Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Arrow of the Orion Hindi Subbed [Full Movie]
Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka: Orion no Ya
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Arrow of the OrionSynopsis
Living above the legendary dungeons of Orario ought to be enough danger for anyone, and in his short time as a member of the goddess Hestia's familia, Bell Cranel has experienced more perils and pitfalls than most. So, when Bell unexpectedly wins a free trip, is it too much to hope that he might have actually won a real vacation? Of course it is! Inexplicably chosen as the champion of Hestia's friend, the goddess Artemis, Bell quickly finds himself up to his neck in ruins and monsters as yet another epic quest begins. And where Bell goes, can the ever-jealous Hestia be far behind? (Source: Sentai Filmworks)
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Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Arrow of the Orion – A Deep Dive into a Mythic Adventure
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Arrow of the Orion (2019), directed by Katsushi Sakurabi and penned by original light novel author Fujino Ōmori, is a standalone cinematic entry in the beloved DanMachi universe. This film takes the vibrant world of Orario and its dungeon-crawling adventurers to new heights, delivering a story that balances emotional depth, world-building, and character-driven drama. Below is an in-depth, non-promotional analysis of the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and unique contributions to the franchise, drawing on critical perspectives while offering fresh insights.
A Mythic Quest Beyond the Dungeon
Set shortly after the first season of Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? and its spin-off Sword Oratoria, Arrow of the Orion introduces an original story not found in the light novels. The plot follows Bell Cranel, the earnest rookie adventurer of the Hestia Familia, as he’s unexpectedly chosen by the goddess Artemis to undertake a perilous quest. Far from Orario’s familiar dungeon, a new threat emerges in the ruins of an ancient city, challenging Bell’s heroic ideals and the bonds he shares with his companions.
The film’s narrative is rooted in Greek mythology, particularly the relationship between Artemis and Orion, reimagined through the DanMachi lens. This mythological framework adds a layer of gravitas, as Artemis’ quest forces Bell to confront the harsh realities of heroism. Unlike the TV series’ episodic dungeon crawls, the movie’s focus on a single, high-stakes mission creates a cinematic urgency that feels distinct yet cohesive with the franchise’s lore. The shift to a new setting expands the world, revealing that monsters aren’t confined to Orario’s dungeon, thus making the broader world feel more dangerous and unpredictable.
Strengths: Emotional Depth and Character Dynamics
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its emotional core. The story delves into Bell’s growth as a hero, testing his naive idealism against a tragic reality. The narrative doesn’t shy away from heavy themes, such as sacrifice and the burdens of divine-human relationships, which resonate deeply with fans familiar with Bell’s journey. The inclusion of Artemis, a goddess who fights alongside her Familia rather than remaining a passive deity, challenges the established rules of the DanMachi universe, offering a fresh perspective on the role of gods in the mortal world. Her dynamic with Bell and Hestia adds a poignant layer to the story, particularly in the climactic moments that tug at the heartstrings.
The film excels in giving nearly every major character from the TV series a moment to shine. While Bell, Hestia, and Artemis take center stage, supporting characters like Ais Wallenstein, Lefiya, and the Loki Familia are woven into the narrative, ensuring the film feels like a true ensemble piece. Hermes, in particular, emerges as a standout, with his cunning and manipulative nature adding complexity to the story. His schemes, which subtly push Bell toward growth, reveal a character who balances humor with strategic depth, making him a fan favorite for many viewers.
Visually, Arrow of the Orion is a step above the TV series. J.C.Staff’s animation captures the grandeur of the ancient ruins and the intensity of the action sequences, with fluid combat scenes that highlight Bell’s evolving prowess. The score by Keiji Inai complements the emotional beats, particularly during the film’s more dramatic moments, enhancing the mythic atmosphere without overpowering the narrative.
Weaknesses: Pacing and Missed Opportunities
Despite its strengths, Arrow of the Orion isn’t without flaws. The pacing can feel uneven, particularly in the first act, where the transition from Orario’s festival to the quest feels rushed. The “sword in the stone” setup, with Bell pulling a giant arrow, is a charming nod to Arthurian legend but lacks sufficient buildup to feel earned. This hurried introduction may leave viewers unfamiliar with the series struggling to connect with the stakes early on.
The film also misses opportunities to delve deeper into its new characters and setting. Artemis’ backstory, while emotionally compelling, could have been explored further to enhance her impact. Similarly, the ancient ruins and their significance to the broader DanMachi world feel underexplored, leaving some questions unanswered about the threat’s origins. For fans expecting a more intricate tie-in to the light novels’ lore, the film’s standalone nature might feel like a double-edged sword—accessible but not fully integrated into the main continuity.
The English dub, while featuring the return of the beloved cast, has drawn mixed reactions. Some performances, like Bryson Baugus’ portrayal of Bell, sound deeper than in the TV series, which may reflect character growth but can feel jarring to fans accustomed to his youthful tone. Luci Christian’s Hestia remains a highlight, capturing the goddess’ bubbly charm and emotional depth, while newcomer Avery Smithhart delivers a standout performance as Artemis. However, the dub’s slight inconsistencies may distract some viewers.
Unique Contributions to the DanMachi Franchise
What sets Arrow of the Orion apart is its ability to feel like both a self-contained adventure and a meaningful addition to the DanMachi universe. By moving the action outside Orario, the film broadens the world’s scope, hinting at threats and mysteries beyond the dungeon. This expansion challenges the series’ status quo, suggesting that the world is far more perilous than previously depicted. The focus on Artemis also introduces a new type of divine character, whose active participation in battle redefines the gods’ roles and sets the stage for future explorations in the series.
The film’s thematic exploration of heroism versus reality is another unique element. Bell’s journey in Arrow of the Orion forces him to grapple with the cost of being a hero, a theme that resonates with the franchise’s core but is amplified here through the lens of divine sacrifice. This narrative choice makes the film feel like a pivotal moment in Bell’s development, even if its non-canonical status limits its impact on the main series.
Critical Reception and Fan Perspective
Critics have generally praised Arrow of the Orion for its emotional weight and visual polish, though some note its standalone nature as a limitation. Toonami Faithful gave the film a 9/10, lauding its touching story and the English cast’s performances, particularly Luci Christian and Benjamin McLaughlin (Hermes), though they expressed disappointment with the lack of extras in the home media release. Anime News Network highlighted the film’s world-building and its ties to the TV series, noting its importance to Bell’s character arc, while acknowledging pacing issues. Fans on platforms like Anime-Planet and Rotten Tomatoes appreciate the film’s action and emotional depth but often wish for stronger ties to the light novel continuity.
Final Thoughts
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Arrow of the Orion is a compelling addition to the DanMachi franchise, offering a mythic, emotionally charged adventure that expands the world and challenges its hero in new ways. While it stumbles with pacing and underutilized elements, its strengths—stunning visuals, rich character moments, and a poignant exploration of heroism—make it a must-watch for fans. For newcomers, it’s an accessible entry point, though watching the first season of DanMachi is recommended for full context. The film’s ability to balance standalone storytelling with franchise fidelity makes it a unique, if imperfect, gem in the DanMachi saga.
Rating: 8.5/10
Key Strengths: Emotional storytelling, expanded world-building, strong ensemble cast.
Key Weaknesses: Uneven pacing, limited exploration of new characters and setting.
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