A lot of fun.

A different way of telling a story

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

This feature was produced and set almost immediately after the end of the TV series, and released subtitled: "I Want to Return to That Day." The psychic fantasy and silly comedy elements which made the series such fun are now gone, and instead the movie goes straight for the heartstrings. Kyosuke must confront his feelings for both Hikaru and Madoka and deal with the relationship fallout as the friendly triangle at the center of the series comes apart, with jealousy, hurt feelings and recriminations flying in all directions. The familiar settings - the famous staircase, the ABCD diner, Green House, Madoka's house etc. - become emotional battlefields as the innocent fun of the series comes to its inevitable end. It is surprisingly powerful stuff coming on the heels of such a likable and rather lightweight series. As with any anime, liberal use of pathetic fallacy is made, as dramatic pauses are punctuated with gusts of wind and rainstorms break out just as tears well up in a character's eyes. Good looking and well crafted, this is one of the best and most famous post-series anime features and must viewing for fans of the series who were left wondering how things would turn out.

I thought the movie was great, but I just have to wonder where is Hino Yusaku at the one time that Hikaru needs him the most? He doesn't even appear in the movie (unless that was him standing outside the telephone booth.) At the very least he could have served as a punching bag for Hikaru to vent her feelings with. Maybe he was left out so that we get the impression that Hikaru was completely and helplessly abandoned. Much sadder that way. Of course I still haven't seen the sequel, so maybe that will explain what happened to him. If not, I think that it is a very glaring oversight to exclude him, even if the many purpose of his character was for comic relief. He would have been honor-bound to confront Kasuga and try to use the situation to let Hikaru know what kind of guy he really is. I just thought it funny about Hikaru's comment to the twins on how hard it was to found the right guy, when Yusaku was probably trailing along behind her off-screen.

After watching the whole series, and after have so many fun, I knew it wasn't to be a good end to the characters and your frienships. But in this movie, it happens to be so sad ... anyone who have some affection by the characters will certainly cry and above all you will have so much melancholy. It will mark you.

Well, I cried at the end of this movie too. And I'm a guy.Though the 2nd movie (Shin KOR Ano Natsu ni Hajimaru/Summer's Beginning) does reconcile a lot of the situations caused in this movie, Ano hi ni kaeritai is all the ending that's necessary to this series. If you're a fan of romance stories, this is certainly one to watch, as it's beautiful, atmospheric almost to the point of unbearability, and very honest. Sure, the animation's a bit dated, but I've yet to see any American animated feature attempt this with even the least bit of seriousness.Well worth your time, and I guarantee you'll never resort to WB teen soaps ever again!