Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie 1: Beginnings

Author's Note: this is the first review in a new series of "Madoka Magica" film series reviews (yes, that's a bit of a mouthful); head on over to the BLOG page for more information!

"Madoka, if you wished it... you could even become the god of this world."

“Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 1: Beginnings” (say that ten times fast) is the first in a revitalized series of films in the “Madoka Magica” franchise, with the first two films being a retelling of the 12 episode series, and the third film being a sequel to both versions.

Our story begins with Madoka Kaname, an average girl who lives an ordinary life with her friends- that is, until a mysterious creature named ‘Kyubey’ calls for her one day to save him. After that, she (and her best friend) are introduced to the stereotypical world of ‘magical girls,’ beings that protect the world from the harm of the evil creatures known as ‘witches.’ However, as the story develops, an unstoppable darkness begins to take root, revealing that the tale of magical girls isn’t all what it seems to be.

There has always been a divide among fans as to what’s the best version of the “Madoka Magica” series, and for good reason, too: between the TV to Blu-ray/DVD edits, 2 remake films, and a whole slew of other details, there is more than enough “Madoka Magica” to go around. So, what’s different?

Well, for one, both of the retellings have incredible animation- so much so, in fact, it might have been easier to just redraw the whole thing from scratch; and, no, I’m not exaggerating: studio SHAFT (of the “Monogatari” series fame) knocked it out of the park in the visual department. It’s like it was specifically crafted for the big screen: a stunning color pallet, gorgeous fight scenes, jaw-dropping scenery- this film has it all: it’s almost daring you to not like it.

However, while all of the animation and sound departments are universally great, the fan base is nearly split down the middle at deciding which tells this magnificent story better; while the series did spend maybe a bit too much time at certain parts, the film took it to an extreme, almost to the point of entirely cutting a certain character’s backstory. Though it does make up for this by giving the aforementioned character significantly more screen time in the third and final film, it still doesn’t excuse the fact that it is still present.

I’ve already gone over what makes “Madoka Magica” so perfect in a previous TV series review (in fact, it was my second article on this site), so the only question that remains is: does this exceed the perfection of the original?

The short answer: yes.

The long answer: yes, but with a few exceptions- this was meant to be viewed as a trilogy. You can’t drop right into the third film, and you also certainly can’t go into the second (the first ends on a huge cliffhanger)- but that’s only because it was meant to be viewed as a trilogy.

As mentioned earlier, a certain character did get significantly less development than she had in the original TV run, but that’s completely intentional: not only does it make the development in the third film all the more memorable, but it also increases the impact in her death (not a spoiler) as well.

But, above all, that doesn’t matter: what truly matters is that, no matter what, “Madoka Magica” will still have that same impact, that same story: “Madoka Magica” will always reach down deep into even the most jaded heart, filling it with amazing hope and happiness, only to have it soured by the incredibly well-crafted despair only thought up by some of the top minds in the industry. No matter what version you watch first, “Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 1: Beginnings” is a truly unforgettable experience.

10/10- The final, complete form of an unforgettably beautiful story, “Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 1: Beginnings” is the first in a series of masterpieces; both clockwork and methodically gorgeous, this film is not to be missed.