SPOILERS BEWARE Four years ago I watched a series called Watatenhttps://anilist.co/anime/102680/WATATENanAngelFlewDowntoMe/ and I was immediately put off by how Miyako was portrayed in quite a distasteful manner in the beginning she had moments which redeemed her character slightly but when I finished this series the first time all I took away was that Miyako was a lolicon with how obsessed she was over Hana. Fast forward to 2023 when I decided to rewatch this series earlier this month since I needed a chill and comfy anime due to my recent burnout and my opinions of Wataten have completely changed. It still has some questionable and odd moments but when you look past this its a wholesome and incredibly cute anime. The latter parts of the anime are pretty good but then came this movie and my whole perspective of Wataten changed once more... 800https://i.ur.com/Ed7z1yo.png The latter interactions between Hana and Miyako are no longer suspicious or weird but truly virtuous in conveying how close the two have become and its genuinely a treat to watch. It made me extremely happy watching this movie it made me feel warm inside as this was such a heartwarming experience far exceeding my expectations for how I thought I would be able to perceive Wataten. 800https://i.ur.com/voUEtj7.png 800https://i.ur.com/snosXiV.png There are plenty of Koyori and Kanon moments throughout the movie and these are blessed which warm my heart. They are true besties as they practically do anything and everything together usually always reaching out to one another when they want to talk their thoughts aloud. I absolutely adore this pair 800https://i.ur.com/veJrSvh.png 800https://i.ur.com/LY4BMmy.png The final pair is Noa and Hinata similarly as the other pairs watching these two interact with one another is also truly heartwarming. Watching Noa trying so hard to get close to Hinata throughout this trip shows her pure and bliss personality in its best light all she wanted was to be fawned over the same way Hinata does so to her sister. Poor Noa has her dreams shattered when they do not go as planned as Hinata is usually a bit too thickheaded to pickup on Noas hints there are times when Hinata lands a critical hit with what she says/does and its usually out of the blue which always flusters Noa as she does not expect the usually thickheaded Hinata to strike gold at will. Another blessed couple in this series. 800https://i.ur.com/Jd1Khhh.png There is no Koko in this movie till the post credits scene where she shows her true colors once more but looking back was this perhaps Koko since it makes sense she would somehow also be on this trip? 800https://i.ur.com/tUZHOlS.png Overall I really enjoyed this movie Wataten made me feel warm and happy my perception of this series has changed like day and night since I rewatched the anime earlier this month and Im glad its come to this since I can now safely say I like Wataten for what it is. This movie is beautifully wholesome and pure as it teaches what authentic friendship is at its core regardless of age gaps. Im genuinely impressed and surprised by how great this movie was since I wasnt setting my expectations very high here. This movie starts off normal and then shifts gears rapidly as it excels in the latter half where it becomes exceptionally good. The portrayal of its cast in this movie warms my heart as its handled spectacularly showing Wataten at its absolute best. The latter half of the anime showed me what this series could become if it focused on its strengths and this movie perfectly encapsulates that. Its a pure CGDCT SoL which is heartwarming at its core when it handles what its best at. The evening I watched this movie completely changed my day for the better which happened to be on a night I didnt have the best of days but it healed my soul. It was a pleasantly soothing experience making me happy and smile endlessly throughout. I may not have recommended Wataten before but now I certainly do 800https://i.ur.com/OS6j3Ny.png Anime Reviewhttps://anilist.co/review/22880