Given Movie 3: Umi e

As disappointing as the previous movie was, this movie is that much more impressive.

With this movie, Given returns to its roots by exploring themes like healing, trauma, and connection through music — the very things it does best. At its core, Given has always been about Mafuyu’s journey toward healing.

This movie begins with our main character at one of his lowest points. Haunted by the loss of his late boyfriend, Mafuyu is afraid to pursue music, uncertain about his future, and terrified of being abandoned. He feels as if everyone’s moving forward and he’s being left behind — a feeling that’s painfully relatable, especially if ... you’ve ever been a teenager. However, with the support of his friends and through his own inner growth, he finds the courage to take a leap of faith.

The emotional payoff in this movie hits especially hard. Uenoyama’s desire to help Mafuyu find his voice again gives their relationship so much weight. It’s not about rescuing someone from their pain, it’s about walking alongside them through it. And the new song feels like a turning point. Not just a performance, but a release of everything Mafuyu has carried. And the sea imagery throughout adds so much melancholy. It captures that feeling of floating between who you were and who you’re becoming.

The moral of the story is that despite the hardships, it will be okay. You may not feel ready to move on, but you still have to. It will be different, but it will be okay. Mafuyu’s journey is quite a realistic one and this final installment of the series feels very satisfying. Each character seems to have arrived at a place of emotional peace.

This has always been a comfort series for me and I'm very satisfied with the conclusion of it.

Given Movie 3: Umi e continues the story after the events of Hiiragi Mix and serves as the final installment of the Given anime series. It perfectly blends drama and music, showcasing the emotional journeys of the characters and concluding in a beautiful and heartfelt way. Director Noriko Hashimoto does it justice.

The story is all about accepting and cherishing the connections we hold dear. It adapts the last two volumes (9 chapters) of the manga into 1h20mins. Though slow-paced, it never feels boring. Instead, it gently grabs your hand, takes you on an unforgettable and beautiful ride, and gives you time to savor each moment, ... allowing full immersion in the characters' journeys. Comedy doesn’t work most of the time, and the film leans more toward drama than BL romance. The conclusion is bittersweet, emotional, and satisfying, leaving you with a sense of closure while still longing for more.

"Even if it’s lonely, even if I'm not able to meet again, from now on- even if I lose my form- I believe that if I have the music, then all the memories will remain inside the song."
— Mafuyu
Mafuyu’s character development is the highlight of the story. Uenoyama still gets his time to shine, whereas Haruki and Kaji have less screen time.

The art is good - especially the cityscapes, which feel cozy, thanks to the color design by Hiroaki Kaguchi. The characters’ expressions are on point, but the animation is a bit inconsistent and could’ve been better, considering this is the series finale. There are still frames at odd times, which give a sense of reality. Still, Lerche did a great job.

Sound design by Hiromi Kikuta is decent, and the voice acting is excellent. The music by Centimillimental is outstanding it elevates the narrative, blending evocative lyrics with lush melodies. Ending the credits with the line "If I don't forget this song, we'll always be together" hits hard.

"The taste of my tears is telling me various thoughts that come across the overflowing meaning of this life."
— Umi e by syh

Fun fact: Video production was done in cooperation with Spotify O-East, Shibuya - so the logo isn’t censored.

This just gave me LIFE. I have lived through so many emotions here learned so many lessons, contemplated many things in my life.
I feel like I can live on too, yes things might not stay the same, people will surely leave, life will certainly get harder. But I will always look back and smile. I will get better too and I'll even feel nostalgic and bitter sweet for those times I thought I couldn't survive, but I did.

This is Given for me.

the story is all rounded, it's the perfect definition for a slice of life, the characters has so much depth, the emotions touch ... your soul.
everything is well written I recommend.