Some of you had the chance to discover it during the Japan Expo 19th impact. For others, it's finally time to watch the first film of the Bungô Stray Stray Dogs – Dead Apple saga recently released on Crunchyroll !
Warning, risk of spoil, article to read at your own risk.
Bungō Stray Dogs – Dead Apple
Original title: 文豪ストレイドッグス DEAD APPLE (デッドアップル)
Format: film
Duration: 1h30
Release date : 03/03/2018
Genres: Mystere – superpower – supernatural
Type: seinen
Animation studio: Bones
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Synopsis of the film
A mysterious mist temporarily settles all over the world and leaves behind those in power who have committed suicide. The Agency decides to investigate this phenomenon, which is approaching Yokohama, and a certain Tatsuhiko Shibusawa, possibly involved in the case… (Crunchyroll)
An untold story
Bungô Stray Dogs – Dead Apple takes us back into the daily life of armed detectives. Note that this film does not follow the last two seasons. This is an untold story created by the anime team and writers. This film will nevertheless appeal to your memories by alluding to the pasts of certain characters.
On the scenario side, this mysterious mist gives our protagonists a hard time. The fact that the holders of power are directly affected is not surprising in itself, since almost all the characters of the series appear in this film. However, the way the events unfold and the fact that some characters are more or less involved in this dark story, allows us to see some bearers in a different light. New alliances are emerging, and some are unlikely, to say the least. The events follow one another particularly well, not leaving time for the viewer to get bored, which remains very pleasant. However, many questions remain unanswered, especially about the purpose of this attack.
For those who, like us, enjoy seeing our heroes face each other in frantic battles, rest assured! A number of fights are at the rendezvous and among them, fights that we would never have imagined. The latter are very pleasant to watch, the animation being very fluid and the scenery always so colorful. We expected no less from Bones animation studios (Mob Psycho 100, My Hero Academia 3). Once again, the animation of the series did not disappoint us. As for the soundscape, the soundtrack of Bungō Stray Dogs – Dead Apple is very pleasant to listen to. It allows us to appreciate even more the scenes of action, suspense or more nostalgic passages. These OSTs allow viewers to dive even further into the story to enjoy the smallest details.
A past that catches up with us
However, this film also has less attractive points, such as the lack of evolution of its main characters. Indeed, since the end of the second season, we could have imagined that Atsushi and Kyōka would no longer be haunted by their past. Unfortunately, this is not the case. A tiny part of the film's script is based on Atsushi's past and this part could have been addressed more deeply by dedicating, for example, a film based exclusively on it. This would have allowed the viewers to understand the character and his ghosts as a whole. Because as it stands, the few details revealed do not tell us much about what he may have experienced and the real reasons for his suffering.
Regarding Kyōka, its past is once again discussed, but little explored. Which in itself is not very interesting for the story. We may have to wait until the third season for the anime to see our detectives finally at peace with their past.
In addition, this film focuses mainly on Atsushi, Kyōka and Dazai on the detective side. A black spot because this film would have been an opportunity to highlight some characters little exploited in the anime, including Kenji, Yukichi or Ranpo. The latter appear in the film, but the viewer quickly forgets their presence, since they do not intervene directly in the course of events. Other films may see the light of day and may feature the forgotten characters of Dead Apple.
A sequel envisaged?
As mentioned earlier, several questions remained unanswered. Why involve Europe? This had no impact on history and on the contrary, this intervention could very well have been avoided. What is the real reason for this attack? Who is really Fyodor, the sorcerer? What does it have to do with Dazai? So many questions whose answers are still pending.
However, the final sentences of the film may also indicate that a sequel may be considered, although this was never officially announced.We can therefore wonder if this is not a foretaste for the third season that will be released, we remind you, in 2019.
Bungō Stray Dogs – Dead Apple is therefore a very pleasant film to watch, filled with action and twists. It will allow you to dive back into the heart of the Bungō Stray Dogs saga, although some elements still remain a mystery.
Bungō Stray Dogs – Dead Apple Trailer:
