Fantastic film.

Narratively it's not particularly innovative or anything, but the strength of this series isn't narrative innovation, it's in how the feelings of the characters are expressed. Nozomi's passion and frustration are very real and visceral, and wonderfully expressed thanks both to the excellent direction (there's a scene with two characters crying on a rain-drenched soccer pitch that's fantastic) and, of course, Miyuri Shimabukuro's fantastic performance as Nozomi, which manages to be brash and subtle at the same time.

Apart from a couple comments from her teammates, and a very funny scene at the end of the film, the film doesn't try to shoehorn in any romance, which is smart. Like Nozomi herself, the focus should be soccer (though Sawa is completely in love with Nozomi don't @ me).

The TV series that serves as a sequel to this film looks like absolute ass; just as the women in the series are struggling for resources and recognition, so, ironically, is the TV production. This film, on the other hand, IS a step up from the TV series in terms of its production value; unfortunately, that just places it on the level of a slightly above-average TV production, rather than what you might hope to see from a feature film. This isn’t exactly Kyoto Animation.

That said, it's a pleasure to watch; there are some lovely lighting and shadow effects, and the animation is mostly smooth and natural. The fact that director Seiki Takuno can make the TV series as visually compelling as it is even with what little resources they seem to have speaks to their skills as a director, and so seeing them work with some ACTUAL resources here is a treat. The big sweeping CG shots are pretty great also, even if you sometimes catch a glimpse of someone's face and it's horrifying early-era LOVE LIVE deadness. But it gives a scope and an energy to the matches that is unfortunately lacking in the TV series. The matches there are well-directed, but they’re often kneecapped by an overabundance of single frame shots and jerky close-ups. Here, Takuno can stretch their directing chops a little, and the soccer matches really sing.

Anyway, obviously I really liked this film. It's a prequel, so even if you're not watching/have no interest in the TV series, I heartily recommend it. And if you were turned off by the TV show's poor production values, then here's a good chance to get a taste of the excellent writing, acting, and direction with some actually good animation (if you were turned off by the ugly art style and the fish lips, well, shikataganai).

(there's also a fun post-credits scene with cameos from the TV series; though, if you've been watching the TV series that scene was already spoiled. Thanks, COVID.)