Brief Summary
This episode of Lost in Translationmon reviews "Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna" from the perspective of someone with and without Digimon nostalgia. They discuss the movie's plot, themes, and references, as well as its place within the broader Digimon universe.
- The movie explores themes of growing up and moving on, with the digimon partners disappearing as the chosen children mature.
- The reviewers discuss the predictable plot and the overused butterfly motif.
- The episode also touches on the inconsistencies within the Digimon storyline and the nostalgia factor for long-time fans.
Intro and Synopsis
The episode starts with an introduction to the topic: a review of "Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna." A quick synopsis of the movie is provided for those who need a refresher. The movie revolves around a mysterious illness causing chosen children to fall unconscious and their Digimon partners to disappear. The chosen children learn that their time with their Digimon is limited and that a Digimon named Eosmon is behind the illnesses. Taichi and Yamato must face the reality of parting with their Digimon as they fight to save the other children.
Initial Thoughts and Nostalgia
Brady, who has little to no nostalgia for Digimon, found the movie to be just "all right." The movie has references to the original series. Brady acknowledges the themes of growing up and moving on. The butterfly motif is discussed as being overused, but also recognized as a recurring theme in Digimon, referencing the opening theme of the first season.
Themes and Design
Brady points out the heavy-handed use of shields in the movie, both as a protective measure and as a weapon, tying into the theme of protection. The design of Eosmon is also noted to resemble a shield, reinforcing this theme. The goddess of dawn is another way of rebirth.
Plot and Inconsistencies
The movie is described as predictable, with boring evolutions. The evolutions at the start were animated in the same style as the first season, which was appreciated. The use of Bolero and the appearance of the Digi-Egg are mentioned as nostalgic scenes. The logic behind the Digimon disappearing is questioned, particularly the inconsistency of the characters digivolving at the end despite the earlier claim that doing so hastens their departure.
Digimon Adventure 02 Epilogue
The discussion shifts to the epilogue of Digimon Adventure 02, which jumps 25 years into the future and provides updates on the characters. The reviewer shows a clip from the ending of Digimon Adventure 02, noting the character designs and future occupations of the chosen children. The ending of the season involved Oikawa, who wanted a digimon partner, became a bad guy and got corrupted by Vandemon.
Novelization and Recurring Themes
The reviewer expresses their annoyance with the movie, citing similarities to previous Digimon storylines. The plot points of kidnapped children reverted to children and a character's motivation being similar to Maki from Digimon Tri are mentioned.
Digimon Tri Flashback
A scene from Digimon Tri is shown, focusing on the original DigiDestined and their tragic fate. The reviewer explains some Digimon lore, including the four holy gods and the entity called Homeostasis. The character of Maki, who becomes traumatized after her Digimon dies, is discussed.
Nostalgia and New Seasons
The conversation returns to the movie and its reliance on nostalgia. The reviewer mentions the reboot of Digimon Adventure and the new season, Digimon Ghost Game, noting the updated devices and target audience.
Highlights and Animation
Brady's highlight was the animation of the final battle. The reviewer liked the callbacks to previous Digimon series, such as the use of Bolero and the original evolution animations. The color palette of the movie, with its brown and gold tones, is also praised.
Callbacks and Stereotypes
The reviewer discusses the appearances of other chosen children from previous seasons, including those from the Digimon World Tour arc. The stereotypical portrayals of international characters in Digimon Adventure 02 are criticized.
Favorite Characters and Lowlights
The reviewer's lowlight was the lack of focus on Sora and the implication that her Digimon, Piyomon, died. Brady's favorite character was Koshiro, while the reviewer's favorite was Miyako.
Rating and Comparison
Brady gives the movie a 2 or 3 out of 5, describing it as a "popcorn movie." The reviewer gives it a 3 out of 5, noting that it played into nostalgia more than the novelization. The movie is compared to the My Hero Academia movies, with the reviewer praising the animation but criticizing the predictable storyline.
Digivolving and Future of Digimon
The lack of excitement in the digivolving sequences is criticized. The reviewer expresses their hope for the new Digimon Ghost Game and discusses the franchise's continued relevance and toy sales.
Final Thoughts and Outro
The episode concludes with final thoughts on Digimon and the franchise's future. The hosts discuss the toy lines and advertising in Japan. They thank the listeners and promote their social media channels and Patreon.
