Rimuru and friends visit Celestial Emperor Hermesia's resort island after the Jura-Tempest Federations opening ceremony. During their vacation, they encounter a mysterious woman, leading to a new incident by the azure sea.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea arrives with the energy of a summer holiday special, only to reveal a more thoughtful and character-driven story beneath its bright surface. It is a playful escape from the usual political bustle of Tempest, yet it still carries the thematic threads that have defined the series. Most importantly, it finally gives Gobta the spotlight he has quietly earned over the years, and that choice reshapes the entire experience for the better.
The film begins with Rimuru and his inner circle accepting an invitation to a private island owned by the elven ruler Hermesia. On paper, it is a harmless getaway. In practice, it is a parade of some of the most powerful beings in the world arriving at a resort that was never built to host them. The early scenes lean into the humour of this setup. There are swimsuits, sun-soaked vistas, and the kind of breezy comedy that usually signals a low-stakes side story. The problem is that this stretch goes on a little too long. It is cheerful and colourful, but it delays the real story enough that the pacing starts to sag.
Copyright: © Taiki Kawakami, Fuse, KODANSHA/ “Ten-Sura” Project
For newcomers, this opening also tries to summarise the events of the anime so far. The effort is admirable, but the sheer number of characters and the dense political history of Tempest make it a tough entry point. Anyone unfamiliar with the series will likely feel lost before the plot even begins. For returning fans, though, the holiday antics are a warm reunion, even if they linger longer than necessary.
Once the story shifts gears, the film becomes far more interesting. Rimuru’s presence on the island triggers a chain of misunderstandings and manipulations. His overwhelming power has always been a double-edged sword, and the movie leans into the idea that even a peaceful visit can destabilise an entire region. Rimuru remains earnest and well-meaning, but his political naivety is on full display. He still struggles to grasp how others perceive him, and how fear can be weaponised by those with sharper agendas. The film uses this to explore the unintended consequences of power, a recurring theme in the franchise.
Yet Rimuru is not the heart of this story. That honour belongs to Gobta, and the film is stronger for it. Gobta has spent three seasons as a lovable nuisance, a loyal soldier who often stumbles into competence by accident. Tears of the Azure Sea finally lets him be more than a punchline. When the island’s troubles escalate, Gobta steps into a role that feels both surprising and completely earned. He becomes the grounded centre of a story filled with dragons, demon lords, and political intrigue.
Copyright: © Taiki Kawakami, Fuse, KODANSHA/ “Ten-Sura” Project
Gobta’s strength lies not in overwhelming magic but in instinct, agility, and a kind of scrappy determination that makes his fights some of the most enjoyable in the film. The action choreography shifts away from explosive spells and toward clever, physical combat. Gobta improvises, adapts, and survives through sheer grit. These scenes feel fresh for the franchise, and they give the movie a welcome sense of intimacy.
His interactions with Yura, a young priestess tied to the island’s deeper mysteries, give the film its emotional core. Yura is introduced as a figure burdened by ritual and responsibility, someone who has grown up surrounded by expectations. Gobta, by contrast, acts from the heart. He helps because it feels right, not because it benefits him politically. Their bond grows naturally through shared danger, quiet moments, and a mutual recognition of each other’s sincerity. It is a gentle, charming romance that never overwhelms the plot but gives it warmth.
The film’s visuals support this shift in tone. The new character designs, especially the vacation outfits, add a sense of novelty. The animation is fluid, and the dragon’s movement is a standout achievement.
Copyright: © Taiki Kawakami, Fuse, KODANSHA/ “Ten-Sura” Project
As the story approaches its climax, it takes a turn that will feel familiar to fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Without spoiling specifics, a late narrative choice involving Yura may divide audiences. Some will find it thematically appropriate, while others may feel it undercuts the emotional investment built throughout the film. It is not a deal breaker, but it does soften the impact of an otherwise strong character arc.
Even with that stumble, Tears of the Azure Sea succeeds by embracing a smaller scale. Gobta’s vulnerability makes the stakes feel more personal. Rimuru could flatten armies, but Gobta has to think, dodge, and trust the people beside him. That contrast gives the film a refreshing sense of balance. It is still a Slime movie, filled with magic and spectacle, but it is also a story about a loyal hobgoblin finally getting the attention he deserves.
For long-time fans, this is a delightful detour that celebrates a character who has quietly supported the series from the beginning. For newcomers, the dense lore and lengthy resort introduction may be a barrier. But for those already invested in Tempest and its citizens, Tears of the Azure Sea is a warm, playful, and surprisingly heartfelt addition to the franchise.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea will be released in NZ cinemas on April 30, 2026. Find your nearest screening here
Review written by Alex Moulton
WORLDWIDE RELEASE DATES
- April 28, 2026: Austria, Germany, Switzerland (German)
- April 29, 2026: Belgium, France, Switzerland (French)
- April 30, 2026: Australia, Brazil, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain, UAE, Ukraine
- May 1, 2026: Canada, Finland, Ireland, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States
- May 7, 2026: Greece
- May 8, 2026: Poland, Romania