Suzume

Suzume has become one of 2023's breakout hits and for good reason; though the film may have some similarities to Your Name and Weathering With You, it's got enough different material to make this film a nicely refreshing experience at the cinema.

I don't know why some critics/audience-members have complained about the supposed similarities to Makoto Shinkai's previous films; directors have styles they refine to their heart's content, so it's an odd thing to point out here. With that said, Shinkai uses his 'magic realism' approach to tell an even more fantasy-oriented story than Your Name; there are talking cats and sentient chairs in this one instead of a 'simple' body-swap.

Of course, the story's well realised but what about the animation? It's gorgeous! Of course it's gorgeous! It's so crisp and fluid that even the few imperfections here and there do not diminish the sense of seeing a fantastical take on modern Japan that's ripe for the 'real fantasy' imagery on display here. Also, the animation has a consistently cinematic (and larger than life) flare that few recent American animated offerings seem to have. The intimate and big set pieces never feel totally out of place. Everything here just... fits nicely.

Suzume is the kind of animation that cinema was made to show off, and in THE showiest fashion possible! Makoto Shinkai has a real knack for theatrical stories.

Suzume gets 4.5/5 stars. 9/10 points. This one is certainly worth getting a ticket to see!

Suzume is the latest Makoto Shinkai movie. This is the first one I was lucky enough to see in theaters, and it was well worth it. I consider myself a fan of Shinkai's work, even though I thought his last two entries were overrated. I do like Your Name, though I do think the film is overhyped. It's by no means a masterpiece, at least when it comes to the writing. But I thought the film was okay. I was not a fan of Weathering with You at all though. Ironically, I think some of his best works are his more obscure titles. 5 Centimeters Per Second is my all-time favorite of his. I really enjoy Children Who Chase Lost Voices and Garden of Words. I even like Voices of a Distant Star and The Place Promised in Our Early Days. So how does Suzume rank with all of those?

Well, like with all of Makoto Shinkai's films, the visuals and music are top tier. I don't think another anime director does background detail quite as good and real looking like Shinkai does. It looks even more impressive on the big screen. However, unlike the previous two films of his, I was much more into the story and characters here. I had no idea what this movie would be about going in, as the trailer kept everything vague and mysterious. But I found myself really liking the premise and the journey our main characters were on for the most part. I don't think there was any character in this I actively disliked either. With Your Name I found the lead characters great, but the writing and side characters were a mixed bag, especially in the third act. Other than looking and sounding amazing, like all Shinkai movies, I really liked nothing else about Weathering with You.

The main issue with the film is the romance, and by extension some of the padded scenes in the middle. I know supernatural romance stories are Shinkai's thing. Almost every film of his has a romance between the main leads. Sometimes the romance is done well like in Garden of Words and even Your Name. Here though it feels very rushed and forced because of just how many things are going on and just how many side characters introduced that Suzume interacts with. One of two things I feel needs to be changed here. Either cut down on all the subplots and side characters and focus more time on the two leads' relationship or just not have it be a romance. Like I said, I like all the side characters in this. But if Shinkai really wanted a romance between Suzume and the main male Souta, he really needed to focus more on developing that instead distracting from it with all these other B-plots. As it is, the two should have just been really good friends like the two leads in Children Who Chase Lost Voices were.

Overall, if you're a fan of Shinkai's work then this is a must watch. Even if you didn't care for his previous two films, you should still give this one a chance. It's not his best work in my opinion. I would still prefer Centimeters Per Second, Garden of Words, and Children Who Chase Lost Voices above this. Check those movies out too if you haven't. I'd give this one an 8 or 8.5 out of 10. That rating might go up or down depending on subsequent viewings. But right now, that's how I feel.

1 Comparison with past works

Suzume is completely different from Your name and Weathering with you.

This film does not have plot twists that Your name has.

Additionally, this film may not contain the willpower portrayed in Weathering with you.

However, this film may contain something necessary to live in this world.

2 Contents

This film evokes memories of a serious incident in Japan for the present generation, and also allows future generations to inherit those memories.

This film may teach us something necessary to overcome that incident.

In my opinion, this film may be comparable to Your name.

The premise was truly intriguing with several doors at abandoned places in need of getting closed in order to stop the gigantic worms from causing natural disasters. Ancient Gods are the keystones holding these worms back and there is a closer who has taken up this important job to keep these doors closed. Then there is Suzume, a girl raised by her aunt after she lost her mother during 2011 Tsunami. Suzume is gifted to see the ever after and her love at first sight Sota who is the closer, leads her to join him in the mission to close the doors as well as save the world.

The animation is what caught my eye and I am not that much into anime. The story remained captivating for the most part and the narrative style kept the intrigue intact. I was drawn into the world of Suzume even before the fantasy part began. Chasing Daijin while closing one door after another, relating it to a major natural disaster from the Japanese history was a nice touch. However, despite couple of jokes working, the sub plot involving Serizawa felt dragged and the introduction of Sadaijin lacked the desired impact. Overall, Suzume is still a worthy watch for it's unique premise.

"Suzume," directed by Makoto Shinkai, is an enchanting animated film that masterfully blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and deeper emotional themes. Renowned for his previous works like "Your Name" and "Weathering with You," Shinkai continues to showcase his signature style in this beautifully crafted story.

The film follows the journey of a young girl named Suzume, who stumbles upon a mysterious door in the mountains of Kyushu. This door leads to other worlds and opens up an array of adventures, but it also unleashes chaos that she must confront. Accompanied by a young man named Souta, her quest transforms into a race against time as they seek to close the doors to prevent disasters from affecting their reality.

As expected from a Shinkai film, the animation in "Suzume" is nothing short of breathtaking. The vibrant landscapes of Japan, combined with meticulously detailed backgrounds, create an immersive world that draws the viewer in. The motion and fluidity of animated sequences are coupled with stunning visual effects that highlight the film's fantastical elements, making every frame a work of art.

Suzume is a relatable protagonist whose emotional depth resonates throughout the film. Her character evolves dramatically as she grapples with her past, the losses she faces, and the responsibility that comes with her journey. Souta's character complements Suzume beautifully, bringing in a dynamic that balances humor and seriousness. The supporting characters, including Suzume's friends and family, add richness to her story, offering insights into her motivations and struggles.

At its core, "Suzume" explores themes of grief, connection, and the importance of confronting one's emotions. The door symbolizes both opportunity and the consequences of one's choices, serving as a metaphor for how we deal with the past and the steps we take to move forward. The film touches on the impact of natural disasters, intergenerational trauma, and personal growth, providing not just entertainment but also deep reflections that linger after the credits roll.

The musical score, crafted by the renowned musician Radwimps, enhances the emotional impact of the film. The soundtrack expertly blends with the visuals, guiding viewers through the highs and lows of Suzume's journey, adding layers of emotional depth. The songs are memorable and beautifully complement the narrative, further immersing the audience in her world.

"Suzume" is a poignant and visually stunning film that appeals to both animation lovers and general audiences. It captures the essence of human emotions through the lens of fantasy and adventure, leaving viewers with a lasting impression. Makoto Shinkai proves once again that he is a master storyteller, and "Suzume" stands out as a testament to his genius. Whether you're a fan of his previous works or new to his films, "Suzume" is a cinematic experience that should not be missed.