Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul continues the adventures of Riko, Reb, and Nanachi from the first TV series in 2017.
The film covers the middle of Volume 4 to Volume 5 of the original comic, but it does more than just adapt the story. It brings its own style and direction that make it stand out as a movie.
One of the film’s main strengths is its focus on Riko and Reg. With fewer characters, the story can explore their relationship in greater depth.
By focusing on these two characters, viewers can connect more closely with their emotions, growth, and struggles.
TV Anime Series Began Airing in 2017
The TV anime Made in Abyss debuted in 2017, meticulously depicting the journey of Riko and Reg to the Abyss, serving as a prologue to their adventure. In 2022, the sequel to Made in Abyss, titled Made in Abyss: The Golden Country of the Blazing Sun, aired, continuing the story in deeper layers of the Abyss.
The original work is from a web comic.
Tsukushi Akihito’s manga, serialized on Takeshobo’s Comic Gamma, captivates readers with its crafted world and realistic storylines. The TV anime and films faithfully adapt this world with high quality.
Meaningful direction differing from the original work
This film covers the middle of Volume 4 to 5 of the comic, but is not a simple adaptation, as it integrates original cinematic direction unique to the theatrical version.
For example, in the film, Nanachi and Bondルド’s conversation omits mention of other White Flutes, a deliberate choice to withhold details about an important character’s debut.
The scene where Meeti’s meat lightbulb lights up again may also be original to the film. It shocks viewers familiar with the TV series; its meaning is still a mystery. Keeping this in mind may make future revelations more surprising.
A story that celebrates life while subjecting characters to suffering
Made in Abyss stands out because it portrays hardship and even graphic violence without resorting to shock value for its own sake. The challenges Riko, Reg, and Nanachi face can be hard to watch at times.
This suffering highlights the characters’ growth and resolve. When wounded, Rico declares, “I still have fingers that move. I can keep adventuring!” This moment depicts not just pain, but the drive to overcome and keep living—a testament to the “power of life.”
The pursuit of beauty is made possible only through animation.
The original manga is great, but the anime effectively utilizes animation’s movement and sound to tell the story.This is thanks to the studio’s technical prowess.
The meticulous backgrounds use light and shadow to symbolize the Abyss, with morning glow reflecting the theme of hope.
Every detail, from backgrounds to mechanical elements, is rendered with meticulous care. This craftsmanship gives the work realism and authenticity.
The twisted love Bondold displayed.
The film contains some intense scenes that may shock viewers. Bondold plays a key role, pulling Nanachi and his daughter Purushka into harsh experiments while claiming to study the Abyss’s curse. What happens to Purushka is especially sad.
The fight with Bondold pushes Rico and Reg to their physical and mental limits. More than just a battle, Bondold’s actions and words leave a deep mark on them.
Is Puru-shuka a daughter or an experiment?
Bondルド’s twisted love is disturbing. Puru-shuka is both an experiment and someone with genuine feelings, which makes her story all the more memorable. Bondルド shows both coldness and odd affection, and these complicated relationships are a big part of what makes the film interesting.
International Reactions and Reviews for Made in Abyss
Although the film contains some shocking moments, Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul receives widespread praise from fans worldwide and sparks lively discussions. Here are some reviews and reactions from sites like Reddit, IMDb, and Letterboxd.
From Reddit
- It’s being praised with phrases like “utterly magnificent,” “truly splendid,” and “the most beautiful thing.”
- Some call it one of the greatest theatrical experiences in anime history.
- Kevin Penkin’s score earns high praise, with visuals and music shaping the film’s unique atmosphere.
- Still, the story, along with its visuals and music, can be unsettling.
Viewers warn that the film is heartbreaking, intense, and sometimes cruel. Many find it emotionally exhausting.
- Although the art style appears cute, some people note that this film isn’t intended for children.
- Several reviewers describe it as an emotional rollercoaster.
- The emotional scenes resonate with adults, and Bondred is highlighted as a standout—creepy, complex, and memorable.
- Kevin Penkin’s music and the animation quality receive high marks.
Some people wish the side characters were developed more, but most still recommend the film, especially to fans of the original series.
Summary: The Essence of Beauty and Cruelty
Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul picks up Riko and Reg’s story from the TV anime and brings it to the big screen with impressive quality.
The film excels in world-building and explores profound themes that extend beyond cruelty. Characters withstand the Abyss’s curse, symbolizing the “power of life” with lines like ‘There are still fingers that move! We can keep adventuring!’
By focusing on a smaller group of characters, the film makes their relationships and emotions feel stronger, drawing viewers in even more.
The film is intense and not for everyone, but its visuals, music, and the Bondlord battle really impress fans. The mix of beauty and cruelty makes it unforgettable.
