I just watched the Violet Evergarden movie yesterday, that movie made me realize that KyoAni is one of the reasons I still wanna be alive. To watch more of their works.

I just now finished watching Liz & the Blue Bird based on your excellent review. And I am blown away! I've always been the overly shy, introverted one, so I can TOTALLY relate to Mizore. I'd find that one person I could talk to & then feel terrible that I'd want them all to myself & get jealous when I wasn't the center of their attention. I'd cling to them like a lifeline to the outside world. Which I now know was terribly unfair to them & I don't have any hard feelings anymore that those relationships didn't work out. But this movie showed me just how jaded I still am in my thinking. See, I came in to this film thinking that MIZORE was LIZ, holding back the bright, cheerful, people-loving NOZOMI from being free to live a "normal", happy life free from her clinging neediness & about her struggle to let her friend go free when she so selfishly needed her so badly to feel "human" - to feel "connected" to anyone. I expected the film to end with Mizore having to face her antisocial personality & then letting her friend go free of any feelings of responsibility to take care of her out of a sense of obligation & guilt. I was SO VERY WRONG!! Turns NOZOMI was Liz & MIZORE was the BLUE BIRD! The mistake I made was being unable to accept that the out-going, carefree Nozomi could ever really LOVE her quiet, introverted, socially-stunted friend Mizore & that SHE, Nozomi, would be the one having to fight herself to let HER, Mizore, go free & not hold HER, Mizore, back from achieving success! I guess my problem is that I still have a difficult time accepting that anybody I would want to love could ever possibly love ME, in return. I see myself as high maintenance, clingy, & maybe even a little desperate, & I hate this about myself, so I expect other people - people who genuinely LOVE & CHERISH me - to see me that same way & to only grudging tolerate me out of some warped sense of false pity. This film has forced me to really face how completely unfair & frustrating that kind of selfish thinking really is! Mizore clearly feels about her friend exactly the same way I would in her place, & she only gets free when she is forced to face that her friend, Nozomi, really does love her, despite how overwhelmed & even frightened she is of Mizore's feelings for her! Nozomi may not understand Mizore's intensity, & her feelings may not be as intense for Mizore, but that DOES NOT MEAN SHE DOES NOT TRULY LOVE HER FRIEND OR WANT TO LET HER GO! I am forced to face the fact that I need to be kinder to my own loved ones & allow them to love me the way the love me, without questioning their sincerity or the genuineness of their love for me. They do not see me the way I see me, as needy & dependent, & even if they DO, don't I owe it to them to change my thinking & start loving them in a healthier, more balanced way, instead of living in fear that that my same wrong thinking will eventually drive them away? And if I'm lazy enough to use my wrong thinking & its potential to drive away my loved ones as an excuse to keep isolating myself, then do I have any right to complain that I am alone? And I have NO RIGHT to hurt my loved ones by driving them away because I'm to selfish & lazy to receive their love & be their friend. I have no right to lock them out of my own cage & force them to be without ME. Anyway, thanks for the recommendation. I really enjoyed it & got a lot out of it! Peace out!

I've come to trust your judgement in anime so completely that often times simply being featured on this channel is enough for me to give something an honest go. This is now on the top of my watchlist

"Can a broken person hold onto their happily ever after?" I believe the only way that can be sone is they hold on feverently and their willing to fight. Possibly, but as ya said "afraid to let it breath or let go of it entirely" thats where the balance is struck... *Crying time again intensifies*

"If you love something, let it go" Not what I *want* to hear right now... Probably what I *need* to hear right now. Siighh. Aight fate, you've made your point.

I genuinely forgot that KyoAni made nichijou and Clannad. They really had a huge effect on my development as an anime fan too.

"But isn't it sad they split up? I think every story needs a happy ending." This film really spoke to me in ways that not many others have. I have a hard time putting to words how Liz spoke to me, which is fitting considering how much this movie conveys without saying anything at all. I really implore anybody who hasn't seen it to give it a shot. Even if just to witness, and celebrate the work of so many talented artists, at the top of their craft. So that the strength and beauty of their work can persist in the face of tragedy.

The practice scene where Mizore just completely overtakes Nozomi's playing, set to the image of the blue bird, is equally as stunning now as it was when I first saw it. Just a masterpiece of animation on multiple levels. This movie, and so many of KyoAni's other works, just make me think "Damn, imagine having even more of this if more studios treated their staff like human beings instead of cheap disposable labor".

I teared up watching this video. I love this film but I don't know if I can watch it again without thinking about Futoshi Nishiya's elegant redesigns of the characters or the gorgeous color design helmed by Naomi Ishida. It's impossible to not think about their amazing contributions as artists and how they were so cruelly taken away from us, along with so many other young talented people who helped on this film in one way or another. I know KyoAni will bounce back and I'm looking forward to their new works, but it's hard to look back and be constantly reminded of the tremendous loss.

2:50 I loved the fact that you didn't finish the quote but gave us a visual que - 10/10

If I could have a custom AI voice in my house, like Jarvis, it would be yours

I believe that Nozomi helped the lone girl as a blue bird and let her off on her journey as Liz. I feel maternal love in her.

Never clicked a video so fast in my life....also never cry so early in a video....you monster STOP MAKE ME CRY!! Can we sue a You tuber for make you emotional watching an Essay....I need to look on that XD. Joking aside, I freaking adore this film, I watched last year and its simple yet stunningly beautiful in more than 1 way, God bless Kyoto Animation, I hope to see them back in action after the awful thing that happen to them, as always amazing video.

Man you should really do an entire documentary. Your voice and your interpretation is just. How do I put this. Just too good.

To me, this is your best review yet.

What else can be said about Naoko Yamada that hasn't already been said. She is just amazing.

Liz and the Blue Bird: a tale of two halves-one, a fairytale about a girl in love, struggling to let go; the other, a fairytale about a girl in love... struggling to let go. Well said, *Clap* *Clap*

Wow! I expected this video two weeks later from today. Suddenly the notification comes and my heart begin to fly in the deep blue sky. As always great video. And at last ...LET IT GO

I watched this movie without ever having heard of the show it’s based in. Can confirm it absolutely holds up as a standalone story. And in fact touched me so much that it’s inspired me to go watch Sound Euphonium.

You did well on that ending with the smartphone

Man these guys voice gives everything an emotional impact.

Liz and the bluebird, man... When I watched that movie the first time in a theater in NYC I walked in 35 Fahrenheit weather for 2 hours to wait for... Man, that movie hurt me so emotionally. To stop myself from crying during a particular scene, I was pinching myself so hard to hold it together... Just, man... I'm glad that people managed to survive, but, ah, I'm just torn that a lot of those who passed, created something like this, that combines audio and visual storytelling in such a way that, the two characters don't have to speak but you understand the gravity of it all, and you feel it... And, man, as much as I loved Koi Na Katachi, both the manga and the movie, the scene you mentioned when nazomi and yozora, when their main duet happened, I was absorbed, I almost forgot I was in a movie theater, and it hurt seeing these trying to tell each other to move on... Shit, thanks, you reminded me about this...it's not even 7:30AM EST :')

This is THE videossay on Liz and the Blue Bird. So much love put into it! Thank you

I will never forget this movie and the studio. "I will never forget how warm it sounds". A masterpiece I would recommend to anyone.

This is beautiful. And I’m not just talking about the movie, but the video as well. The editing, the sound, and most of all the writing are all phenomenal. I could listen to you talk about anything for hours!

Your editing is so impressive. It acts like a support to your amazing voice and dialogue but it's probably the star of the show. Subtle yet so meaningful and striking. What I mean is, the cuts you make, the sounds and music you choose and images have me entirely encapsulated. I don't even have to listen to what you're saying to understand what you want to convey. Just looking at the screen is enough. Your videos always remind me why I love anime, why I love life and why I persist. Each and every one of them gives me motivation and a new found love for art. Thank you!

This is one of my favorite Movies of the past Decade. Live-Action or otherwise. And you're absolutely right. No other studio or director could've given the care that this story needed to shine as it did. I really hope KyoAni comes back. I don't know how much time I have to wait... But God damn, I will fucking wait. Hyouka, Hibike, A Silent Voice and Liz moved me as nothing else has in my life. And I haven't even seen they're whole catalog. And even if things like K-On and Nichijou aren't as profound as the other I mentioned, they also made me laugh every single damn time. And be it comedy, drama or fantasy what they did, it always had that understanding of, as you said it, the Human Spirit. Of our incapability to connect, and our burning and contradictory desire to do so anyway. It's the message (I believe) that made Evangelion such a classic, and still makes it one (Yes, I know Eva is not from KyoAni). But the thing is... KyoAni does the same, but with mundane stories. So people won't pay as much attention to its stories as to a show with giant robots (Disclaimer, Eva is among my All Time Favorites). But man... I have to admire a Studio that has most of its shows and movies tackling such a universal and human theme, and doing so with the care and subtlety it deserves. I can only hope that they come back with time. I wish them all the best. And I hope the message they tried to carry had came through.

nice edit on the ending, i like it

i still adore this video

Beautiful! Your work is criminally underrated! Try talk about Welcome To the NHK, an animated series! I would like to see your view on it :)

I loved this film. I watched it in the wake of the KyoAni arson attack and immediately donated money to the GoFundMe that was set up for the families of those who were lost.

Finally, watched this beautiful piece. THERE IS REALLY SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT KYOANI!

Whenever I need to feel a little better, I find myself watching this video again. Sound! Euphonium is such a special series. I can confidently say it joins the small list of works that have genuinely saved my life, and changed it in small ways I barely realized. As a band kid all through my middle and high school years, and a shy one at that, I feel a connection more profoundly with it than almost any other artwork I have encountered. I see so much of myself in Kumiko and Mizore. KyoAni really are incredibly special. There is a level of beauty and humanity that is supremely rare. I think you really captured the essence of that here. Thanks for making these videos, they are wonderful.

They're the reason I fell in love with slice of life from Miss Kobayashi's Maid Dragon. Thank you for making these videos Joe! They are much appreciated.

Well, not gonna lie, I cried a little with this. I'm like most of KyoAni's work but Liz is my favorite and this... man this is a beutiful analysis on the movie and the studio as a whole. You got yourself a subscriber

Here is a blunt list of recommendations: When Marnie was there - Anmie film by Ghibli Studios - Regarding childhood, metaphoric Nier Automata - Game by Square Enix - Existentialism, the evolution of civilization, life purpose, and a lot of tears. Life is Strange(1 and 1.5) - Game by Dontnod - Beautiful emotional impressionism journey. Stunning music. Ford vs Ferrari - some movie - much deeper than it seems Won't you be my neighbor - documentary about Fred Rogers - 143 I just realized it is a list of things that had made me cry very hard.

I’ve had this film and all of Kyoto animation on my radar and this finally pushed me to watch their stuff. So glad I did.

When I saw this in theaters, I found all the little visual details of the film really intriguing that made it one of my favorite films, even if I wasn't sure exactly why it was my favorite...but your video helped convey in words some of that reasoning. Thank you for creating this really well-made video. Every time I watch another one of your new videos, they just get better and better.

58:28 my heart froze right there. Bro, thank you so very much. This has the be the best movie ive watched after silent voice. I honestly ddnt think that would be possible, but again, you convinced me otherwise. You have yourself another patreon. Pls dnt stop doing this videos. Thank you very much

Love your work bro keep it up

2 minutes, 16 seconds in & I'm already crying... Damn, you're good!

I think this is the first of these videos where it’s just about anime i love the most this video was awesome job 👏👏👏👏💕💖❤️❤️💕💖 All the love💓also damn that editing is so beautiful !!!!!!

Thank you for showing me this very Cute and well made Movie!

Liz and the blue bird is such a delicate movie I feel like I had to watch it several times to fully grasp it

Bless you dear sir for this retrospect of KyoAni's Liz and the Blue bird... I often marvel at your ability to put into words the raw emotion I feel, but can't fully express myself when watching these heart rending animations from KyotoAnimation. I find myself in total agreement with you that no other studio I know of could do these animations justice.

I make it a habit to watch your videos unlike any other videos on this site because of the sheer spectacle that each of them is. Thank you, truly.

The way you know how to combine visuals, music, and unbelievable writing to make your videos more impactful is just incredible, I absolutely love this channel!

Your writing, story telling, editing, and voice are amazing! I love your videos!

This is just fantastically written! Well done!

Feeling very sad that your latest video has got a copyright strike. Actually, recently it's happening to many other youtube channels for using video clips from Ghibli movies. It's unfortunate, but don't worry. Carry on your good works! We are with you.

Your essay and narrating is so good

Before seeing Liz to Aoi Tori I watched the first two seasons of Hibike! Euphonium to have some context. I'm glad I did because it gave me a chance to appreciate just how different the two feels. The main series sometimes becomes borderline melodrama, while this movie is much more muted, and it simply deals with the strained friendship of two people with vastly different personalities. What makes the picture complete is Kensuke Ushio's minimalist music, that fits perfectly with Mizore's introverted personality.

Naoko Yamada es mi directora favorita del anime actual.

This man’s voice is so soft and beautiful it makes me sad.

Thank you so much for touching on this beautiful ode to life and love. This film saved my life. #prayforkyoani

I just love the articulate, sensitive, and intelligent analysis you bring to your videos. Don't ever stop.

You voice plus the bgm is so beautiful. It gives off such a melancholic and at the same time hopeful emotion.

Thank you for acknowledge that this beautiful film is about to be in love (love between girls).

I might be missing something but do you do this kind of production in line of work or it’s just a hobby? Your writing is spectacular, the timing of the edited footage, the proper placement of fonts, the music especially and your voice. Your work is so good, I hope more and more people will watch your content. It’s too, too good 😭

Pitch perfect. Yamada and Kyoani don't usually bullseye my heart like everyone else's, but this one split an arrow. Well done, best of luck going full time :)

Joe, your production on videos is just so superb. Thank you for the work you are doing and I am 100% backing you in wherever you are going.

That was beautiful. Thank you for making this.

3 minutes of introduction - always amazes me how well it builds up the subject. At the end of it, I always get the feeling of understanding perfectly what the rest will be about but it only makes it better. I wonder if it is possible to speak like that out of your mind. I think it does so much good for the subjects really in need of considering. Love it.

I just want to comment that I think your work is astounding and I hope it brings you immense satisfaction.

Fantastic video as always man, excited to hear you're going full-time. Couldn't agree more with the idea that no one other than KyoAni could make a film like this. Their ability to portray genuine human emotion is something that continues to astound me every time i watch their work.

I watched this movie for the first time not too long ago and haven't stopped thinking about it since. Now my favourite youtuber has made a video about it. Coincident? I think N O T

I was doing my morning floor exercises while listening to your Analysis on the Liz and the blue bird, I unexpectedly busted out laughing the end of the video “pls subscribe or else the blue bird dies” I love ❤️ it so I subscribed all bell 🔔. Thank you 🙏

Just watched it, before seeing your video, and simply cried for the last third of the film... I don't know it just hit home way too close for me! And it's so beautiful

Ok, Ok! I subscribed! Whatever you do, don't hurt the poor bluebird! 😜👍

Amazing as always

I was unaware that this was based off the anime cause it was such a good film that stood on its own. I loved it so much and was able to relate to that toxic relationship of needing to hold onto friends, never being able to let go. It was super fun to watch i love the small small details.

*_Let It Go_* 🐦

I just watched this film after joyfully binging on the two Hibike! Euphonium series. Everything Naoko Yamada touches is magic. I thought I could just enjoy a very beautiful animation based on yet another turn of the great Euphonium universe ... but by the time the plot thickened I was carried away by the sheer beauty of the film. I'm watching it again. I cannot let it go ... or can I? Arigato Yamada-san ... Yamada-sensei!

After hearing the girl saying, please subscribe or blue bird dies,. Well, it worked. I subscribed at lightning speed.

This movie made me face a lot of my insecurities and fears and I love it, just like I love all of KyoAni's work.

I always come back to this video. Some sort of therapy maybe.

Thank you so much for doing one for Liz and The Bluebird! 🍃🌺🍃This was wonderful~

The split second I heard naoka yamada I instantly decided I had to find a way to watch Liz and the blue bird a silent voice is probably the only movie I’ve watched more than 4 times.

These video essays are among the best on youtube. You deserve many, mnay subscribers and wild success.

you have absolute remarkable skill of experiencing and delivering your experience about the movie to the audience. Great Job.

You deserve way more views. Just binged a lot of your content and now have a list a anime to try out based purely on your videos

Stunningly beautiful.

man could read mein kampf and send a person to sleep

This mans voice gives me an inner calm

Another beautiful piece of work, I really enjoy your videos and this one is especially close to my heart because you can never sing Kyo Ani praises enough in my opinion.

Another great recommendation.

Thank you for this video, it was very informative. I'd like to see the film soon!

I watched this movie about a month after finishing the anime. man it is good. no regrets there. one of the best purchases ive ever did

Underrated and beautiful movie

I have seen this movie, nor A Silent Voice, but you've definitely convinced me to do so! The art style looks absolutely stunning. Well done you for another wonderful video. 🐦

Fantastic, incredible review!!! Every bit as beautiful and powerful as "Liz" herself! Bravo! Bravo!!

Thank you for talking about my favourite film, it is extremely underrated

After the touching sentiment that last little joke was good, well played.

You are great. Thank you. Please continue.

Heads up folks! You can rent this movie on Amazon Prime video for $2.99

oh my gosh this is beautiful!! I wish I could do this--make a story so good--but with fiction, as I'm a writer....this looks absolutely GORGEOUS...I wish I could write stories that study the "human nature" as well as KyoAni! Damn!!!! I gotta see this!!! I loved K-On! You make AMAZING videos!!!!

Joe post a video Everyone liked that

Unfortunately, "Liz and the Blue Bird" is not available in my location. Neither is "Sound! Euphonium: The Movie". But having just watched the first two series of "Sound! Euphonium", and having thought it a richly told story that walks the fine line of adolescent emotions and awakening identity without exploiting either, I can only look forward to the day when I can see the feature pieces. And your review has only made that anticipation all the keener! Thanks again for a thoughtful, well-wrought piece. :)

Just watched this movie and it was beautiful.

Damn, I'm crying again