So don't be thinking that if you've watched the Clannad series this movie isn't worth watching because you're wrong. But I don't think many animes have been more moving and emotion stirring than this animated movie. It's just not quite as good as the series. So basically what I'm saying is this movie is more than worth watching. The writers and director definately did a good job with that. I was impressed at how fluidly and un-rushed the story felt even though they only had 93 minutes of movie time. I mentioned the characters aren't developed as well as in the series but they are still developed to a high extent for a 1 hour and 30 minute movie. But other than that there's no real complaints. Sometimes you'll be puzzled as to why certain events bring up such oppossite feeling melodies. The music at some points though, as I mentioned above, is extremely not fit for the moments. Although still extremely compassionate and emotive. While I don't want to give any spoilers I definately must warn the anime viewer to be prepared for a much more realistic and down to earth ending than the series. The story is extremely touching and by the end it will really leave you quiet and thinking a few minutes. This movie is defiinately up there with some of the great animes. One must realize however that comparing this movie to the Clannad series is comparing it to one of the greatest animes of all time. The music in the Clannad movie didn't fit in nearly as well as in the series, The visuals are excellent, but not as good as the series, and the characters aren't developed nearly as well as the movie only had 1 hour and 30 minutes while the series had 47 episodes. Other than the ending nothing else in the Clannad movie really surpassed the series. But life isn't always candy and an easy going road so the ending to the Clannad movie is probably a bit more thoughtful. I personally like the Clannad series ending more as I enjoyed the result more. The ending in the Clannad movie is the one thing that may be a bit better than the clannad series as it is better explained, more realistic, and less controversial. The Clannad series is (in my opinion) Clearly better.
Although the Clannad series was based on the Clannad movie and has a similar story it's different. One thing one should know about this movie. That is, until one day he meets a girl named Furukawa Nagisa, who can’t quite find the courage to walk up the hill on the long path to their school. His relationship with his father has slowly soured since the death of his mother, and his school-life, shared with his rambunctious best friend, Sunohara Youhei, is mostly empty and meaningless.
* Synopsis: Okazaki Tomoya is despondent with life and is haunted by a nightmare. Although the ending is more real life-like and less controversial. * Plot: Solid and suprisingly not rushed. * Music: usually good, but doesn't fit the movie at some points * Visuals: Very impressive and well executed (The reasons for everything in the ratings are explained in the review section at the end of the article)