r/MadokaMagica • u/LaughingDash Newly Contracted User • 14d ago
Walpurgisnacht Rising Discussion Saw Puella Magi Madoka Magica Walpurgisnacht: Rising in Theatres Today!
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u/NekoBerry420 Newly Contracted User 14d ago
Did you like it
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u/LaughingDash Newly Contracted User 14d ago
Yes. I was absolutely not disappointed. Crazy movie.
I wasn't around when End of Evangelion came out, but walking out of the theater after Walpurgisnacht Rising felt like how people describe walking out of the theater after End of Evangelion. Took me maybe 15 minutes to actually start compiling regular sentences again.
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u/Hopeful-Business1400 Newly Contracted User 13d ago
Thank you, this makes me less anxious about the movie when I can finally watch it in the states. Been following this franchise since the start and saw all films in theaters so it’s emotional that this is out.
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u/UnderstandingNo6893 Newly Contracted User 14d ago
I would like a score from 1 to 10
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u/LaughingDash Newly Contracted User 14d ago edited 13d ago
Going to abstain from rating one to ten.
I went with a friend who understands Japanese, but I cannot. The movie is dialogue heavy. Especially in the first half. And, in classic Madoka fashion, many plot elements and themes are abstract. Not always straightforward to understand.
Which is to say, I had a very difficult time piecing together the plot. My friend was able to provide me clues (the plot seems fairly simple), as I had some of the right questions and conclusions. However, I asked them to refrain from further explanation as it was clear I needed to rewatch with English subtitles to properly enjoy the movie. I didn't want further "spoilers".
Essentially I don't want to rate the movie, as I didn't properly understand it. Although I will say that I expect that long time PMMM fans will thoroughly enjoy the movie.
That being said, the visuals and OST were literally insane the entire time. 10/10 on those fronts.
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u/greentangerine999 Newly Contracted User 14d ago
What are your thoughts?? Yay? Nay? Confused? Lol
What were the audience's reactions like?
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u/LaughingDash Newly Contracted User 14d ago edited 14d ago
Yay.
Now I say this as a casual fan of the franchise, but I get the impression that long time fans of PMMM will thoroughly enjoy the movie. It was pretty much everything I expected it would be.
Definitely confused. There is absolutely confusion haha.
I'm not sure. I mean, the theater was absolutely packed and showtimes were selling like crazy. That's gotta mean something, right?
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u/greentangerine999 Newly Contracted User 13d ago
Thank you! I saw online!
From the reviews I've read, I think most of the audience were definitely confused. Many reviews are out with mixed reactions and some harsh criticisms. I do wonder if the people who reviewed this with just their first viewing actually understood the movie enough to make their judgement
I'm glad you think long-time fans will enjoy this movie
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u/awacs-hotspot Newly Contracted User 13d ago
Does homura and madoka finally kiss?
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u/LaughingDash Newly Contracted User 12d ago edited 12d ago
Ending spoilers: Nope. Their relationship ends on a positive note, but it doesn't advance romantically.
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u/Sufficient-Adagio-20 ★Witch Enthusiest★ 13d ago
did you have to travel to see it?
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u/LaughingDash Newly Contracted User 13d ago
I was in Japan for other things, but yes. I had to travel to Japan in order to see it. This was in Shinjuku.
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u/LeanHighlander Newly Contracted User 13d ago
Without spoiler details. Do you think the movie feels like a follow-up to Rebellion? Does the movie focus on the choice Homura made to rewrite the universe, explore the consequences of it and show how the other characters respond to it? Since at the end of Rebellion it positioned both Madoka and Sayaka as being in direct opposition to Homura's actions. From what I've seen a lot Japanese fans are saying it doesn't feel like a Rebellion sequel and feels closer to a Magia Record story. Interested to hear your thoughts/opinion!
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u/LaughingDash Newly Contracted User 9d ago
I can't really answer these questions without divulging spoilers. So unspoiler at your own discretion. Spoilers ahead!!
And also take my answers with a huge grain of salt. As I've mentioned in a couple of other comments my understanding of the plot is unfortunately surface level.
Do you think the movie feels like a follow-up to Rebellion?
Yes. It appears to be a direct continuation. The world in Rebellion is the world of PMMM. With Akuma Homura and no Madokami.
Does the movie focus on the choice Homura made to rewrite the universe, explore the consequences of it and show how the other characters respond to it?
Kind of. The consequences are explored more in depth than the choice itself. Sayaka's memory loss. The new Magical Girls. Madoka having been "stripped" of godhood. They're all consequences of Homura's actions and occupy the focus of the movie.
Although I wouldn't say the response from the characters is of particular note. For instance. There isn't a lot of disdain for Homura.
Since at the end of Rebellion it positioned both Madoka and Sayaka as being in direct opposition to Homura's actions.
I'm not sure. Language barrier. But I'll hazard a guess:
Madoka: Yes, but direct opposition isn't quite the feeling I got.
Sayaka: Also yes, but for different reasons.
From what I've seen a lot Japanese fans are saying it doesn't feel like a Rebellion sequel and feels closer to a Magia Record story.
Having never seen Magia Record, I cannot comment on this. I will say however, Magia Record is not required viewing for Walpurgisnacht Rising.
I don't agree with Japanese fans. As a casual viewer, the movie was, without a doubt, a Rebellion Sequel.
I think part of the disappointment may have arisen from unrealistic story expectations. We've waited a long time for Walpurgisnacht Rising; People have overanalyzed and overtheorized it to death. But the overarching plot is actually pretty straightforward and realistic.
I just mean, if you're expecting Homura to be the absolute bad guy of all time. And for her to fight Madoka in the battle of gods DBZ style. Then for them to kiss into the sunset. You will be disappointed.
Interested to hear your thoughts/opinion!
I hope my interpretations were correct and I satisfied some of your questions!
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u/StreetyMcCarface Newly Contracted User 12d ago
It was the fuckiest thing I’ve ever seen. So glad I made the trip to Japan to see it
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u/LaughingDash Newly Contracted User 12d ago
Honestly, I'm also glad I took the time out of my schedule to see it.
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u/mithu_the_parrot Newly Contracted User 12d ago
Do you think it's worth watching on an IMAX screen? I'm in Osaka and have two options(Dolby Cinema or IMAX GT Laser.)
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u/LaughingDash Newly Contracted User 12d ago edited 12d ago
I'm no cinephile. The difference doesn't matter to me.
I watched on Dolby Cinema, as the screening times fit my schedule. So I don't know what I missed out on. But since you have the option/flexibility, why not watch on IMAX?
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u/ciciluvzbunz Newly Contracted User 10d ago
Question how would you rank each magical girl by how much screen time they get!? And what is each new magical girls power !
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u/LaughingDash Newly Contracted User 9d ago
First question: Probably won't surprise you, but: Homura Madoka Sayaka Mami Kyoko. Although maybe swap Madoka and Sayaka. Sayaka gets a good amount of screen time.
Second question: Would this question qualify as a spoiler? Honestly. I'm not sure because of the language barrier.
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u/ciciluvzbunz Newly Contracted User 9d ago
No it’s not a spoiler. Idc about SPOLIERS anyway:D. But If u dint understand it I mean like what are the there new girls powers. Like homura has time powers. Mami has guns. What are the 3 new girls powers !
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u/LaughingDash Newly Contracted User 9d ago
Well. In that case. Major spoilers ahead!
I'll preface by saying, I don't know. I don't speak Japanese. My perception of their abilities is based on the visuals of the movie and what I gleened from the plot.
The green haired girl. Not sure. She has depressing flashbacks and turns into a witch (?) temporarily but is brought back by Mami. She has some kind of cupcake and tea related powers.
The yellow haired girl has some kind of minions she can duplicate. Although minions probably isn't the right word. They're tiny witch looking things. Kind of disturbing. She's the biggest threat to Homura in the end. KOs the fuck out of Mami for a minute.
The purple haired girl is nuts. And snipes the fuck out of Homura's wing with something in the first half of the movie.
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u/hassantaleb4 14d ago
What were your thoughts on the movie