Ranked #17

Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo

"Time Waits For No One"

Wow, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. I recently heard of this movie when I was looking through top rated anime, when I passed by the movies. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is currently the #1 rated movie, and #12 anime altogether. My reaction to this- "WHAT?!?!? A MOVIE HIGHER RATED THAN SPIRITED AWAY!?! NU-UHH! After that, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time went to my plan to watch list INSTANTLY. I finally took the time to watch the movie recently, and I'm happy that I did. And on a note- I watched the movie DUBBED. That's right, the English version done by Bandai Entertainment. If you don't like it, too bad. And the dub was GOOD!

The story is basically about a young high-school girl named Makoto Konno, has been having a tough time lately with school. She has been hurt, low grade scores, cooking accidents, and tardiness. Her best friends, Chiake Mamiya and Kosuke Tsuda have noticed this throughout the day, and talk to her about this when they play baseball. After school heading home, Makoto gets involved with a train accident, ending her life. Bt somehow, she has somehow been given the power to travel through the past, which causes her to live. Shocked about this, she goes to her aunt to talk about this. Her aunt then tells her that she can now do whatever she can and change things that has happened in the past. Following this, Makoto decides to go back to the past to change all the bad occurrences that happened that day. But doing so, this causes problems for other characters, triggering sad events in life. But also, this also causes love confessions from other people. Not happy about how this is turning out, Makoto decides to travel through the past again until it ends up how she wants it. Now this is a definitely a sci-fi movie, if you can't tell with all the time travel. I have had my fair share with sci-fi, seeing how my dad is a Star Wars fan and a Star Trek fan, but have I never watched a movie with such a strong story with such great character development. Not only this, but it also has a Digimon vibe to this, but this is pretty much because the director of the movie directed the Digimon movies. Overall, the story is very strong and very unique.

Now about the art, and I'm not being over dramatic about this, but this is the best art in all the animes I've seen. And trust me, I didn't download this or buy/rent the DVD, I watched it on YouTube (in their new HD quality). Most of the animes on YouTube have crappy quality, but even so, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time had great quality (but probably because I used the HD format). The character quality is phenomenal, and the background to the movie is brilliant as well. Watching the times when Makoto is going through time is a breath of fresh air, and when you're watching The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, there is a part close to the end of the movie when time has stopped, and then the movie is showing shots of time being stopped. That was when I realized how outstanding the animation was.

The voice actors FROM THE DUB fit the characters very well. You get a tomboyish voice fitting great for Makoto, you get a comedic I'm-just-messing-around voice, and you get a deep voice that fits well for Kosuke. And as for the score, it was really well done. The part of the score that shined was when time had stopped. That part of the movie I wanted to download and put on my I-Pod, but no luck torrenting it.

Now here's why I can't give the movie a perfect score, the characters. Now, you have a really good main character, but even so, you can't give something a perfect score over just one character. Chiake in my opinion is also a great character, but I still wanted more story about him. And for Kosuke, I can't really give him an opinion since he isn't involved with the movie as much as Makoto and Chaike are. I still think the characters are good, in fact the movie has a great set of characters, but I wish that there was more story into them.

There are parts of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time that will leave you in shock, in tears, in a smile, and in anger. All of these emotions PROVE how good this movie is. I was left in all of these emotions, and I'm glad that I was left in these emotions, because if I didn't have these emotions during the movie, I would've been bored and not have enjoyed the movie. I'm even glad that I was left in tears and anger because it proves how in depth the dialogue is.

Overall, I think The Girl Who Leapt Through Time was a really good watch, and for people who haven't seen the movie, I am telling you to watch it NOW. Although a lot of people say that it's their favorite anime movie, I can't say it is, seeing how great Spirited Away. If there was a little more depth to the characters, I bet it would be a close race between the two. read more

Whereas I had watched the movie because of its high recommendations, I was disappointed to find out that Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo is very lacking in many regards, in my opinion.

The story wasn't very new (character finds out can travel back or forth in time, uses it, abuses it, and learns - the end), but I did enjoy the approach taken by <i>this</i> particular anime. Featuring some interesting plot developments and approaches to how the time travel was "invoked," it did feel fairly fresh. However, other than that, most of the development in the film was mainly comic relief and I didn't feel like I got much from the story. What truly disappointed me most about the story, however, was its ending. The plot twist which was introduced also introduced with it a myriad of plot holes and inconsistencies which I felt very letdown by because of the earlier lack of them. Additionally, the ending just did not suit me and the way the conclusion of the story changed the main character seemed fairly ... hollow. I won't say anything else other than that, but for those who have seen this movie:

I didn't really understand the sudden hollowness we find from Chiaki's character at the end of the movie. His motivation to return to the future was very foolish, in my opinion, and lacked any true explanation for it. What was he going back to if he was losing what seemed to be something extremely precious in the present? I felt his going back was simply a badly used plot device to "change" the main character and their coming together would have achieved that same sort of thing much better.

I suppose you can make your own conclusions about that.

Continuing on, I felt that whereas the story seemed somewhat mediocre, the art in this movie was pretty special. Featuring what seems to be simple character work, yet extremely detailed environments, you begin to feel sort of immersed into the characters because of discerning features, particularly of their personality, rather than by simply their appearances alone. I actually felt the artwork was very easy to watch and very crisp and clear.

The sound utilized in this movie was pretty good. Character sounds were clear and distinct and there weren't any parts of the movie where I felt that the music interfered, but neither were there any parts where I felt the opposite.

In respect to the characters, I believe that they were very fleshed out in general and that all of the facets we see of them were very intriguing. However, the character development is what made me decrease this score so. I felt that the development that was apparently supposed to be experienced by Makoto was badly done, and that the conclusion failed to really deliver to me the realism or achievement that was done on her and her character's behalf.

Overall, I enjoyed the first hour or so of this movie immensely because of its fresh and interesting approach and delivery. The last bit, however, disappointed me and made the story and everything else feel... incomplete and not satisfying. read more

Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo is a sci-fi semi-slice of life semi-romance movie. The main character, Makoto, attains the ability to "leap" through time. Paradoxes ensue.

Story: For the most part, the story was very good. However, I felt it was difficult at times to follow exactly what is going on. Drawing out a timeline along with alternate timelines could help clarify the plot. The ending could have been a little better, but is okay as it stands. 9/10

Art: The movie in general has very good art, especially on landscapes and specific details. However, some of the movements made by characters seem poorly done and sometimes it looks like the artists didn't bother drawing in faces from a father distance. For the most part, Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo has good art, but cannot really rival to Makoto Shinkai's works like Byousoku 5 cm per second or The Place Promised in Our Early Days. 9/10

Sound: The music for the movie was very good overall, but I had only one problem with one aspect of the overall sound. This is my personal opinion. I thought Makoto's crying was rather annoying, as if she were a 5 year old. Otherwise, the movie's sound was great. 9/10

Character: The movie has a very interesting cast of characters. The interactions among these characters can be very amusing and allow the audience to understand more about the characters. Most characters turned out to be very likable (except for a crazy one or two =P) 10/10

Enjoyment: I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie. There were definitely the funny moments of this movie. The movie was able to leave me with a sense of satisfaction and the thought, "Man I'm so glad I decided to watch this movie." 10/10

Overall: A few pieces still don't click in my head yet, mainly from the plot, but I would highly recommend watching this series. It doesn't matter if sci-fi is not your genre. The other parts of the movie will pull you in. 10/10 read more

Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo, or The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is the simplest masterpiece I have seen yet. It was so simple, and yet so deep at the same time. When I first started watching it, I was like, okay it's just gonna be another movie about a girl who can go back in time and in the end messes a lot of things up because of what she does. And it kept true to the point. But the development between the characters is what kept me leaning in my seat.

The character art is nothing to brag about, but the story doesn't call for spectacular characters. Its simplicity is what makes it something you have to see.

The characters are very believable as well. There just ordinary high school students, coming to the end of the year, summer ahead and deciding what they want to do with themselves. Well except for the very obvious 'time leap' which is not ordinary. But the relationships and the kids themselves are so ordinary and so real. I found myself immersed in how each interaction was going to play out. Sometimes I cried, or I yelled out in frustration, or I laughed at how ridiculous they could be. And how Makoto reacts to Chiaki is exactly how I imagined a girl her age, in that position might do. But she grows because of what happens.

The sound was perfect.Especially at the end. The song fit exactly with Makoto and how she was thinking. Personally, I loved the music.

I didn't care much for the scenes of when Makoto time leapt. It didn't seem to fit with how I pictured it.

The recurring theme 'time waits for no one' is the most important point. It's all about making the choices now, because there is no time like the present. It also points out that, in reality you can't just jump back in time and redo your life. What you choose now, is how you live. So you should live how you want and make each day count. Take the time to cherish what you are given in the time you have.

And the ending was perfect. I almost wish that something different had happened at the end, which is the most heart pounding, tear jerking scene I had seen yet, but it fit just right. There could be nothing better than an ending with a beginning.

All in all I myself give it a 10, because it deserves it. The depth it had behind its simplicity is astounding. I couldn't have spent my time more wisely than in watching this movie. If you liked 5 Centimeters Per Second, The Place Promised In Our Early Days, or Voices of a Distant Star than you should definitely take the time to watch this. I bought it.

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The best soundtrack ever in any anime, most definitely. I basically felt like I was floating the whole time cause the awesomeness scale was mega billion. The main character was good at being not a default character. She was very original with dominance and the development of her awakened feelings was good also. Then the story's organization was pretty good but not perfect, of course.

I liked how "time" was involved with some detail and understanding, not some Godly thing, which usually happens in other stories. The movie brought it down to the human level. The Animation/Art was very good and usual for an anime movie, very impressed by that. read more

Overall: This movie, after watching it, immediately became one of my favourites with a high rewatch value. Why? The film, in my own opinion, is a masterpiece. The story is brilliant, the art is simplistic in terms of characters and realistic in terms of scenery. The soundtrack is wonderful, Hanako Oku, is a wonderful singer and an excellent composer. The characters are good as they shows how human they actually are, they aren't anyone special(apart from the obvious) but that is how they create such a good impact. I enjoyed this movie so much I can't even express the words to say how much I enjoyed it!

Story: You've all read the synopsis for "Toki wo Kakeru Shojo", so you know they basic plot. But just remember this, apart from having the ability to leap through time it is meant to symbolise ordinary life. Keep that in mind. Regular life, regular friends, regular non enjoyment of school, the whole lot of it. That is what makes this story better, because take out the time leaping and you have an ordinary story which is still enjoyable. I can't say much, cause of the guidelines, but I can tell you to pay attention to the art gallery, that's all I'm gonna say(and don't worry, nothing scary happens there! ^^) Overall Story is Outstanding!

Art: As I said before. The character art is simplistic, I thought that it was better that way, I have no idea why, so I'll let you decide that on your own! The scenery design is realistic, the art for the scenery is terrific because it looks so real(well, as real as 2-D animation can look). Overall, Art is Outstanding!

Sound: Don't get me started with the music. It is wonderful. Hanako Oku, as said, is a wonderful composer and a good singer. Her songs fit perfectly in the movie. The ending theme "Garnet" is like a window into Makoto's thoughts, it describes her feelings perfectly. Hanako's insert song for the film, "Kawaranai Mono" or "Unchanging Things" is a wonderful song, although the title is contradictory to the film, most likely for good reason. The soundtrack used in the film is wonderful, at times making you want to cry. The voice acting is terrific, the seiyuu's completely fit the characters. Naka Riisa, her voice perfectly fits Makoto mainly because it isn't some old woman voicing a young character but it is a young girl voicing a young girl(personally I love that fact)! Overall, Sound is ABSOLUTELY Outstanding!

Character: I love the character of Makoto and of the others. Makoto's character is just so likable partly because she is an ordinary high school girl but mainly because her personality is so... good. (I'm sorry! I'm not good with character reviews!) Kousuke and Chiaki fit the role of her friends. They just get along so well with her. Makoto's auntie is a good character as Makoto is able to confide in her and she will listen and hand out advice. Overall, Character is Outstanding!

Enjoyment: I enjoyed this film very much. I just clicked with it. Don't get me wrong, it isn't my first animated movie, I have seen many before it, but this one immediately became a favourite of mine. I just clicked with it, I'm not sure how to further that, but it is a very enjoyable film. Overall, Enjoyment was Outstanding!


Notes: A message is present throughout the film. "Time waits for no one". As you can guess, it means that we only get one chance at life because we can't leap through time. So we need to live life to its fullest and have fun!

Hope you enjoyed my review! It was my first so it probably isn't that good, but hopefully it was helpful! ^^ read more

There may be spoilers ahead - please don't read this review if you have not yet seen this particular movie.

Damn the lack of 9.5 ratings on these things! >__<

Toki wo kakeru shoujo (時をかける少女) is not what you would call your typical slice of life anime - there is nothing even remotely typical about this particular anime. Despite having sci-fi references, they are kept to a relative minimum - which took nothing away from the movie, in fact, it actually added to it. In itself, its an adaption from several other live action movies of the same name, as well as a manga/light novel, of which, the original protagonist is actually the aunt of the protagonist in this anime. However, that's where the connection between the two. I watched this movie without any prior reservations, or otherwise - and I have to wholeheartedly admit that I was very thoroughly impressed. However, this review is just my personal opinion - I'll leave it to you to appraise the movie yourselves.

Artistically speaking, the animation style is nothing short of fantastic - with the level of detail really bringing the movie into its own. The subtle mix of styles all adds to the richness that this movie offers. Accompanied with the wonderful soundtrack - both the sound and visual qualities bowled me over. However, I do have one little complaint about the soundtrack - many of the tracks tended to be different variations of the same tune... although, slightly repetitive, it's really nothing worth getting worked up about.

What really made the movie was how the characters tended to interact with each other, as well as the story line itself. It's littered with comedic moments - such as when Makoto (the protagonist of the movie) is knocked over by a flying student, as well as the numerous bumps to the head that she receives throughout the whole movie. This is the type of movie that tends to make you empathize with the main characters, and the trials that they face. In fact, you can quite easily argue that Makoto is one of the most likable teenage protagonists that anime has seen in recent years. Or at least, in my opinion. It's also interesting to see how the decisions and actions of one person, can have lasting repercussions on everyone around them. The ending was a really nice touch, and actually left it open for further continuations. However, that might actually take the "originality" away from this anime. read more

I just watched this movie and it was amazing! It was as amazing as Miyazaki Directed Films. Very beautiful plot, and awesome characters. It was a very touching film. The movie overall is awesome, though you might find the ending quite unexpected and odd. But you will love the movie.

STORY:
Follows the life of a high school student named Makoto. With her 2 best friends and a normal everyday life until she somehow got the power to Time Leap. She uses the abilty to time leap for life purposes, Romance, Friendship, School, you name it.

"Time waits for no one."

Was there a time in your life that you want to go back and probably change the actions that you've done? The heroine of the story, Makoto Konno, can actually leapt through time and return to the past. She got her power by accident in the Science room of their school.

The animation of this movie may not be the best, but I can say that the story is one of the best. There are scenes that were repeated a couple of times (because of the leaping) but didn't appear to be boring. It just shows how the time leaping affects others which results to various consequences. You can also enjoy the movie by its very calming insert (Kawaranai Mono) and ending (Garnet) songs both sung by Hanako Oku.

What's good in this animated movie is the message it conveys to the audience. It shows how important time is. This will also make you laugh and cry.

Certainly, the creators did a very good job in this movie. So watch this movie now because as the movie says, Time waits for no one. read more

A classic story of love, regret, and redemption, I absolutely loved this movie! A story about a girl who accidentally stumbles onto the power to time travel. Now, what she does with this power... well that's what this story is about. What would any high school-er do with them power to time travel... you need to watch to find out.

The artwork of the characters is rather simple in style but their personalities more than make up for that. The art of the scenery is another story. The detail to the environment as well as color and feeling truely makes this anime come alive. The story is bound to be a classic! This is definitely one of those true gems that everyone should at least see if not have in their library. The characters are done intelligently, not sappy or overly dramatic and depressing. The emotions they (and the audience) experience runs the gammut of human feelings. Joy, pain, love, envy, regret, laughter, it's all there. As for the ending, I LOVED IT! read more