AFTER A HIGHLY successful two years as a series, Spy x Family has gotten its movie, Spy x Family Code: White.
Anime movies often come in two forms, first is a recap of everything that happened so far in the series or a preview of an incoming arc (similar to the Demon Slayer Movies).
Another is a separate story, not an official part of the anime or manga which while great does not push the greater narrative of the series forward (similar to the One Piece Movies). Spy x Family Code: White, can be classified into the latter, but not completely.
Spy x Family Code: White has an original story that can’t be found in either the anime or the manga. But at the same time, the story was supervised by the manga’s creator Tatsuya Edo. It’s this supervision that makes sure the story fits the overall narrative of the series which fans of the series can enjoy yet won’t alienate those who cannot watch the movie.
Those who haven’t watched the series also won’t have to worry going into the movie, since the story is easy to pick up and doesn’t rely on events that happened in the series. That said, series watchers are also rewarded as some major characters (besides the Forgers) appear in the movie.
The story so far
To keep the balance between Westalis and Ostalia, Westalis’ intelligence (WISE) utilizes a vast network of spies to protect the peace. WISE’s top agent codenamed Twilight, is tasked with getting close to Ostalia’s top party leader Donovan Desmond. However, Desmond only appears at a special gathering within his sons’ school.
With that, he dons the identity of Loid Forger, a Psychiatrist in Berlint’s General Hospital. He also adopts an orphan named Anya, and to sell the disguise he enters into a fake marriage with a city hall clerk named Yor Briar.
Unbeknownst to him, his family also has their own secret identity with Yor as a deadly assassin known as "Thorn Princess" and Anya as a telepath who can read the minds of the people around her. Their adventures revolve around having Anya earn Stella Stars and become an imperial scholar to earn a spot in the secret meeting.
(warning minor spoilers ahead)
The story of Code: White takes place with Loid being given a new assignment which places Operation: Stryx in jeopardy. To retain his place, he devises a way to get Anya to earn another Stellar star, by making the principal’s favorite food in her cooking.
To learn about the dish, the family travels to the northern province of Frigis in search of the restaurant that made the dish famous. An incident on the train ride to Frigis would turn the family’s relaxing trip upside down.
WIT Studio and Cloverworks elevating the Spy x Family story
Spy x Family has always been an anime that anybody can enjoy. It’s wholesome, funny, and cute rolled into an easily understandable plot. Spy x Family Code: White retains the same formula as the series offering a great mix of comedy, action, and heartwarming moments.
WIT Studio and CloverWorks level up the Spy x Family formula in the big screen. Director Takashi Katagiri created a piece that perfectly encapsulates the series. The movie had a lot of funny moments you’ve come to expect from the series, amazing action scenes featuring both Loid and Yor, and finally emotional scenes that remind you that you don’t need to be real family to care for someone.
WIT Studio and CloverWorks, the studio in charge of both the movie and series, did an amazing job with the animation. Their animation of Anya, particularly her expressions, takes the comedy into a new light. There was never a dull moment throughout the movie.
Spy x Family Code: White was made not just for Spy x Family fans, but for everyone looking for a movie to watch with the whole family.
Spy x Family Code: White opens in cinemas nationwide on March 13.
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