After the first film, I got psyched for the second one but it fell a little flat for me. I have watched the anime and while parts of it were faithful in the film, a lot of it seemed random. Sometimes there were issues with the pacing and karuta didn't seem as fun as it did in the first film. Of course, being Chihayafuru franchise it cannot go totally wrong so it was enjoyable in spite of its few issues. The characters are real and more developed this time around but the screen time wasn't divided that well. A lot of importance could have been given to the ones other than those in the poster but it didn't happen. Also, the role of the Queen seemed a bit too central for my taste. I am also disappointed at the lack of romance because the anime has some and even the first movie had some hints. I love the cast though. Hope they all become big stars because I see a lot of potential in them. I have to say- the main three actors/characters are crazy good-looking. Especially the girl who plays Chihaya really hard carried this entire film. She makes the often-cold/clueless heroine seem more real and raw. The actor playing Mashima is also likable and I have liked him in dramas before. He doesn't disappoint here either. Watch this film if you've seen the first because only then it will feel sort of complete. The ending was alright for me since the manga is still ongoing and we will not know what's gonna happen in it. It also left some room for a third film and also ended well enough to have another one. I felt a little let down with this film but there might be people who might love it more than the first. Watch it to judge it for yourself. I recommend the anime, manga and movies to all.