Get ready to dive back into the emotional world of Sakuta Azusagawa and Mai Sakurajima! Crunchyroll is bringing the beloved anime film, Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl, to its streaming platform. Starting this Thursday, June 19th at 5:00 p.m. PT, fans can experience the heartfelt sequel to Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai in both Japanese with English subtitles and dubbed in English. Prepare yourself, because as Crunchyroll News puts it, “If you weren’t planning on crying this week, we have a surprise for you…”
A Much-Anticipated Arrival
The film’s arrival on Crunchyroll is a significant event for fans who have been eagerly awaiting wider access to this continuation of the Rascal Does Not Dream series. Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl initially premiered in Japanese cinemas in June 2019, followed by a North American release in October of the same year. Now, a broader audience can enjoy this emotional rollercoaster from the comfort of their homes.
What to Expect from Dreaming Girl
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl is based on the sixth and seventh volumes of Hajime Kamoshida’s Seishun Buta Yarou light novel series. The story picks up with Sakuta, now in his second year of high school, enjoying his blissful relationship with his girlfriend, Mai Sakurajima. However, their peaceful days are disrupted by the appearance of Sakuta’s first crush, Shoko Makinohara.
For reasons yet unknown, Sakuta encounters two versions of Shoko: one is in middle school, and the other is an adult. This bizarre situation throws Sakuta’s life into chaos. As he navigates living with both Shokos, the adult Shoko seems to be leading him around, which causes a significant rift between him and Mai. Amidst all of this, Sakuta discovers that the middle school Shoko is gravely ill, and his old scar begins to throb, indicating a deeper connection to the unfolding events.
Production and Key Staff
The film boasts a talented team behind its production. Sōichi Masui returns as the director, with Masahiro Yokotani handling the screenplay. Satomi Tamura is responsible for the character designs and also serves as the chief animation director. The animation is produced by CloverWorks, the same studio that brought the Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai TV anime to life. All the main voice cast members reprise their roles, ensuring a seamless transition from the series to the film.
Where Does the Film Fit in the Rascal Does Not Dream Universe?
For those new to the series or needing a refresher, here’s the recommended viewing order to fully appreciate the story:
- Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (TV Anime, 2018)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl (Movie, 2019)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out (Movie, 2023)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid (Movie, 2023)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus (TV Anime, set to premiere in July 2025)
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl serves as a crucial bridge between the first season of the anime and the subsequent movies, so watching it is essential for understanding the overall narrative.
Themes and Emotional Depth
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl delves into complex themes such as sacrifice, love, and the struggle to reconcile conflicting desires. The film explores the intricacies of Sakuta’s relationships with both Mai and Shoko, challenging him to confront his past and make difficult choices that will determine his future.
Reviewers have noted the film’s emotional impact, praising the strong character development and the genuine connections between the characters. The movie emphasizes the importance of kinship and demonstrates models of sacrifice and love. The series tackles heady sci-fi/fantasy conceits related to Adolescence Syndrome, but uses them as allegories for common life experiences that young people go through.
Reception and What the Critics Say
The film has generally been well-received by fans and critics alike:
- Emotional Impact: Many reviews highlight the film’s emotional depth and its ability to tug at the heartstrings.
- Character Development: Sakuta and Mai’s relationship is often praised as one of the best and healthiest romances in anime, with the film enhancing their connection through sincere performances.
- Story Complexity: The film’s plot is intricate, dealing with time paradoxes and the complexities of human relationships. Some find the scientific explanations a bit cumbersome, but appreciate the focus on character development and relationships.
- Animation Quality: While some reviews point out occasional drops in animation quality, others praise the art and animation for lending well to the emotional scenes, particularly the use of simple outlines and fading colors to emphasize character emotions.
However, some critics have pointed out some shortcomings:
- Animation Downgrade: One review mentions that the animation quality is a major downgrade compared to the TV show, with off-looking body and face models marring emotional scenes.
- Story Issues: Some find the story needlessly complex, with emotional moments not striking as strongly as in the TV show.
More to Come
Adding to the excitement, a new anime series titled Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus, adapting the University Student Arc, is scheduled to premiere in July 2025. This series will continue directly after the events of Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid, offering fans even more of the characters and stories they love.
Final Thoughts
With its engaging story, well-developed characters, and emotional depth, Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl is a must-watch for fans of the series. Its arrival on Crunchyroll this week makes it more accessible than ever, providing an opportunity to relive the magic or experience it for the first time. So, grab your tissues, settle in, and prepare for an emotional journey that will leave you contemplating the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the bonds that connect us all.
