The Irregular at Magic High School makes its return with The Irregular at Magic High School THE MOVIE -Yotsuba Succession Arc-, a feature-length film that continues a complicated but intriguing story between the brother-sister duo of Tatsuya Shiba (VA: Yūichi Nakamura) and Miyuki Shiba (VA: Saori Hayami). The Irregular at Magic High School THE MOVIE -Yotsuba Succession Arc- serves as a pivotal chapter in the story with conspiracies and a great challenge that puts the two’s relationship in jeopardy.
Tatsuya and Miyuki have been have been on a year and half full of adventures while attending their magical high school. With three seasons in the history books, The Irregular at Magic High School has reached a point where important decisions must be made in the siblings’ second year in high school. The next head of the Yotsuba Clan must be decided, and with Miyuki in the crosshairs, her relationship with Tatsuya, as well as her own feelings, must be met head on.
Editor’s note: there will be spoilers for the events of The Irregular at Magic High School THE MOVIE -Yotsuba Succession Arc-.
The Irregular at Magic High School THE MOVIE -Yotsuba Succession Arc- Addresses the Elephant in the Room
The wheels begin to turn when Miyuki receives an invitation to the New Year’s Banquet, hosted at the Yotsuba Clan’s headmanor. Maya Yotsuba (VA: Chiwa Saitō) and the heads of each branch family will be in attendance, and the next head of the clan will be announced. Of course, Miyuki would rather not become the head, since she would be forced to marry and let go of Tatsuya. The series has been building up to a point where Miyuki’s feelings for Tatsuya, who doesn’t see her in the same romantic light, must be addressed directly. This movie does address this situation, somewhat.
The incest angle of Tatsuya and Miyuki’s relationship isn’t what you typically see in anime or doujin titles these days, where it’s comical or wholly sexual. Tatsuya loves his sister deeply but only in a familial sense. She’s been there for him through thick and thin, and equally, he’s been there for her as a guardian of sorts. Tatsuya has clearly had an effect on Miyuki, who loves him deeply but in a more romantically intimate sense despite knowing that she’s wrong for doing so. As a result, Miyuki’s internal thoughts often clash, romance and rational often mixing with no clear answers in sight for her. However, if there’s one thing she can do for her brother, it’s ensure his freedom for a better life, which can be secured by being the next head of the clan.
With time running out, Miyuki takes a spotlight with many scenes in the film. While there is some action with Tatsuya in the fray, there’s a lot of exposition in the film that keeps things moving forward. Conspiracies and hidden truths, including important details about the Shiba family, were revealed in active scenes and in flashbacks. In short, much of what the film explores directly ties to Tatsuya and Miyuki’s trauma and relationship, rather than action scenes and momentous battles. Without spoiling much more, there is a resolution, but it’s not entirely a full one and leaves the door open.
A Film That The Irregular at Magic High School Fans Can’t Miss
That being said, The Irregular at Magic High School THE MOVIE -Yotsuba Succession Arc- was a really great watch with a lot of brilliant visuals that emphasize the motions of the characters, ranging from joy to despair. The exposition and character dialogue are often accompanied by well-animated scenes and cinematic shots, making it an eye-catching experience with its art and overall direction. The music doesn’t move the needle for the anime series, but it still suits the movie and works well with the drama and moments of the film. LiSA’s new song for the film, “Yes,” is also fantastic, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise at this point.
If anything, it’s a really good feature film adaptation that brings meaningful character development and finally answers questions I’ve been having about the Shiba family and the clan’s background, all while progressing Tatsuya and Miyuki’s relationship. Though, I definitely understand if someone would get tired of the direction the story is going with the sibling pair. Instead of tying loose ends, The Irregular at Magic High School THE MOVIE -Yotsuba Succession Arc- is an important chapter that sets the stage for the story going forward, so I’m curious about what “Part II” of the anime series will entail.
The Irregular at Magic High School THE MOVIE -Yotsuba Succession Arc- is playing in theaters in the U.S. and Canada for just three days only on November 1, 3, and 4 in Japanese with English subtitles and an English dub. Fans can catch up with the previous three seasons, streaming now on Crunchyroll.
Disclaimer: Crunchyroll provided access to The Irregular at Magic High School THE MOVIE -Yotsuba Succession Arc- for review purposes.
