The Last: Naruto the Movie

The Last: Naruto the Movie is a Japanese animated film released on 6 December 2014. Directed by Tsuneo Kobayashi and produced by Studio Pierrot, this film is based on the popular manga and anime series Naruto created by Masashi Kishimoto. The film features notable voice actors such as Junko Takeuchi as Naruto, Nana Mizuki as Hinata, and Chie Nakamura as Sakura.

This particular story is set after the conclusion of the Naruto Shippuden series and focuses on Naruto Uzumaki and his ninja team. Their mission is to prevent the moon from crashing into Earth and to rescue Hanabi Hyuga, who has been kidnapped by Toneri Otsutsuki. Toneri’s goal is to force Hinata to marry him as punishment for humanity's misuse of chakra.

In this film, the characters have been aged to reflect their status as young adults, and Kishimoto provided new character designs. The film explores the romantic relationship between Naruto and Hinata, which has been a long-standing theme throughout the series. Despite his initial discomfort with writing romantic scenes, Kishimoto expressed satisfaction with how these moments were portrayed on screen.

When the film premiered, it quickly became a success, grossing over ¥2 billion (approximately $20 million) at the box office. It was well-received by critics and fans alike, who praised its animation quality, action sequences, and focus on character development, particularly the evolving relationship between Naruto and Hinata.

The plot unfolds two years after the end of the Fourth Ninja World War, when the moon's impending collision with Earth poses a grave threat. The Sixth Hokage, Kakashi Hatake, realizes the danger and organizes a rescue mission. During their journey, the team battles Toneri and various challenges as they strive to save Hanabi and protect their world.

One of the film's central themes is love, particularly the love triangle involving Naruto, Hinata, and Toneri. As the story develops, Naruto gradually becomes aware of Hinata's feelings for him, leading to significant emotional moments, including a heartfelt confession. Despite some criticisms regarding Toneri's portrayal as a villain, the film's romantic elements and character arcs have garnered acclaim.

The film also features the theme song "Hoshi no Utsuwa" by Sukima Switch, which adds to the emotional depth of the story. The visuals combine traditional animation with modern techniques, creating a unique aesthetic that resonates with fans.

Overall, The Last: Naruto the Movie serves as a fitting conclusion to Naruto's journey, exploring themes of love, friendship, and the consequences of one's actions. Its success solidified its place in the franchise, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers.