What it means to be a hunter

Since I got a Netflix account I remembered I could finally watch the monster hunter legends of the guild movie. I honestly thought it was gonna be pretty kiddy if anything, happy to say it wasn't.

True there was cringey moments, but the story kept an essence of seriousness throughout. I actually like how this film began with Aiden deciding to tell his story to a hunter that wasn't taking things seriously enough. Especially considering his usual facade, I've played through world and 4U so I've seen his character and now some of his growth. In 4U he was clearly wet behind the ears, and in World it felt like he'd grown into the hunter he wanted to become or at least in part when he risked his life in the fatalis raid. However in the film you can see how Naive he was at first, and just how much he held his team back. Most importantly, you can tell Aiden is beating himself up over this. Especially since he keeps around May's journal, both as a sign of friendship and a reminder of his failure.

I liked how Julius saw his younger self in Aiden, he saw a kid who wanted to do right but was too reckless. I also appreciated when he called out Aiden for his grandstanding, sure they got fuel for a dragonator but he almost got the team killed in the process. I also respected how Julius did his job, especially him upholding what a hunter should be. He didn't try to arrest Aiden for hunting illegally, because he understood he had no choice. He also taught Aiden that a true hunter respects the ecosystem, and even stopped him from attacking monsters who were running away. It made me think back to games like World and Rise, and how you could free roam without doing quest. You can collect resources while free roaming, and you can also go after monsters. However, you're going after monsters without being on a quest in other words you'd be poaching. Never thought Julius would have me question how people play the game, but he did.

I loved Nadia and how cool headed she is, which makes sense considering she's the gunner. She has to stay calm in order to get a clear shot. I also found it funny that she appreciated Aiden's jokes. Speaking about jokes, I feel sad knowing that our joke kitty Nox didn't join Aiden as his cat companion in World. Speaking of sad things, let's talk about the lost comrades.

Sadly I forgot the name if our switchaxe brother, so I'll call him Smith. In all honesty when I saw Smith I thought, "OH GOD, BIG RANDY MIGRATED TO MONSTER HUNTER!" but as his story came together I saw a man who wanted to appease his sins. I found it ironic that Julius' mention of poaching came full circle, and Smith was a previous poacher. One who came back to the hunt one last time and gave his life for the sake of others. Like he said, he was able to right some of his wrongs that day. Then the one I really feel sad about, May. I honestly thought for a moment that she was gonna quit hunting and become serious handler, especially when she mentioned her family were handlers as well. Seeing her last moments, in fear for her life and not going in peace really struck home how terrifying being a hunter is. Especially since I just beat Lunastra on my alt character and plan to enter iceborne soon.

All in all, the movie reminded me, the monsters in monster hunter are real treats. They aren't old wives tales you tell to your children, their actually living and breathing threats. This and the fact that the people of this world aren't like the players, they don't survive on quest failures like we do. When they fight they fight for their lives and put everything on the line, and Aiden knows this more than anyone else.

Not gonna lie, when I first jumped into world Aiden seemed like a braggart or at least someone who came to make friends. As time went on he kinda grew on me, like a ray of light in a world of deadly monsters. When playing 4U I saw him working his way as a cadet in order to be strong like Julius. After watching this movie I know why he wanted to be strong and why he always smiles. Because in a world where monsters could end you at any moment, you might as well face impending doom with a smile on your face. Aiden wants to be a pillar for those who lost or about to lose, and he wants to live up to how his comrades feel about him.

All in all, legends of the guild was pretty good. That said, how do you guys feel about it?