Episode 13 (finale) of Ave Mujica -The Die Is Cast- has now premiered and please do me a favor and check it out before reading this article. There aren’t really many spoilers in this article, but don’t miss out on an absolute banger finale.
In true BanG Dream! fashion, of course, the story of MyGO and Ave Mujica had to end with a performance. But this wasn’t just any performance—it was a performance unlike any other. I said in my last review that we’d see these girls shine one last time in the anime, and they truly did. They all reached through hardship to the stars.
As I watched them perform and listened to the lyrics, I couldn’t hold back my tears. Every song hit differently, bringing back memories of everything these ten girls had been through. The series may had an insane start but their finale performance was the perfect way to encapsulate their struggles, perseverance, and the journey they’ve taken together.
Ave Mujica’s usual theatrics were still there, but this time, they laid bare the true meaning behind their personas—each one tied so perfectly to their personal battles. With their secrets and hidden personalities exposed and their pain laid bare, the despair that once consumed them was now transformed into something powerful.
But what really shattered me were the lyrics of the songs performed. They weren’t just words; they were a culmination of everything MyGO and Ave Mujica stood for. It didn’t help that before watching the finale, I decided to rewatch all 25 episodes—starting from BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!! Episode 1, which premiered two years ago, all the way to Ave Mujica -The Die Is Cast- Episode 13 (finale).
One key thing about these performances is that, despite being in different genres, both bands carried the same message which is time and moving forward. I mentioned before that at its core, MyGO and Ave Mujica’s story was about a beautiful slow, painful breakup. But I was wrong. It’s not just about that but it’s also about finding the strength to move forward.
And it’s kinda amusing how both bands’ songs complement each other. MyGO is about being lost in the moment—forget tomorrow, what matters is now. Meanwhile, Ave Mujica embraces carpe diem, seizing the day.
It all connects back to what Sakiko said last episode that this girls’ band life will come to an end. But while they’re still here, still dreaming, even if just for a little while, they can lose themselves in the drowsiness, refusing to wake up to the scent of morning coffee. And if that fleeting moment is what makes them feel happy, what makes them feel alive—then isn’t that simply beautiful?
This might not be the conclusion everyone expected. There were no shocking twists that changed everything, no last-minute surprises, or an insane resolution for the girls who fell into despair. But to call this saga “just okay” would be a massive understatement. BanG Dream! truly went above and beyond, redefining how a girls’ band story can be told. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Ave Mujica -The Die Is Cast- is deemed as the Madoka Magica of girls’ band anime wherein it ventured into uncharted territory and uncovered something the genre had yet to explore.
Ave Mujica -The Die Is Cast- may have had horror aesthetics, but there was never anything supernatural about it. Every character in MyGO and Ave Mujica felt real, their struggles painfully relatable to an extent. That’s just the beauty of this series—how naturally each of their stories fell into place. Perhaps the real horror all along was that thought that this band life is fleeting.
This entire series was really something I never expected from BanG Dream! I never would have expected the franchise would take this route, weaving such a harsh reality into two of its most complex bands yet. It’s honestly insane. But beyond the harshness, there is also beauty. A beauty I never imagined this franchise could reach.
And, of course, the beauty I’ve found is the two characters who started everything: Sakiko and Tomori. I’ll never stop talking about them. I thought Sakiko finally answering Tomori’s letters last episode was the closure to their relationship, but I was wrong. This finale proved that their bond ran even deeper.
If there’s one moment that I can’t get out of my head, it’s Tomori’s final words at the end of MyGO’s performance:
I know I’ll get hurt again in the days to come,
But there’s a hand I never want to let go of.
Even if we get separated, I won’t give up.
Even if I fall, I’ll get up—like you do.
It’s okay. Let’s move forward.
No more hesitating in hesitation.
You can interpret the story however you like. Ship whoever you want. And that just proves how compelling this series is. But to me, BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!! and Ave Mujica -The Die Is Cast- have always been about Sakiko and Tomori. Without them, none of this would have existed. And yet, despite taking different paths or when everything fell apart, they continue to inspire each other. Their destinies may not be the same, but their hearts resonate as one. Different verses in the same song. And honestly, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
As much as I’d love to analyze more on the lyrics and the performances, break down the references, and pick apart every little detail, I think I’ll sit this one out. Otherwise, this article would never end.
Thanks to Himmel from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, I now keep my finale review articles as short as possible. Long and tearful goodbyes just aren’t my style anymore because as he would say it:
Tearful goodbyes aren’t our style. But I’m sure we’ll run into each other again if we continue traveling. After all, it would be embarrassing when we meet again.
The Ave Mujica -The Die Is Cast- and BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!! anime may be over for now, but their stories are far from finished. With a sequel announced right after this episode’s premiere in Japan, their journey continues not just through anime, but also in the game and live performances. While there’s hope for more to come, one thing is certain though that these girls have truly left their mark on me.
Kanon Takao (the voice of Sakiko) said it best right after the finale:
It seemed like a flash of light, yet also an eternal journey with Ave Mujica… 🕊️🌙 I learned that beauty is not just something captivating to look at but also that even in the most painful moments, music can give birth to beauty. And that there is beauty in facing life, in living, even through mistakes and failure.”
Each of their stories was beautiful, and while they all had their flaws, maybe that’s exactly what made them shine. Their struggles, their growth, the paths they walked, we witnessed it all and we saw them all bloom like the flowers of early spring. Like the seasons changing, so have they.
And how fitting it is that Ave Mujica -The Die Is Cast- aired during the winter anime season because, after the finale, the spring sunlight (Haruhikage) shines next.
Screenshots were taken in Muse Asia.
Anime Corner was given an advanced screening of Ave Mujica -The Die Cast- Episode 13 (finale).
© BanG Dream! Project
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