Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night: A Review

In the highly anticipated Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night, we reunite with Asuna and Kirito as they embark on their perilous journey through the floors of Aincrad. After their victory against the boss of the 1st Floor in the previous film, Aria of a Starless Night, the duo finds themselves on the grassy and mountainous 2nd Floor. However, Scherzo of Deep Night swiftly fast-forwards to the 5th Floor, where a race against time ensues as they face the daunting task of defeating its Floor Boss. Their mission is critical in preventing a potentially catastrophic conflict between two rival frontline guilds, the ALS (Aincrad Liberation Squad) and DKB (Dragon Knights Brigade), which could jeopardize the delicate cooperation among the players.

As a continuation of the Sword Art Online: Progressive spin-off light novels, the first adaptation offered a decent return to the world of Aincrad with a focus on Asuna’s character. However, it faced criticism for introducing the anime-original character, Mito, whose presence became somewhat awkward in the latter half of the film. In contrast, Scherzo of Deep Night proves to be a much more enjoyable experience. Although its main story lacks the same level of engagement as witnessing Asuna’s growth from a novice to a formidable warrior, it still manages to set up the impending threat of Player Killers, adding anticipation for future developments. Notably, the film effectively conveys a sense of urgency and high stakes in a particular scene where Asuna overhears a conversation revealing the potential clash between the ALS and DKB.

While the overarching narrative of Scherzo of Deep Night may not leave a lasting impression, it compensates with a series of individual scenes and moments that captivate the audience. The on-screen chemistry between Asuna and Kirito shines brightly from the opening moments, evoking genuine warmth and a sense of partnership that brings a smile to one’s face. A remarkable highlight includes a catacomb expedition that showcases Asuna’s unwavering determination and ingenuity, serving as a reminder of her incredible growth since the first film.

A notable addition to the film is Argo, the information broker characterized by her distinct whisker markings. Scherzo of Deep Night grants Argo significant screen time, allowing her character to shine. While she may not steal the show entirely, her cheerful demeanor and Shiori Izawa’s distinctive voice lend her a strong presence in every scene she graces. Notably, a brief yet thrilling duel featuring Argo wielding a banana stands out as one of the film’s highlights. Argo’s confidence, capability, and intriguing character design make her a welcomed addition to Asuna and Kirito’s roster of allies, leaving viewers eager to see more of her in future installments.

Surprisingly, it is Mito’s reappearance that delivers the film’s most memorable scene. The reunion between Asuna and Mito, fraught with the memory of Mito’s previous abandonment of Asuna, culminates in a dazzling clash of swords that showcases the emotional depth of their relationship. Initially met with skepticism, Mito’s return becomes an unexpectedly absorbing sequence, bolstered by her impressive new moves and solidifying her role as a worthy addition to the Progressive films.

When Scherzo of Deep Night was announced for a 2022 release in Japan, it provided insight into the animation quality of its predecessor, Aria of a Starless Night, which suffered from occasional unpolished moments and numerous animation directors. Although Scherzo of Deep Night may not achieve perfect polish, it manages to mitigate the stiffness that plagued some of the conversation scenes in Aria of a Starless Night, which was a common criticism of the previous film. The animation in Scherzo of Deep Night still exhibits some imperfections, but the overall fluidity and visual appeal have noticeably improved. The action sequences, in particular, leave a lasting impression, thanks to their well-choreographed animation and the emotional contexts in which they unfold. While the final battle lacks the sheer impact of the TV series’ most exhilarating action cuts or the intense desperation of the first movie’s Illfang battle, it still manages to engage the audience through its boss mechanics and grand scale, resulting in a satisfying climax.

Beyond the narrative and action, Scherzo of Deep Night excels in the smaller details that enhance the viewing experience. The film beautifully captures the cuteness and charm of Asuna and Kirito’s early interactions, making them a delightful couple to observe. Moments of levity are skillfully interspersed throughout, providing welcome breaks from the tension and allowing for a deeper connection with the characters. Moreover, the limited but effective utilization of Mito in this installment delivers one of the movie’s most emotionally resonant scenes. It showcases the complexities of their relationship and offers a glimpse into Mito’s growth as a character, ultimately vindicating her presence in the Progressive films.

Looking forward, Scherzo of Deep Night leaves viewers cautiously excited for potential future sequels. While it remains uncertain if subsequent installments can match the overall enjoyment provided by this particular package, especially concerning the handling of Mito’s character, there is undoubtedly an appetite for more Progressive films. However, it is reassuring that no new entry has been announced for this year, as the Progressive titles deserve careful attention and development rather than being subjected to an annual release schedule. Although they may not aim to replicate the grand action spectacle of Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale, the Progressive films demonstrate their potential to deliver captivating stories within the Aincrad world.

In conclusion, Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night offers an engaging and enjoyable experience for fans of the series. While its main story may lack the same depth as Asuna’s personal journey in the first film, it compensates with a series of captivating scenes and well-executed moments. The chemistry between Asuna and Kirito continues to shine, while new characters like Argo bring freshness and excitement to the narrative. The reappearance of Mito provides an unexpected emotional highlight, and the improved animation quality enhances the overall visual appeal. With cautious anticipation, fans eagerly await future installments that can hopefully build upon the strengths of Scherzo of Deep Night and further explore the intricacies of the Progressive storyline.

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