Is Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In 2026, a new machine called the Augma is developed to compete against the NerveGear and its successor, the Amusphere. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "In 2026, a new machine called the Augma is developed to compete against the NerveGear and its successor, the Amusphere. A next-gen wearable device, the Augma doesn't have a full-dive function like its predecessors. Instead, it uses Augmented Reality to get players into the game. It is safe, user-friendly and lets users play while they are conscious, making it an instant hit on the market. The most popular game on the system is “Ordinal Scale” an ARMMORPG developed exclusively for the Augma. Asuna and the gang have already been playing OS for a while, by the time Kirito decides to join them. They’re about to find out that Ordinal Scale isn’t all fun and games…"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Animation acting at its most potent.

The direction by Tomohiko Ito is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 119 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 7.7/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Tomohiko Ito respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Yoshitsugu Matsuoka or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.