Review of Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion (2013) by Kazamino — 27 Jan 2014

First off, you should of watched the original Puella Magi Madoka Magica episodes or the first two movies first before watching this Rebellion movie. Even though the creators say that it can be understood without seeing the original episodes, I highly doubt that. This movie was confusing and a huge knock-out punch even to people who are familiar with the show, but in a good way. Though confusing, Rebellion was a fantastic movie for fans around the world. However, it did raise many more questions than answers. This movie was originally going to be the final chapter of the series, but the director made the ending so that the franchise can continue, which is a good thing in my view. This movie is definitely NOT the finale for Madoka Magica.

This movie is definitely one that you will have to, and want to, watch more than once. Every time you watch it, you always find many things new. There is so much symbolism to be interpreted; some of it is hidden in metaphors and some of it is in the imagery. But, interpreting the symbolism is to me one of the main reason why this movie is so enjoyable and why you can watch it over again. It is like an Easter egg hunt to find and put together the pieces of the puzzle, and make connections to classic fables and stories that have been beautifully woven into this entire series and make up many of its foundations.

As for the animation and the music of this movie, it is very well done and beautiful. Throughout the movie, the animation of Gekidan Inu Curry (the duo who does the animation for the witches and their barriers) is present much more in this movie than in the previous films. Their animation adds to the unsettling theme of the movie, as intended.

The overall theme for Madoka Magica is rather depressing, and Rebellion is no exception. Rebellion has maybe a few more violent, disturbing and gruesome scenes in it than in the original episodes/movies. But, it also has some very cheerful scenes that are in great contrast of that gloomy theme. Though some believe that a few of the cheerful scenes or things have little relevance to the story/plot, it's nice to see the writers adding some jollier tones to lighten up the movie at least a little. This is a depressing movie.

In this movie, we get a much darker view on the main character and former (?) protagonist, Homura Akemi. I question the formality of protagonist, because it is unclear to the viewer if Homura's intentions at the end of Rebellion are good or evil. The writers warned that the ending to Rebellion would divide the fans, and this is probably what they meant. Some believe that Homura's intentions at the end of this movie were selfish, while others believe that Homura's intentions were selfless and justified. This is definitely something that will stick with the viewer.

A lot of thought was put into this movie (almost too much), and it is stunning to say the least.