Liz and the Blue Bird 2018

In a poignant portrayal of adolescent vulnerability, Mizore (character name) is a reserved high school student in her final year, whose life revolves around the oboe and her closest confidante, Nozomi (character name), a charismatic flutist. Their bond is strengthened by their shared passion for music, as they rehearse a haunting duet from Liz and the Blue Bird, a mystical musical piece inspired by an enigmatic German fairy tale. The narrative follows the poignant story of Liz, represented by the oboe, and the blue bird turned human, embodied by the flute, who form an unbreakable friendship, only to be torn apart, leaving Mizore deeply concerned about her own impending separation from Nozomi.

As graduation looms, Mizore becomes increasingly withdrawn, reluctant to forge connections with anyone except Nozomi. Her bandmates’ invitations are met with silence, as she struggles to express her emotions, and Nozomi’s popularity only exacerbates the distance between them. When Niiyama, their woodwind instructor, suggests that Mizore apply to a music school after graduation, her initial apathy gives way to a newfound enthusiasm, sparked by Nozomi’s tentative interest in pursuing the same path. This development alarms their bandmates, who realize that Mizore’s dedication to music is largely driven by her deep affection for Nozomi.

As the concert approaches, the chasm between Mizore and Nozomi widens. Mizore’s anxiety about their future apart is compounded by memories of Nozomi’s past abandonment, leaving her fearful of being deserted once more. Meanwhile, Nozomi grows uneasy with Mizore’s gradual opening up to others and Niiyama’s guidance, envious of the progress she is making. Furthermore, the duet they are rehearsing becomes a reflection of their troubled relationship, as well as their difficulty in connecting with the characters from Liz and the Blue Bird; Mizore struggles to comprehend why Liz would ever relinquish her bond with the blue bird, symbolizing her own fears about losing Nozomi. As tensions simmer beneath the surface, it becomes clear that the harmony they once shared is beginning to unravel, foreshadowing a bittersweet conclusion that will forever alter their lives.

As the harmonious bond between Mizore and Nozomi begins to flourish, the band’s collective wisdom proves instrumental in illuminating their intricate relationship dynamics. Through a series of poignant realizations, they come to grasp that Mizore has been unwittingly emulating the blue bird’s selfless nature, while Nozomi has been unconsciously mirroring Liz’s liberating spirit. This epiphany ultimately yields a flawless performance at their next rehearsal, with Mizore’s soulful rendition leaving her bandmates deeply moved and Nozomi departing the practice room in tears. The emotional aftermath sets the stage for a private confrontation between the two, during which Nozomi confesses that she had been holding back her own aspirations out of envy for Mizore’s extraordinary talent. Despite this revelation, Mizore is taken aback by Nozomi’s seeming indifference to her feelings and her decision to pursue music school without consideration for their duet. In a poignant display of vulnerability, Mizore pours out her heart to Nozomi, only to be met with an enigmatic smile that suggests acceptance would only perpetuate the constraints she seeks to overcome.

Months later, it appears as though the emotional distance between Mizore and Nozomi has yet to be bridged. As Nozomi prioritizes her entrance exams above all else, including the band’s future, their paths converge once more in the school library. Nozomi extends an invitation for Mizore to join her at a café after school, requesting only “a little time” to prepare for their duet. Mizore responds by reaffirming her commitment to playing the oboe. As they walk together, the atmosphere is palpably charged with tension and uncertainty, until Nozomi’s sudden turn towards Mizore leaves the latter looking taken aback once more.