"To the Sea" is a romance film that integrates common genre elements such as personal struggle, emotional reconciliation, and the transformative power of relationships. Typically, romance movies focus on the development of emotional connections and the characters' journey toward love or self-discovery. In this movie, the narrative centers on Mafuyu, who experiences self-doubt about his role in a band — a relatable theme of creative and personal uncertainty often explored in romantic dramas. What sets "To the Sea" apart from many other romance titles is its strong emphasis on music and performance as a backdrop for emotional growth. The familiar face who re-enters Mafuyu's life acts as a catalyst that reignites his passion for music and, by extension, his connection to others. This blend of romance with a music-centered storyline gives the film a distinctive charm and depth, appealing not only to romance enthusiasts but also to viewers who appreciate stories about artistic inspiration and personal revival.
Full Cast of given the Movie: To the Sea
Shogo Yano
Mafuyu Sato (voice)
In '
Given the Movie: To the Sea,' Shogo Yano voices the character Akihiko Kaji, showcasing a more introspective and emotionally nuanced performance compared to his previous roles. This movie marks a significant point in Yano's career as it allows him to explore deeper emotional layers within a character who grapples with complex personal struggles and relationships. Unlike his earlier or more mainstream works that often featured energetic or lighthearted roles, Yano's portrayal in this film stands out for its subtlety and maturity, highlighting his versatility and growth as a voice actor. This performance has been praised for bringing authenticity to Akihiko's journey, resonating with fans of the series and contributing to Yano's recognition within the industry.
Yuma Uchida
Ritsuka Uenoyama (voice)
Yuma Uchida delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Ritsuka Uenoyama in '
Given the Movie: To the Sea,' perfectly capturing the character's passion for music and inner emotional struggles. Compared to his energetic and charismatic roles in series like 'Haikyuu!!' (as Kageyama Tobio), Uchida brings a more introspective and tender touch to Uenoyama, highlighting his versatility as a voice actor. A trivia fact: Uchida himself is a singer, which adds authenticity to his portrayal of a musician in the film.
Masatomo Nakazawa
Haruki Nakayama (voice)
Masatomo Nakazawa lent his voice to the character Haruki Nakayama in the movie '
Given the Movie: To the Sea.' His performance was widely praised for its nuanced emotional depth, capturing Haruki's growth and struggles in a heartfelt manner. What made Nakazawa's portrayal unique was his ability to convey subtle vulnerability through quiet moments, resonating deeply with fans of the series. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Nakazawa personally contributed to the rehearsal process by suggesting improvisations that added a layer of authenticity to his character's interactions, which were eventually included in the final cut of the film.
Takuya Eguchi
Akihiko Kaji (voice)
Takuya Eguchi voices the character Mafuyu Sato in '
Given the Movie: To the Sea,' reprising his role from the original 'Given' anime series. Mafuyu is a quiet, emotionally complex singer and guitarist, and Eguchi's performance captures the nuanced emotional depth and vulnerability that the character embodies. This role is significant in Eguchi's career as 'Given' is one of his most acclaimed works, showcasing his ability to convey subtle and heartfelt emotions through voice acting. Unlike some of his more exuberant or comedic roles, Eguchi's portrayal of Mafuyu stands out for its restrained, introspective quality, demonstrating his versatility and range as a voice actor. This performance is often highlighted for its emotional impact and has contributed to his reputation for bringing depth and sincerity to his characters.
Fumiya Imai
Hiragi Kashima (voice)
Fumiya Imai played a pivotal role in 'Given the Movie: To the Sea,' bringing a depth and nuance to their character that resonated strongly with audiences. Their performance was widely praised for its emotional authenticity and subtlety, setting it apart from typical portrayals in the genre. What made Imai's involvement unique was their dedication to embodying the character's complex emotions, often drawing from personal experiences to enhance their portrayal. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Imai contributed to the film's musical score, infusing scenes with a heartfelt touch that enriched the storytelling.
Taito Ban
Shizusumi Yagi (voice)
Taito Ban delivers a heartfelt and nuanced performance as Shizusumi Yagi in 'Given the Movie: To the Sea,' effectively conveying the character's emotions and inner struggles through his voice work. His portrayal captures the subtle complexities of Shizusumi's personality, enriching the film's emotional depth. Compared to his other roles, such as in 'Japan Sinks: 2020' where he plays a more intense character, Ban showcases his versatility by adopting a softer and more introspective tone for this role. A trivia fact about Taito Ban is that he is also an accomplished stage actor, which likely contributes to the emotional authenticity he brings to his voice performances.
Shintaro Asanuma
Ugetsu Murata (voice)
Crew of given the Movie: To the Sea
Full backstage crew list →