Netflix has recently released a rare gem from Makoto Shinkai, the renowned director of Suzume and Your Name.
In the past ten years, Makoto Shinkai has risen to become one of the most prominent directors in the world of anime movies. His films, including Your Name, Weathering With You, and Suzume, have received widespread acclaim for their breathtaking animation, touching narratives, and ability to capture the same sense of enchantment as Studio Ghibli productions.
Netflix has recently included an earlier work of his, 5 Centimeters per Second, for individuals who have not extensively explored his filmography. The film can now be accessed by US subscribers on the platform.
The film 5 Centimeters per Second is a lighthearted and dreamy story that centers around the life of Takaki Tōno and his relationship with a woman named Akari. Divided into three chapters, the first chapter takes place in 1991 when they first meet as children at school. The second chapter is set in 1999, while the third and final chapter is in 2008. Throughout the movie, their friendship and potential romance are explored.
We observe the ebb and flow of their efforts to maintain communication, witnessing the divergent paths their lives take. This poignant portrayal captures the bittersweet yearning that comes with aging, and the immense significance of missed opportunities – recurring themes present throughout Makoto’s body of work.
After The Place Promised in Our Early Days, this became his second directorial feature, and you can already see the themes that would later be present in Your Name beginning to take shape.
This film beautifully captures the intensity of young love and the inevitable changes that come with time. It also evokes feelings of nostalgia for what could have been, all within a concise runtime of just over an hour. While the film has had a gradual release over the years, the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes are currently only from regular viewers, who have overwhelmingly praised it.
According to the most recent opinion, this is one of the greatest animated films I have ever seen, with its poetic and stunningly gorgeous visuals making it a definite must-see. Another viewer also praises the film’s emotional and thought-provoking narrative, which ultimately leads to a bittersweet conclusion.
Now available on Netflix, you can discover the meaning of these shows. And if you’re in need of a pick-me-up, be sure to check out our guides to Dragon Ball Daima and Dandadan.
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