Kaguya-sama: Love Is War 2 (2021)

Is it better than the anime? No, BUT it doesn't HAVE TO to be Good

Before watching this I had seen all three seasons of the anime, the live-action movie and miniseries, and read the first volume of the manga, and to me, this story is literally one of my favorites. I also enjoyed the previous movie/miniseries so I had to watch this sequel. And I wasn't disappointed

This movie is a direct sequel to the first movie, leaving the miniseries to take place presumable during the first half of the first movie. It starts off by aligning the second half of the first movie (which had an original plot) to the starting point of the anime's 3rd season. From there on, it is very similar to the first half of the first movie: Following the manga/anime plot with some liberties. It also feels rushed at some points. Again, this movie gives the narrator little use. He only appears a few times in the movie.

A story plot that I wished had been explored but was left out due to time is the Ino/Ishigami relationship where they both help each other out without the other knowing. I really like that part of the story in the original plot and it saddens me to see it gone.

The last time we see this cast and it has to be said: They were perfectly cast for the characters. They are great actors going through some great roles perfectly. They truly feel like new versions of the same characters.

At this point, I just want to go back and rewatch all of the live-action contant for Love is War together.

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The war continues and it might continue

Kaguya-sama Love Is War Final (2021) is the second live-action movie of Kaguya-sama Love Is War. I was hoping it would be a notch better than the first, but unfortunately, it's inferior.


§ Overview

Shirogane Miyuki and Shinomiya Kaguya are back as student council president and vice president respectively. After both of them apparently confess their love to each other and after a kiss at the end of the movie, both are at it again, trying to make the other confess their feelings for each other.


§ Notes


1. Their confession near the end of movie 1 could have been a fitting finale to the story, and this is why I'm not pleased that they've practically gotten back to square one in this movie.


2. The events are not as airtight as in movie 1. The subplot about Ishigami Yu can be removed without affecting the plot.

Actually, on its own, I like it. Assuming we haven't seen the anime, we get to know Ishigami, and why he behaves that way. As a result, he becomes an endearing character, and I am looking forward to meeting him in the anime.

The problem is that it is inconsequential to advancing the plot. This gives you the unfortunate impression that the movie has run out of material despite reading from anime watchers and manga viewers that the movies have omitted so much.


3. With the way Chika's character acted, I am not sure if I will like her anime version because it seems many people like her. She's brain-dead, a comic relief, but not one you would take seriously.


4. The ending concluded in a similar fashion as movie 1. The story seems to be ending, but they leave enough ambiguity for a third live-action movie to be possible, which I think should no longer happen but I'll watch anyway if ever that happens.


§ Conclusion

It's a good movie but it could have been better. I'm not sure I can recommend it to people who have seen the anime or read the manga, but I am okay suggesting the live action movies for those new to the story with the caveat that these movies are inferior to the anime/manga versions.

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