Blue Period tells the story of Yatora, a high school student excelling academically but feeling unfulfilled in life. When he unexpectedly discovers a passion for painting, he embarks on a journey to pursue art despite the challenges ahead.

First off: as someone unfamiliar with the original Blue Period manga or anime, the story was entirely new to me, so I may view it differently than fans of the source material.

The Good: The soundtrack is fantastic and fits perfectly with the film's emotional tone. There were some creative choices I found intriguing, especially the use of CGI to visualize the main character's imagination—it added an extra layer of immersion. The storyline includes some inspiring, motivational moments that stick with you and the artwork featured throughout the film is absolutely beautiful.

The Not So Good: At times, the story felt a bit predictable, following a familiar path. It’s also clear that this is an adaptation, and unfortunately, some characters don’t get enough screentime for their motivations to come through clearly. As a result, their actions can feel underdeveloped, which makes it harder for the audience to connect with them. In my opinion, the directing and editing were occasionally uneven, leading to some awkward transitions. Lastly, while some actors stood out with strong performances, others didn’t quite hit the mark.

Overall, Blue Period delivers an inspiring coming-of-age story with stunning visuals and a solid message, though some narrative and pacing issues hold it back from fully reaching its potential.