As we approach the release of the highly anticipated film “Given: To the Sea,” which hits theaters on September 20, 2024, fans of the series are eager to see how this final chapter in the Given saga unfolds. This two-part film series concludes the beloved story, with “Hiiragi Mix” preceding the finale “To the Sea.” To commemorate the release, we sat down with Yuuma Uchida, the voice actor behind Ritsuka Uenoyama, for an in-depth interview on his experiences, character growth, and the musical impact of the Given franchise.
Reflecting on “Given: Hiiragi Mix” and Ritsuka’s Emotional Journey
When asked about “Given: Hiiragi Mix,” the first part of the movie series, Yuuma Uchida reflected on Ritsuka’s journey:
“I think this episode is about Ritsuka finding the answer to the question, ‘How do I face the things that are important to me?’ It was a story about making up one’s mind to live with the person you cherish most.”
Uchida highlights that Ritsuka’s internal struggles and decisions are central to his character arc. The emotional depth of the film showcases Ritsuka coming to terms with his feelings, leading to a climactic decision that drives the plot forward.
Acting Approach and the Importance of Dialogue
Yuuma Uchida noted that his approach to Ritsuka in “Given: To the Sea” did not differ much from his performance in “Hiiragi Mix.” He emphasized the importance of dialogue in building Ritsuka’s character, particularly in his interactions with Mafuyu, another key character in the series.
“The dialogue with Mafuyu was very important in building the emotional layers of Ritsuka’s character. It helped him evolve and express his inner thoughts more clearly through music.”
This focus on communication mirrors the themes of the series, where music often serves as a bridge between emotions that words alone can’t fully express.
The Music of Given: A Symbol of Hope and Emotional Support
Music has always played a pivotal role in Given, serving as both a storytelling tool and a source of emotional expression for the characters. Uchida expressed his admiration for how the music in Given represents hope and the strength that comes from mutual support.
“The music of Given, especially the songs where Mafuyu and Ritsuka’s sounds intertwine, teaches us that even weak hearts can become strong when we support each other.”
He also spoke about syh, the band featured in the series, highlighting how their music brings hope to listeners, particularly in the climactic moments of the film.
Ritsuka’s Transformation: From Silence to Expression Through Music
Throughout the anime series, OADs, and films, Ritsuka’s growth as a character has been profound. Uchida shared his thoughts on Ritsuka’s transformation from the start of the anime to the final film.
“At the beginning of the series, Ritsuka struggled to express his emotions. But over time, especially as he deepened his relationship with Mafuyu, music became his way of communicating his feelings. Watching Ritsuka grow and change has been one of the most rewarding parts of portraying him.”
This evolution showcases how Ritsuka’s love for Mafuyu and his connection to music helped him find his voice, both figuratively and literally.
Yuuma Uchida’s Final Thoughts and Recommended Scenes
As the interview concluded, Yuuma Uchida shared his personal favorite moments from “Given: To the Sea.”
“There’s so much emotion packed into ‘syh’s’ song in the film, ‘To the Sea.’ It’s something that I hope fans will listen to over and over again.”
With its beautiful blend of heartfelt performances and emotionally charged music, “Given: To the Sea” is set to deliver a powerful conclusion to a story that has captivated audiences for years.
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