Anime TV shows getting film releases is not uncommon. Whether it’s Detective Conan, My Hero Academia, or One Piece, they all have film adaptations. Non-canon films are especially popular, giving studios the chance to showcase more detailed animation than the TV series, thanks to the increased budget. However, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea, despite being a non-canon film, ultimately feels more like a TV special than a full theatrical experience — for better or for worse.
Taking place between seasons three and four of the show, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea follows the demon lord Rimuru Tempest (formerly Satoru Mikami from the human world, who died and was reincarnated as a slime in a fantasy world). While on vacation with his friends from the nation he founded, Tempest, they visit a resort island and encounter a mysterious woman named Yura. From there, a new incident unfolds against the backdrop of the boundless azure sea, quickly derailing their vacation plans.
Right from the start, the animation feels flat, more like an extended TV episode than a true theatrical feature. Movements are often stilted rather than smooth, and there’s a noticeable lack of dynamism during conversations and scenes — most dialogue unfolds with characters simply sitting still. Even the action sequences look flat, with CGI that stands out in a distracting way rather than enhancing the intensity. If the TV show consistently looks like this, it’s visually impressive for a series, but for a theatrical release, it feels underwhelming.
Narratively, although there are interesting ideas at play — the water dragon and the azure sea make for an intriguing concept and locale — I was never fully engrossed. The characters feel one-dimensional, and while Gobta and the film’s exclusive character, Yura, get a few moments to shine, those moments are too few and far between to make the overall journey meaningful. The final 30 minutes are the strongest part of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea and may partially justify the otherwise mediocre buildup.
While I understand that these non-canon films are designed primarily for loyal viewers — with newcomers being a secondary consideration — I feel the film makes minimal effort to help new audiences get fully onboard. It’s a double-edged sword. As someone who isn’t fully caught up on the show, I often found myself lost about who everyone was, and I do think that’s a shortcoming of the film. Other examples, like Detective Conan and My Hero Academia, do a solid job of offering enough backstory and recap to orient newcomers. That said, part of the responsibility is on me for being behind on the series.
The voice cast, both the original Japanese and English cast, does a commendable job with the material, continuing to bring these characters to life in fun and dynamic ways, and the soundtrack creates an engaging and energetic soundscape. Additionally, while I was never fully on board with what the film was trying to execute, it did make me want to catch up on the show. With a better understanding of the series, I might find a deeper appreciation for what this film is aiming to offer.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea is a tad disappointing. What ultimately feels like an extended TV special rather than a full film does make me want to catch up on the show, but I was never truly entertained by what it had to offer. While it isn’t terrible, it isn’t great either, and it could have been something more.
★★ 1/2
In UK cinemas 1st May / Brittney Karbowski, Ryan Reynolds, Allegra Clark, Christopher Corey Smith, Yuri Lowenthal / Dir: Yasuhito Kikuchi / Crunchyroll / 12A
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