
That is not to say that the ending is unsatisfying or sudden I would very much say that this is a very good point to stop, basically right after the big 'Holy cow!' revelation of the series (and thus probably the reason for the eight-four split). It ends with a cliffhanger, leaving pretty much all plot points dangling. The first movie is very much a first part. I'm not perfectly sure why you would cut twelve episodes into two movies in an eight-four division instead of six-six, but I'm sure it'll make sense as soon as I've watched the second part.

I wouldn't say that anything important was left out, though in some scenes I felt like the passing of time was undermined a little. From its contents, well, it's just the first eight episodes of the series, streamlining a few parts. The direction is also superb, as it already was in the series. The upgraded visuals are stunning, yet also very familiar it's basically the same just with a higher budget (unlike, e.g., the Evangelion movies which used a bunch of questionable CGI in addition to the series' cel animation). The soundtrack is fantastic, mostly using the excellent pieces from the series with a few new additions.

From its technical aspects, this movie is excellent. I just don't really see the point of turning a twelve-episode series into a two-installment movie series. Make no mistake, it is a very good movie. The most acute fans will notice director Akiyuki's name is officially spelled in English Shimbou now instead of the usual Shinbo for some reason.The first 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' movie is a direct adaptation of the eponymous series, containing the events of the first eight episodes while leaving the last four to its sequel.


Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie -Walpurgisnacht: Rising - Cast, staff, teaser trailer revealed
