Given the Movie 3 ~ To The Sea

Given the Movie 3 ~ To The Sea: A Heartfelt Farewell to a Beloved Series

If you’ve been following Given since its humble beginnings as a manga or its emotional anime adaptation, then Given the Movie 3 ~ To The Sea is the bittersweet finale you’ve been waiting for. Directed by Noriko Hashimoto and produced by Lerche, this film serves as the grand conclusion to the story of Mafuyu, Ritsuka, Haruki, and Akihiko—a group of young musicians navigating love, loss, and the power of music. Released in 2024, the movie picks up after the events of Hiiragi Mix, diving deeper into the relationships that fans have grown to adore.

The Story: A Symphony of Emotions

Given has always been about more than just music—it’s about the raw, unfiltered emotions that come with growing up and falling in love. To The Sea doesn’t shy away from this. The film focuses on the evolving dynamics between the characters, particularly Mafuyu and Ritsuka, whose bond has been the heart of the series. Fans were especially moved by their performance of Fuyu no Hanashi, a song that carries heavy emotional weight from the series’ earlier episodes. As one MyAnimeList user put it:
“The songs that Centimillimental composed really pushed the story another step further, and the VAs did a great job with them. I always wished to see Ritsuka sing with Mafuyu, so it was great to see them perform together.”

The film doesn’t just rely on nostalgia, though. It introduces new layers to the characters’ relationships, particularly exploring themes of closure and moving forward. Whether it’s Haruki and Akihiko’s complicated romance or the quieter moments between Mafuyu and Ritsuka, every scene feels purposeful and poignant.

The Music: The Soul of Given

Music has always been the backbone of Given, and To The Sea is no exception. The soundtrack, composed by Centimillimental, is nothing short of breathtaking. Fans have praised how the songs elevate the storytelling, with one commenter saying:
“Given maintaining its track record of making me sob with a song ;A; what a way to end the series. Simply amazing.”

The film’s musical performances are more than just interludes—they’re emotional climaxes that tie the characters’ journeys together. The parallels between past and present performances (like Fuyu no Hanashi) add a layer of depth that long-time fans will appreciate.

The Animation: A Visual Love Letter

Studio Lerche has outdone themselves with the animation in To The Sea. The film’s visuals are stunning, capturing the quiet intensity of the characters’ emotions. From the soft lighting during intimate conversations to the dynamic energy of the band’s performances, every frame feels carefully crafted. The attention to detail in the character expressions—especially Mafuyu’s—makes the emotional beats hit even harder.

Fan Reactions: A Mix of Tears and Gratitude

The Given fandom has been vocal about their love for the series, and To The Sea has only amplified those feelings. On MyAnimeList, fans shared their emotional responses:
– “It was so beautiful… Given maintaining its track record of making me sob with a song ;A; what a way to end the series. Simply amazing.”
– “ぼくがそばにいる。 ぼくの魂はいつも君とともにある。” (Translation: “I am by your side. My soul is always with you.”)

These comments reflect the deep connection fans have with the characters and the story. Many praised the film for staying true to the manga’s spirit while adding its own cinematic flair.

Final Thoughts: A Perfect Goodbye?

Given the Movie 3 ~ To The Sea is a fitting end to a series that has touched so many hearts. It doesn’t just wrap up loose ends—it celebrates the journey of its characters and the fans who have followed them. While some might argue that the pacing could have been tighter in places, the emotional payoff is undeniable.

If you’re a fan of Given, this movie is a must-watch. And if you’re new to the series? Well, you’re in for an emotional rollercoaster. Just make sure you have tissues handy.

Rating: 9.5/10 – A near-perfect conclusion to a beloved story.

What did you think of the film? Let’s discuss in the comments!

P.S. If you haven’t listened to the soundtrack yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. Trust me, you won’t regret it.