.