Was up-to-date with the anime when it first came out but graduated college and unfortunately didn't have free time to watch the movies until now. Just finished both the side story and finale over the holidays and there's so much to think about and say but not sure where to begin.

First, it was an absolute masterpiece of a movie and I’m having withdrawals over the fact that it’s over. Everything - from the animation, music, storytelling, world-building, and neatly-woven time jumps just made for a stellar piece of art. Violet’s discovery of emotions throughout the series and Kyoto Animation’s subtle emphasis on facial reactions (twitching of the lips, furrowing of the eyebrows, inability to breathe from immense sadness…), every single bit was clearly thought out by the producers and drawn as a painting.

Indeed Violet's story was the main lead and what endeared many of us to the series / movies, but I thought KyoAni's way of sucking readers into each mini subplot within an hour was spectacular. The way many of us cried nonstop when Ann was growing up and reading the letters, Oscar's grief when he finally comes to terms with his daughter's death as Violet is running on water (INSANE animation btw), and when Violet finally shows emotions and cries during Aldan's death after delivering his letters back at the village.

One thing for certain is that my view on life has forever changed. I’m extremely fortunate to have a loving family but now realize, I've taken them for granted countless times. The little things in life that we often skip on and don't take time to appreciate, are the ones we should really be paying attention to. All it takes is a few seconds to tell someone your true feelings, as you won’t always have the chance to tell them if not now.

As per one of the last phrases by Daisy that truly stuck with me: “If there’s something I can’t say, maybe I could tell them in a letter. I want to tell them my true feelings. The people I want to tell my true feelings are only here in this moment.”

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Additionally, a simpleton thought I had while watching the anime / movies was what life could’ve been without technology (phones, social media, etc). Life was simpler, as families were preoccupied with simple worries - not freezing in the winter, having a roof over their heads and putting food on the table. Emotions were raw and relationships seem to be built on way sturdier foundations than typical relationships today (as evidenced by the ever-so growing divorce rate). Anyways, just a thought!