I loved the first movie, so I was hesistant yet excited to watch the 2nd one. Like the first one it has beautiful cinematography, great acting and good music direction. However, it pales severely to the first one in terms of story and script.

The inclusion of Arata in this movie was kind of weird? It was like he was there but not. His screen time definitely increased compared to the first but I didn't really feel any weight behind it. I know the director intended for us to feel Arata's regain of passion for Karuta but it fell flat for me. Also it was like his inclusion was more of a way to heighten the tension of the "love triangle". I just didn't buy it and frankly, while I don't plan to watch the third movie, I'm betting money she'll friendzone both and play Karuta instead. LMAO.

The side characters barely got any screen time, this is more of a note rather of a complaint since the story is really about the three main protagonists.

As the first movie, Chihaya remains the shining beacon. The acting was natural and wonderful. I didn't really understand why she was just SO fixated on the Queen and just abandoning her friends in the first part. I know she had her speech about not losing anyone and beating the queen would help her do that...But I didn't really buy it tbh.

I am being kind of harsh on this movie, but since the first one was actual 10/10, it was kind of sucky that this movie wasn't nearly anywhere close to its caliber.