Since 1999, Masashi Kishimoto introduced to Japan and eventually many outside countries the world of Naruto. With an Anime adaptation debut in 2002 that spanned so many episodes in the last decade, including various movies that have released spawning from the TV show's success, there comes a time for a renowned manga/anime series to have some proper closure. Fortunately, I managed to catch 'The Last: Naruto the Movie' during its limited release run at a local art house theater and I have to say it starts off splendidly with the characters several fans would already know since the show's humble beginnings.

The film takes place about two years after the events of the Fourth Great Ninja War conflict, where Naruto and his former comrades have matured since. While Naruto is now well-liked among his peers and (humorously) many female admirers over his heroic efforts, he has one more mission to take care of when his village is threatened and his love is captured.

Ever since I can remember, I've followed the Anime throughout its first series and have barely caught up on its second series Shippuden, but after cluing myself in plot-wise, I know that the romance subplot between Naruto and Hinata was usually hinted upon frequently and became clear during the Fourth Great Ninja War arc. While the movie gets off to a great start by introducing the characters having matured physically and mentally (even with some funny moments that were pretty laughable),story-wise it felt lacking since the villain felt more like a generic "filler" arc character that is easily disposable and not as memorable as the true villains like the Akatsuki were. For several fans who have shipped for 'NaruHina' since day one, they finally get what's coming to them during the movie's promising climax. The action sequences were pleasantly animated and complex at the same time, but what I found really disappointing was Kakashi and Sasuke not being featured that much in the film, let alone any true Team 7 moments, but I'm undeniably grateful they've given the whole subplot between Naruto and Hinata decent closure, especially when it's accompanied by various audience members loudly cheering and applauding to their romantic ending.

To be fair, I wouldn't call myself an avid Naruto enthusiast, I'm more of a casual fan who likes to see loose ends being tied up and having various conflicts resolved. I'm aware the movie has several flaws and not at all perfect, but after an impressive 15 years, Kishimoto sure tied up one loose end in particular and I loudly applauded the way the movie ended.

Out of all the Naruto Movies that I've seen (I've seen all of them),I rank this one the highest among the "Must Buy" list. Why? Because it's the only one that actually develops the overall story-line. Events that occur in this movie will have direct impact on the overall plot to come in the next movie or manga. You can't say the same about any other Naruto movies such as Blood Prison, The Lost Tower, and Bonds because they offer nothing to the overall story- line. For example, the situation between Naruto and Hinata in this movie will explain the events that happen in the future of the main story. This is not the only example of course, but I just wanted to give you a minor example of what I meant without spoiling anything. In any case, the movie is more like a sequel for the Fourth Shinobi War more than anything. The beginning of the movie shows you the technological advancements after the war as well as how all the characters are doing. The rest of the movie sets up events that happened to Naruto and Hinata while setting up the upcoming movie Boruto that comes out October, 10th!!!

This movie finally delivered what many fans have been waiting for years. A true love story and a final expression of love from Naruto to hinata.

I really wish it was longer and we'd seen more time of when hinata and Naruto were finally together.

For Naruto fans : this is perfect send off movie to the character we love and cherish. Our hero finally got everything he deserved. When he kissed Hinata, all I could think of were Kushina's last words to Naruto. Minato & kushina must be so happy.