Before I knew what the movie was about (like way back before it was even released in the cinemas), I thought it’d go into a bit of detail into the Seirin group, but that was unrealistic as they haven’t even been discussed in-depth in the manga, plus it wasn’t based on any unused scripts like Phantom Rouge was.
Spoilers:
[details=Spoiler]It was good to hear the Heaven’s Arena commentator again and Netero’s speech made me laugh. Old chars like Kurapika, Wing and Zushi showed up and yeah, Biscuit is wicked for the reasons you mentioned Zero, plus the fact that she’s a really good teacher (like when she was telling Killua about how victory wasn’t certain depending on conditions, you know she’s speaking from vast experience).
I liked Jed’s design and the appearance of his On ability. There were humorous moments like Gon punching his way into the elevator and Hisoka’s trolling. And finally, the highlight for me was the fight between Gon, Killua and Gaki, that was great stuff IMO. That and Jed punting Killua like he was doing a penalty for the World Cup finals, that was fucking jokes haha. Also, those new reporters had some balls on them, some huge guy is fucking up soldiers and tanks and you’re sticking around all calm like. Must’ve been hungry for that scoop, talk about being committed to your job.
Now, for what I didn’t like. The thing that jars me most is the overall “don’t let your grudges consume you, compassion and friendship is great” angle. I actually like cheesy sentimental stuff and the message is good (in theory anyway). But I dunno, the last I’d do if I got shafted like that is let go like the Hunter side were proposing. Contrary to what he said, Gon didn’t really understand Jed that much, though to be fair, Jed was planning to wipe out all the Hunters, save the ones who might join his side. It also goes against what happens to Gon’s character in the Ant arc because any lessons he learnt in this film, he clearly forgot them afterwards lol. Same with Kurapika, in the manga, he’s lamenting that he’s got nothing to come back to. I suppose the situation was very different, the movie isn’t canon anyway, and Jed was screwing shit up so he had to get knocked out. Then Gon saying something like they’d make sure there wouldn’t be any reasons for anyone else in the future to use On…the Hunter’s Association and the people that support them aren’t heroes; they are shady as shit and they’re responsible for plenty of bad stuff. The world at large in HxH in fact isn’t particularly that nice (an understatement). There’ll always be reasons for people to hold grudges and use something like On.
Then, the looks of some of the main cast. Wasn’t really feeling it, Kurapika looked off, sometimes Gon and Killua did. I like Jed’s design though. Rengoku didn’t do or say much, she killed herself to release her On and restrain Netero and then Killua reached out to her and convinced her to let go of her grudge and that was that. Gon shouldn’t have had the victory over Jed IMO, I know what they were going for (Gon’s compassion and love overcomes On) but I don’t think Gon should’ve beaten Jed. There never should’ve been a Black Record in the first place if they wanted a lid on things and instead of sealing it away again, they probably should’ve burned it. And yeah, On is rather uninspired. The short fight between Netero and Jed near the end was pretty cheesy too.[/details]
Overall, I enjoyed the movie, but it could’ve been better.
