Liz and the Blue Bird

The latest film by Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice) comes to theaters to touch the hearts of audiences around the world. Based on the anime series, Liz and the Blue Bird focuses on two high school friends, Mizore Yoroizuka and Nozomi Kasaki, in their last band competition. To end their high school career, the two musicians play “Liz and the Blue Bird,” featuring an elaborate oboe and flutist solo. While the song is supposed to showcase their strong friendship, their parts sound disjointed, underscoring a growing distance between them, as they talk of college and the future. This emotional and shocking coming of age story underscored by beautiful music is a masterpiece not to be missed. (PG, 90min)