AoT is probably one of the most popular series out there at the moment and I will admit that die-hard fans would find this disappointing. However, I am a die-hard fan myself and when I heard the news that a live-action was being made, I delved straight into research. I continued this research all the way from the beginning to even up to the point where I watched it myself.
First, I've always thought that live-action movies have never really been Japan's forte, plus considering the technical aspects of AoT I had a feeling CG and effects would be dodgy at some points. And honestly, I was IMPRESSED with the effects; yeah, some points I thought it could've been better and occasionally I rolled my eyes and thought, "Totally NOT a green screen." But equal many times I literally squealed in delight at the CG and effects, because it looked absolutely terrific during those times.
Secondly, for those of you who complain that it doesn't follow the original storyline at all. Isayama Hajime himself ASKED for the story to be different and it was up to the writers, yet to still keep the key elements. I found this out so long ago that I was prepared for something different the whole time, and I like the result. Except the ending, the last twenty or so minutes I feel as though the writers sort of lost their creative spark and tried to put in as many scenes from the manga as they could, which was disappointing.
Third, the acting and the characters. I liked the acting a lot in this movie, except for a few characters in some scenes. I thought Kiko Mizuhara played Mikasa beautifully and think no else could play the role better than her, honestly. I also liked how the writers gave Mikasa more of a "not taking any bullshit" attitude, but that's more of a personal preference, I suppose. Honestly, I just liked the general acting of characters.
Last thing, the scenery. Oh my lord how I loved the settings.The more crowded towns, the fields, the walls... AND THE GORE, wow. If there's anything I've learnt about Japan, is that they're not light on the gore for things like this. And I was absolutely LOVING IT.
Overall, I really liked this movie except for the ending, but hopefully the next movie will make up for it. I would watch this again at some point, no doubt. Just watch it with an open mind and don't criticize every point, then trust me, it's an enjoyable movie.
