Mark your calendars, anime enthusiasts! On June 16, get ready for a special cinematic event as Given The Double Album: Hiiragi mix & To the Sea screens in U.S. theaters for one night only. This double feature brings together the second and third films in the Given series, offering a deep dive into the emotional world of these beloved characters.
What’s Given About?
Given is a Japanese manga series by Natsuki Kizu that has captured the hearts of many with its poignant exploration of love, loss, and the healing power of music. The story revolves around a group of four students in an amateur rock band and the relationships that develop between them.
- Ritsuka Uenoyama: A talented guitarist who has lost his passion for music.
- Mafuyu Sato: A shy and enigmatic vocalist who carries a deep emotional scar from the death of his childhood friend.
- Haruki Nakayama: The band’s bassist, a kind and reliable individual.
- Akihiko Kaji: The drummer, an older student with a complex love life.
The series follows the dual romantic relationships that form within the band: Ritsuka and Mafuyu, and Haruki and Akihiko. Given has been adapted into various forms, including an audio drama, an anime television series, a live-action television drama, and several films.
Hiiragi Mix and To the Sea: A Two-Part Film Project
The Given movie series expands upon the original manga and anime, delving deeper into the characters’ stories and relationships. Given The Double Album: Hiiragi mix & To the Sea presents a two-part film project that continues the emotional journey.
Given the Movie: Hiiragi Mix
Hiiragi Mix focuses on Mafuyu’s childhood friends, Hiiragi Kashima and Shizusumi Yagi, and their band “syh.”
- Hiiragi Kashima: Mafuyu’s childhood friend, now the vocalist of “syh.”
- Shizusumi Yagi: Another of Mafuyu’s childhood friends.
When “syh” loses a guitarist, Hiiragi asks Ritsuka to join them for a show, creating tension and self-doubt for Mafuyu, who questions his place in Given. This film explores the complexities of Hiiragi and Shizusumi’s relationship, set against the backdrop of Mafuyu’s past and his evolving relationship with Ritsuka.
Synopsis:
After Ritsuka Uenoyama hears Mafuyu Sato sing, he invites Mafuyu to join his band. Given auditions for a festival in Shibuya and falls short, though they continue to attract attention. At the same time, Mafuyu’s childhood friends, Shizusumi Yagi and Hiiragi Kashima, prepare to make their debut as the band “syh.” When they lose a guitarist, Hiiragi asks Ritsuka to join them for their big show.
Given the Movie: To the Sea
To the Sea continues the story, exploring Mafuyu’s journey as he grapples with his past and finds his voice as a singer.
Synopsis:
After a chance encounter with the singer Mafuyu Sato, Ritsuka Uenoyama’s passion for music was reignited. Their band, Given, is on the path to greatness just as Mafuyu begins to question if he should be the group’s singer. After declining Ritsuka’s invitation to a concert in Shibuya, Mafuyu runs into an old friend. Could this be the sign Mafuyu needs to step up to the microphone once more?
Release Information
Given The Double Album: Hiiragi mix & To the Sea will be screened in U.S. theaters on June 16, 2025, for one night only. The double feature has a total runtime of two hours and 31 minutes.
- Japan Release Dates: Hiiragi Mix was originally released in Japan on January 27, 2024, and To the Sea on September 20, 2024.
- Crunchyroll: Crunchyroll is streaming the Given anime series in Japanese with English subtitles, as well as an English dub. They also stream Given The Movie, Given – on the other hand, and Given The Movie: Hiiragi Mix.
- Blu-ray/DVD Release: Given Movie 2: Hiiragi Mix was released on Blu-ray and DVD in Japan on August 28, 2024.
What to Expect
Given is known for its emotional depth, realistic characters, and beautiful animation. Viewers can expect:
- Complex Relationships: The films delve into the nuances of romantic relationships, friendships, and the challenges of communication.
- Musical Storytelling: Music plays a central role, with the characters’ emotions often expressed through their songs and performances.
- Exploration of Grief and Healing: The series tackles themes of loss, trauma, and the process of overcoming grief.
Reception and Reviews
While Given has generally been well-received, the Hiiragi Mix film has garnered mixed reviews. Some viewers have found the focus on Hiiragi and Shizusumi’s relationship less compelling than the main couples, criticizing the storyline and character development. Others, particularly fans of the manga, have enjoyed seeing this part of the story animated and appreciate the exploration of Mafuyu’s past.
Where to Watch
Tickets for Given The Double Album: Hiiragi mix & To the Sea are available online. Check your local cinema listings for showtimes and availability. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the world of Given on the big screen!
