The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes (2022) User Reviews

The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 19 July 2023]

This reminded me quite a lot of "Suzume" from earlier this year, only here we have a tunnel rather than a door! It's the same boy meets girl type scenario - with both Kaoro and Anzu coming from families with tragedy in their recent history. Legend has it that the Urashima tunnel can grant you anything you wish - but it works out that for 108 seconds in there it takes 3 days off your life in the real world. Kaoro is determined to get his younger (and frankly rather annoyingly enthusiastic) sister back; Anzu to discover the secrets of her grandfather's manga writing so she can excel. The two meet at a railway station, attend the same school and gradually bond - discovering and exploring this mysterious tunnel and ultimately questioning just what they really want from life. The narrative does mingle a careful what you wish for aspect with a grass is always greener one - and the story is quite effective when it dwells on that scenario. Sadly, though, there is just a little bit too much baggage around the characterisations, a touch too much teenage angst and though the animation is quite watchable, the story is over-stretched. It's a nice to watch film, with a pleasing score, but it's not especially original or memorable, I'm afraid.

Great visual, dull storytelling

[smoothrunner · 6/10 · 26 May 2023]

A schoolboy meets a schoolgirl on the railway station and gives her umbrella. You're right if you immidiately thought about love story, because that's how romances begin in recent anime. The "The Tunnel to Summer" is full of such cliches and you shold be ready for them while watching this anime like you are ready to the fact that there are little to no differences between fast foods' menus. The boy is your stereotypical male lead from modern anime: average in all aspects possible, anxious, whiny, hyper-reflective, impulsive, obsessive, self-absorbed, lacking common sense, intellectually and emotionally dull. In other words he is typical psychasthenic. The girl also matches current tropes - she is determined, rational and brave. Overall that's your another modern cliche with gender roles inversion. How refreshing indeed. The boy and the girl are in some way alike because both of them have problems with their parents and struggling to find a way out of their current situation. To cope the boy clinged to the past and the girl clinges to her dream of becoming mangaka.

That's where fantastic element comes into action. The boy finds a mysterious tunnel where you can find something that you lost in the past. The tunnel has a different time flow with hours there being years in the real world. So the boy and the girl begin to explore the tunnel in order to gain their wishes from it. The boy wants to ressurect his deceased sister while the girl wants to find in the tunnel a talent for manga that she thinks she is lacking (no logic here, since you can't find there something you didn't have - yet another clumsy sacrifice for the plot progression). In the process they fell in love with each other but since it's an anime they are unwilling to admit and reveal their feelings untill it's almost too late. The moral here is that you should not cling to the past but look into future. End of story. There are many plotholes and dumb acts in the process but overall that's it because this boring and tedious anime indeed ends abruptly.

The name "The Tunnel to Summer" is most probably a refference to Heinlein's "The Door into Summer" where the protagonist is trying to find a way out of the disastrous situation he stucked in. Heinlein's novel is also dealing with time shifts and a love which survives through years. But where in "The Door into Summer" the main character is actively searching for his "door into summer", putting all his efforts and ingenuity into this, the protagonist of "The Tunnel to Summer" is passively wasting his life and endagering his love by obsessively clinging to his past. Giving the tendency of anime protagonists to became more and more dumb and mentally disordered it's a good thing he realizes his problem after all. But really, he is not the best example to follow for the young adults. Heinlein's protagonist is much better suited for this role. Not to mention that "The Door into Summer" is a much more enthralling and imaginative read.

But "The Tunnel to Summer" has its pros. First of all it has great visual both in terms of drawing style and the animation. The main characters are aesthetically appealing and likable despite their density. Also this anime has positive moral message and happy ending, which is a great feat in the times of hypersentimental and decadent storytelling.

Thrilling, underrated and emotional

[gokussaiyan4 · 8/10 · 22 August 2023]

This movie is a hidden gem that is well-directed, animated, straightforward and beautiful story and dialogues. The story begins beautifully with the introduction of a new transfer student, a girl named Anzu Hanashiro. She quickly forms a bond with the main character, Kaoru Tono, and the two of them develop a close friendship.

The animation and scenery are top-notch, creating a truly atmospheric and immersive experience. The characters are also lovable and easy to get attached to, making the story even more engaging.

The movie is heartfelt and will make you feel a range of emotions, from sadness to happiness. The gloomy environment and the characters' struggles will tug at your heartstrings, but there are also moments of joy and hope that will leave you feeling uplifted.

Overall, this is a beautiful and moving film that is sure to stay with you long after you watch it. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys animated movies with strong emotional stories like kiminonawa, koenokatachi, etc.

Simple. Yet powerful

[tomerkh · 7/10 · 17 September 2023]

Do you have it? That precious thing lost in the fabric of time. That relationship, that person, that experience that you wish you could return to?

So what would it take, what are you willing to pay, to go back and re live that moment?

I think this is the main idea the anime attempt to crack. I like this line of thinking since it is something that everyone, EVERYONE, can relate to (we all have those memories we wish we could be part of again). But, it was not the case, at least not for him. The protagonist does not try to relive an experience, He wants to flee from the present into the past, to that same experience he yearns.

Well, the hatred of the present actually blinded him of what he's going to loose, what he's giving up, and only when he payed the price he understand he should not have done at.

I find that a really good message, no matter how bad you think your life is, there is always a point of light out there you should try to hold on to.

The movie, I think, suggests a nice point of view on our life and the way we perceive it, It reminds me "About Time" but from a different angle.

Although some stuff in the movie felt forced and not genuine (Sometimes it felt that things happened because the story dictated that, and not through natural line of cause and effect) I still enjoyed watching it, and I'm sure that you will too.

Not bland. But almost.

[nwuerger · 6/10 · 25 January 2024]

The interesting premise and beautiful atmospheric cinematography are sadly being held back by a distinct lack of strong emotional reactions from our protagonists.

Coming into this after watching "Your Lie in April", it's painfully obvious this movie just needed more CONTRAST: The constant somber tone and expressionless characters made me not care for anything that was happening - We don't get to see the characters struggle and suffer when they should, and we don't get to see them overjoyous when they should be either.

It's a shame, because the story, though predictable, was enjoyable to follow.

Gorgeous visuals with a predictable plot

[MovieWarfare · 7/10 · 2 December 2023]

This is a typical boy meets girl story with a supernatural twist of a tunnel that can grant your wish but every 3 seconds in the tunnel equates to 2 hours outside. Just from this premise alone, you can guess exactly what is going to happen. The plot is incredibly predictable with tons of cliche tropes.

However, what it lacks in plot, it makes up for it in everything else. The art style and characters are visually appealing. The interactions between our main leads are enjoyable to watch. The animation is gorgeous. The soundtrack is terrific. The theme and message are incredibly heartfelt.

The ending does raise a lot of questions but the overall experience was enjoyable. It is not going to be for everyone but for anyone craving more of that sweet anime romance, this is a good one to watch.

This is a movie anime that has so much sentimental value, with great key messages hidden under minimal storytelling (but captivating) waiting for you to discover!

[abstk · 10/10 · 11 April 2023]

In my opinion, Tunnel to Summer is undeniably will be one of interesting best 2023 anime candidates to being considered.

Based on my experience, watching Tunnel to Summer without knowing storyline & its trailer would provide an exceptionally captivating experience and this will grow on you If have chances of finish reading its original Light Novel & Manga

Because the main storyline and key messages of both novel and anime is almost the same. The differences are in details + the novel kinda has semi-spinoff story.

Some examples of why the movie is worth spending time watching it :

• Great meaningful key messages
• Other than high quality animation & cinematography, I'm being blown away first time seeing tunnel's interior design and still nowadays curious about inspiration/reference why the tunnel looks like that. I'm really want to see interview from director!

• beyond expectations emotional drama scenes
• Great soundtracks that has its meaning matched with the storyline (Pre-Romance, Finale. & Katappo by eill)

The only downside until now I can think is the storytelling toward the end is quite accelerated to jump into the climax scene which is understandable But if your brain is not fast enough, you might overlooked some interesting detail of the movie.

( It's a bit similar to the feeling of just finished watching Neon Genesis Evangelion, but Tunnel to Summer is extremely much easier to understand❕)

intresting concept, and incredible animation, sadly brought down by average charecters, and a lack of soundtrack

[matarab-31722 · 7/10 · 12 May 2024]

This movie is pretty good, the story has an intresting concept of a tunnel that grants wishes but takes away time, i was really invested in that concept, the animation is also top notch, with alot of details, sadly this movie was severly brought down by its average charecters, not that their bad, its just that their not that good either, dont get me wrong, i liked the cast of charecters in this movie, my problem is that they dont really have anything special about them that other anime protagonists dont have, making them feel bland, my second problem with this movie is that the soundtrack is lacking, i get its for atmosphere, but i feel like some scenes shouldve included a soundtrack to make the movie more immersive, but overall even though its not a must watch, i do reccomend to watch this movie at least once.

A Beautiful and Thought-Provoking Tale of Grief, Love, and Acceptance

[ranadeavadhut · 9/10 · 20 June 2023]

The film is beautifully animated with muted colors that perfectly capture the film's melancholic atmosphere. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the voice acting is top-notch. The film's pacing is slow but deliberate, allowing the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the story.

The film's central message is that we should cherish the present moment and not dwell on the past. The tunnel represents the temptation to go back in time and change the past, but the film ultimately shows that this is a futile endeavor. The film also explores the power of first love and how it can help us to heal from past trauma.

Overall, The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes is a beautifully animated and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of grief, loss, and first love. The film is a must-see for fans of anime and coming-of-age stories.

Here are some of the things that make the film stand out:

The film's unique premise and setting.

The film's beautiful animation and muted colors.

The film's well-developed characters and relatable story.

The film's slow but deliberate pacing.

The film's central message about cherishing the present moment.

Here are some of the things that viewers might not like about the film:

The film's slow pacing.

The film's focus on melancholy themes.

The film's ambiguous ending.

Overall, The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes is a well-made and emotionally resonant film that is sure to resonate with viewers who are looking for a thoughtful and introspective anime film.

A Moving Anime Adventure that Delightfully and Gracefully Addresses Love, Loss, and the Difficulties of Saying Goodbye

[Mysterygeneration · 6/10 · 8 January 2024]

Tomoyuki Kawamura's anime film "The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes" tackles the themes of love and grief. The narrative centers on the reunion of Shinpei and Kana, childhood friends who are about to say goodbye. The film's slow pacing and powerful images enable audiences to completely lose themselves in the protagonist's emotional journey. The film explores the bittersweet beauty of love and the inevitable nature of parting, capturing the fleeting essence of life's moments. "The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes" is an endearing and reflective anime that stays in viewers' hearts, reminding them of the transient nature of time and the enduring power of love. It does this through its poignant tale, moody animation, and deep examination of the human experience.

Refreshingly Simple, a Narrative Rarity Not to be Missed

[ninjawizard-07308 · 9/10 · 15 June 2023]

I watched this film recently on an international flight.

I found my seat, waved the ground goodbye, and began to peruse the onboard movie catalogue. Hollywood hits, classics, and some foreign one-offs made up 90% of the selection. Then, I stumbled upon one that stood out, one I had not seen (or heard of, frankly) before. Intrigued, I read the brief description. Something along the lines of, "A boy hears rumors about a tunnel that grants wishes, and embarks on a journey to retrieve his deceased sister." Blunt, if not dark, but I decided to give it a chance.

What followed was an emotional, and beautifully animated, masterpiece that simultaneously maintained a refreshingly simple storyline. The characters are believable, the setting is appropriate, and the ending left me content. To be honest, I had to stifle my tears near the climax.

In this age of films with confusing narratives that need three or four sequels to make even a lick of sense, I was astounded by how well "The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes" captured the long lost art of telling a satisfying story in 90 minutes. There is joy, there is grief, and there is riveting conflict that makes you cheer on the protagonist.

Best of all, the movie ties its loose ends. I wouldn't ask for more, and I couldn't ask for less.

Overall, I can only look back on "The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes" with a warmth in my heart. I'm told a lovely story that doesn't leave me yearning for more, but instead leaves me content. I would highly recommend you watch this with a friend or loved one, and share the happiness of indulging in a fulfilling movie.

A Combination of Interstellar and Your Name

[asayed-63121 · 7/10 · 9 June 2023]

The movies is kind of a combination between Inception and Your Name, but the result turns out to be mixed.

The animation is beautiful, especially the sequences in the titular Urashima Tunnel. The use of CG creates a breathtaking image, and gives it a otherworldy feeling.

The plot does tries its best to be emotionally engaging, but the climax is not as tear-jerking as it wants to be. The World Building and the rules were relayed to us. But for some reason, you are not left with emotions at the climax of the film.

The characters all had relatable motovations and were given ample enough to work with, and I think the voice actors did a decent job of bringing them to screen.

One minor setback that I noticed was the grammatical mistakes in the subtitles. I don't know it was only my experience or it was universal.

Good themes, poor execution

[NgaiTranAnh · 5/10 · 1 December 2023]

Honestly, this was one of my most anticipated anime releases of the year after the little buzz that it gained sometimes in 2022. Unfortunately, the interesting premise and meaningful message of the film were not enough to make it a truly compelling story like its counterpart that also came out this year - Suzume.

Let's start with the positives. The movie had a really decent theme about cherishing what you already have instead of opting for a shortcut to gain what you want quickly. The most recent film in my memory that executed it well was Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. As for the main couple, the film did try to give them reasonable motives so the audience can get behind their actions.

However, unlike Puss in Boots, this film lacked the proper execution to really transmit its ideas and messages to the moviegoers. The first problem was with the runtime - 1h22m. Excluding the credits that's probably just a bit over an hour. That's at least 30-40 minutes short compared to other films of the same genre. As a result, a lot of the story threads and character conflicts were resolved in a matter of seconds without any slow time for the characters to process what was going on. As mentioned before, I understood the main characters (Anzu and Tono) motivations, but they literally explained their backstory within a few lines. A classic example of "show, don't tell". Both characters also have personal problems with their families, and the film could have explored a beautiful story them, but the film just kinda forgot about those story lines. What happened to Tono's dad? Has Anzu made up with her parents? How do their friends feel about all this? The ending was extremely rushed as well, with Tono making a difficult decision with very little hesitation like it was nothing, and it seemed to be happy ending. Okay, I'm going to spoil a bit about the ending now, so stop reading if you haven't seen the film or read the light novel.

So it was revealed in the end that Tono was in the tunnel for at least 10 years. How does he feel about all that time being gone (I know it was probably a few days for him, but that's not how a regular person would react when 10 years of their life was gone in a flash) How would he confront his father or friends after all these years? How would the public react when a man who's been gone for years just popped back put of nowhere? And as for Anzu, was she seriously hung up on a guy she knew for a month in over 10 years? Honestly, the ending probably aimed for a moment of satisfaction when the couple reunited, but it all felt shallow to me.

The animation was fine, but nothing exceptional. The voice acting felt underwhelming, and some of the insert music choices really put me off the scenes.

I haven't read the light novel yet, but I sure hope it is better than this film. I would not recommend seeing the movie in theaters (like I did). Wait for it to come out on streaming because I don't think it is worth getting to cinema to see this.

A Hidden Gem: Understated, atmospheric, hearfelt and sincere story

[ariadnipd · 8/10 · 4 June 2023]

I have never watched another romance anime like this before. It really stand out from the crowd of pop-coloured kawaii anime movies out there.

Two high school students discover a tunnel where time bends and twists bizarrely and where your deepest wish can come true, although at a cost.

The animation is beautiful and the muted colours add to the atmosphere,realism and sincerity of the plot. The firework scene at the summer festival is beautiful. The movie is very heartfelt and sincere because of the simple plot and straightforward dialogue, not despite of them.

If you are looking for a romantic anime movie that doesn't have the traditional blockbuster style and plot to appeal to the masses but stays true to its own vision and style, this one is for you!

A thrilling experience that I will never forget, subjective? Maybe...

[Sourcey · 10/10 · 16 July 2023]

I would have never thought I would end up going on a date with a Japanese girl to a cinema in Europe, on the last screening of Natsu e no tunnel, Sayonara no deguchi, subbed.

I have to say that I didn't even read the synopsis going into this movie. We both didn't know much about it, but everything was exceeding our expectations. Starting with the animations, the first few scenes can tell you enough as to how the rest of the anime will be, detailed, colourful, cosy and most of all unintrusive. Almost all the locations shown were so realistic and natural as my Japanese friend told me, that the locations depicted in the movie almost feel like the places she has seen daily growing up and commuting to school. Continuing with the voice actor of Kaoru, he is an actor rather than a voice actor, which is usually not a good sign as I was told by my newly met Japanese friend. However, he did a wonderful job, especially the scenes of him running out of breath, we both agreed that everyone did an outstanding performance, especially with the supporting role by Kaoru's father (Rikiya Koyama). I wouldn't even say that the movie started slow, it kept you interested from the beginning until the end, the premise felt relatable to both of us, especially about things related to the families depicted in the movie, that we shared an hour before that. The charisma between Kaoru and Anzu was outstanding, the way they felt and spoke to each other was like a Russian roulette of feelings. The ending was rewarding, to say the least, the unexpected twist that was just right and almost unforeseen.

Subjective, maybe... But I believe the experience in viewing a story is just as important as the story itself. Thank you for reading, I have never wrote a review before.

This Movie Deserves More Respect

[gokhansoyturk-50472 · 8/10 · 19 August 2023]

This show draws you into the film with animations and music and with our couple. The characters' mental states are well reflected. The situation with the main character is well described in the film.

The story is a little rushed but well-written. If it were a little longer, a better movie could have emerged.

And I can't go by without touching Hanashino Anzu. It was a respectful attitude that they felt toward our protagonist, that he still didn't forget for eight years since he entered the tunnel.

Overall, when you watch The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes, you will feel the same as the characters.

Thrilling

[kobewaja · 10/10 · 13 March 2024]

The first time they met I thought they were classmates because he suddenly loaned Anzu an umbrella and that's when I found out that they are not classmates when Anzu asked for a name and contact number so that Anzu could return the one that Kaoru had lent him. What I can say is it's beautiful especially the last part 1:16:08 they met again after 13 years and Anzu is still carrying the umbrella that Kaoru lent her.

I will be rate this 10/10 👌 no lie for me the best movie anime.

Well i dont know how to review and even my English is not good but i know a little I only translate the others if I don't know the word translate in English so i can review it. Don't mind my grammar i know there is some of my grammar is wrong 😀

surprisingly moving

[johnryeh-49694 · 8/10 · 7 November 2023]

For me personally, this movie resonated. I happen to like anime. Saw this was playing and bought a ticket without knowing what to expect. The sci-fi/fantasy trappings were just backdrop for an effective teen, romantic drama. The young characters were believable in their sincerity and their youthful mistakes. The boys search for his sister was the most moving element of the plot for me. It really reminded me of Graveyard of the Fireflies. There were real similarities between those two movies in the mourning for a lost sibling. That was the most moving thing for me. I identified with the female character's search ofr talent and artistry. That felt realistic and well done. I liked the ambiguity of the tunnel and what it really was also. It was there but mostly as a tool to forward the plot. And visually, it was very well animated and well done. For some people, I can see this film being too slow paced and boring. People looking for sci-fi action will not get it here. This is a teen romantic drama. And I thought, a very good one.

Looking Beyond A Tunnel with Impressive Visuals and A Simplistic, Yet Captivating Story

[valen060 · 9/10 · 5 November 2023]

What I think best describes "The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes" is it's undeniably proven that it can succeed as one of the anime film greats before it. Based on the light novel by Mei Hachimoku and adapted into film by Tomohisa Taguchi, I was already curious over what this would be about. After viewing the remarkable fantasy, sci-fi drama Suzume by Makoto Shinkai, I started to see elements of it somewhat similar to that movie in this one in terms of grief and acceptance. But of the few notable differences here is instead of a door, it's a tunnel. Likewise the budding romance in this film is shown to be focused on more than what Suzume had.

Set in the year 2005, the plot focuses on high school student Kaoru Touno as he lives a mundane life with an alcoholic father and all things simple. That changes completely when he meets troubled girl Anzu Hanashiro at the local train station in his little town outside Tokyo, who is indifferent towards anyone around her. When she becomes a new student in his class, he and her slowly start to hit it off when they both discover the mysterious Urashima Tunnel that is said to grant wishes on whomever enters it.

Visually, it's something to ponder over when seeing these characters walk right into a void that can be difficult to comprehend to hold your imagination. Emotionally however, it brought out something meaningful that they've likely missed in their lives. For Kaoru, he misses a deceased loved one, while Anzu fears her dreams of becoming a professional manga artist won't be good enough to share with the public. With each passing day of the two venturing into this tunnel, they suddenly start growing closer that their feelings begin to show how much they really care about each other rather than fulfilling desires alone. While the anime tropes of the male protagonist tends to be simple, impulsive and anxious. Likewise for the female protagonist who is determined and rational. It's all woven differently to create a new story.

To me, the tunnel itself serves as a metaphor for "acceptance" as anyone who enters it would also see things that mattered in their lives and how to cope over what once transpired or will transpire. My one nitpick over this entire movie is that it rushed on the character development to build on the climactic ending due to the realization that the longer they stay in the tunnel, time moves faster outside of it. I think more could've been told if given more time to flesh out everything. But overall, I commend Taguchi's direction and I think this has become a hidden gem in this ever-growing library of anime films. As someone who's into fantasy, sci-fi drama fare with a decent story, it's definitely worth checking out.