The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes

## The Movie

### Soundtrack

It's good. It does its job. It's not something that stands out, but it also isn't something that you can easily forget. The soundtrack has a nice vibe to it, and it fits the movie well. I especially like the piano pieces. They have a nice calming vibe to them.

### Thoughts

The Tunnel to Summer is an alright movie. It's not groundbreaking or anything like that. The themes and such that it executes are done so gracefully. It's a gentle movie that moves your heart moment to moment and inch by inch. Unfortunately, that's all it has going for it. I think it's a kiddy pool of a movie. Maybe it's a good thing that it left me wanting more.

The runtime is way too short, but I genuinely have no idea how anyone would extend the story at all. The story mainly revolves around Kaoru and Anzu's developing relationship as they bond over getting their wishes granted. I genuinely think that the story is the key aspect of this movie. Their relationship is developed so gently and naturally, mostly because the way they interact with each other and the people around them is portrayed as something natural. There isn't a single unbelievable interaction in this movie. This is what makes this movie good.

The first two acts were excellent. It sufficiently portrayed Kaoru and Anzu's budding relationship together. I enjoyed each and every moment they shared together, whether it was bonding over their past, discussing their plans regarding the tunnel, or simply sharing a conversation at the station. I must sound like a broken record, but I have to say the way they interact is so gently natural that it makes it feel so intimate. It's like they'd known each other for ages. Each and every moment felt so precious, and when Kaoru realizes how much he cares for Anzu, then makes a decision on what he must do for her sake, it felt even more heartbreaking seeing how much Anzu was willing to sacrifice just to be by his side. Harrowing!

I also really liked the third act. Anzu not moving on and looking forward, instead wanting to spend a lifetime by Kaoru's side certainly moved my heart. Having that opportunity stolen from her at first was heartbreaking, though. It didn't feel illogical or irrational; it was something like the uncomfortable truth. Anzu wanted something that she already had, and Kaoru wanted something that he lost. It wasn't until the dream-like sequence that he experienced that he realized that the love he had with Anzu was something special; that it wasn't something to take for granted, unlike with Karen's love. Anzu had waited for 8(?) years for him. It wasn't time for him to move on, but rather look forward and recognize what he already had. At the end, they got to reciprocate their love and kissed in the tunnel. I find that to be weirdly intimate and romantic. It's similar to how one would feel after watching/reading Romeo and Juliet, except this time with a happy ending.

I can't review an anime movie without mentioning the animation quality. The quality really isn't something to boast about. It's standard, what you should expect from a good movie. Then again, maybe my standards have been exaggerated by Studio Ghibli and other studios? Who knows, I still think the quality is fine, though.

Overall, The Tunnel to Summer isn't the best movie in the world. It's a short watch, certainly cozy with some special moments here and there. There also isn't much exposition regarding the worldbuilding. I feel it's solely a love story. That's completely fine, but I can't rate a delicious sandwich over an extravagant meal. The movie executes what it must do perfectly. That's all I have to say, 8/10 Mid-Gem.