They translated this anime into a live action so exquisitely. I am beyond impressed. I thought the only way competitive Karuta was interesting was because they depicted in through animation. I was so wrong. I was just as thrilled as I was with the anime... maybe even more so. To see actual humans move that fast and with such precision was amazing. I was on the edge or my seat and cheering along just like I did with the anime. The cast is perfect. Absolutely perfect. They all embody the characters from the anime so well. It's truly as if you get to see them come to life. Especially the actresses for Chihaya and Kana. I think those two could have been easily overdone, but they straight up nailed it. The beauty, the poetry, the camaraderie, the magic, the feels... this film really captured it all and then some. I still had my chills after the end and tears forming. I'm very much looking forward to watching part 2. But most of all, it has me having a hard time being patient for the next season of the anime.