Liz and the Blue Bird

In this beautifully animated film directed by Naoko Yamada, the story revolves around two high school students, Mizore and Nozomi, who are part of the school’s concert band. As they prepare for a performance of a piece inspired by a fairy tale, their friendship is tested, mirroring the themes of the music they play. The film is noted for its delicate portrayal of emotions and the subtle exploration of the characters’ inner worlds. While it hasn’t won major awards, it has been praised for its stunning animation and sound design. For those interested, it can be viewed for free on Soap2day.