This movie is based on the manga Toshokan Senso, I' didn't read it so maybe people who did read the manga might find this movie not that great, or can't agree with my review, so please onderstaand that I didn't read the manga and based this review on the movie only!
The story is refreshing and living in the EU (and without any censorship) so I found this movie very interesting! The first parts of the movie are somewat slow but after 30 minutes it pickes itself up and gives you the action you've come for. It also contains tiny bits of humor, but that is fairly acceptable in this movie.
The acting was good, not great. But I did love those action scenes in them, they really took the time to perfect these. And the music really moved you in certain scenes!
Overall I did like this movie, there is loads of action involved, it might be educational and (maybe like me) you'll het interested in the case of censorship. Don't expect any romance if that is what you are looking for!
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Story:
It's a topic that I'm very emotionally involved in. If you spent enough time on Youtube like me you must know that freedom of speech is always questioned on one side and preached on the other. Everybody wants their opinion heard, however while we want our opinions to be heard, sometimes we want to block opinions that contrast our own. That's called "censoring";. As an extention, everything that is considered "immoral"; "unethical" "too violent" "too sexual" etc. causes controversy because it is believed these types of media provoke further violent/sexual/immoral/unethical behaviour in human beings that are easily manipulated by what they read/see (among other reasons, of course). So..are we better off without these pieces of material just because it contrasts our own views or for some reason believe that they raise criminal rates? I definitely am of the opinion that we aren't. "Censoring" is not a solution. Blaming any type of media for anything happening in the word is stupid. Everybody has the right to read/watch/play whatever they want. Live out of their monotous lives for a while and returning back to it after a couple of hours. Nobody can have the right to take our right of escapism and enjoyment away from us.
Library Wars manages to convey this feeling perfectly while showing us the extreme of what would happen if "censoring" becomes a law. As I said, the story is quite fast paced though; at one point I wished for a little bit more introduction, some details, which I just had to assume in the end. Also, while I understand the motivation of the main girl driving her towards the LDF, I don't really think that it fit the context of the story, however her love for books and ideal of defending them came through, so I stopped complaining.
As a consequence of the fast pace, many scene skips are incoherent: Dojo almost seems like he's always paired up with Kawahara even though they have no reason to be the only pair. I never saw him with somebody else, and besides Tezuka and his partner, i don't believe I ever saw him interact with any other of his squad mates which I'm kind of disappointed about.
Talking about Tezuka, I don't understand his character at all. Again, consequence of the fast pace.
Main pairing was adorable though, I just couldn't help but root for them. I didn't really feel like rooting for any couple in a while from the stuff that I'm watching right now, so that has to mean something!
Lastly, Dojo is a freakin ninja !!!
Acting/Cast:
Great! Just great ! I really feel like praising the martial arts work on it. It left me breathless at some points, though I question their aiming skills sometimes in other parts. Anyway, the cast was great and acting, not much to complain.
Music:
Fine. Not really memorable, but did the job.
Overall, I didn't expect to love this movie as much as I did, and the only reason why I'm giving it an 8.5 is because of the fast pace that I don't usually appreciate.
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Library Wars is a great Japanese action movie. It has all of the ingredients that make action movies fun while staying uniquely Japanese. It earned high box office gross and critical acclaim which led to another movie and TV special being made. It also solidified Eikura Nana's image of an actress that reliably pulls off strong female characters and pushed Okada Junichi to the top tier of Japanese actors. In fact, Okada is now a definitive action leading man alongside Sato Takeru and Oguri Shun. Back in 2013, his professional fighting skills were still a novelty the same way it was not apparent that Japan film industry is able to produce high-quality action movies.
To make the movie possible three industry power-players were involved. Nogi Akiko, a great scriptwriter who would later pen Unnatural and Nigeru wa Haji, adapted the cult series of books written by Arikawa Hiro (both these women are also behind the popular tv drama Soratobu Kouhoushitsu that starred Aragaki Yui and Ayano Gou). Sato Shinsuke who by that time already had made his name with Gantz (and now has the Japan Academy Awards nomination for Kingdom) took the director chair.
The result of their work was fast-paced sleek action movie with impressive action sequences, charismatic characters, strong message, and just the right amount of humour and romance.
Kashara Iku played by Eikura Nana is instantly likeable as a gangly 'country-hick' girl who is so used to rough-housing with her three older brothers she doesn't hesitate to drop-kick her instructor at the smallest provocation. She is also loud, earnest, and awkward and serves as the perfect foil to the aforementioned instructor Dojo played by Okada Junichi.
Dojo is stoic and strict and always berates Iku for her brashness and idealism. He may be a lot shorter than towering Iku but his fighting prowess is unmatched by her. At the same time, his tsundere attitude can not hide the fact that he is just as brash and idealistic as Iku. Together, they form a couple that is unbelievably fun to watch, and their subtle romance is both hilarious and heart-warming.
Japanese storytelling is one of the best when it comes to the inspiring stories about dedicated team of like-minded people fighting for what they believe in. Library Wars is exactly such a story and it hits all the right notes.
The pacing deserves a special mention since the movie doesn't waste a single minute on unnecessary fanservice. It's swift and to the point.
Finally, supporting characters are played by the number of famous actors. Tanaka Kei may not be a perfect actor for his character but his comedy timing is spot-on. Fun fact: he was inspired during the shooting to follow Okada's tough training regime and, as a result, acquired his 'hot bod' which since became his trademark. Kuriyama Chiaki infuses her character with charisma and charm, while Fukushi Sota does what he does best and looks gorgeous.
All in all, this is a fun and uplifting action movie which will leave you feeling happy and content with the world.
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