Kotonoha no Niwa Episode 1 Discussion

What did you think of this episode?

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Apr 14, 2014 5:37 PM

#301

sakurahiuga

Offline

Aug 2009

101

I am speechless... This movie moved me deeply, the entire playlist it touching. I love the Morning Rain song, it beautifully describes and incorporate the sound of a summer rain within it.

"A faint clap of thunder Clouded skies, perhaps rain comes Will you stay here with me?"

Tears, just tears.

Apr 20, 2014 4:43 PM

#302

Deventh

Offline

Jul 2009

If it wasn't for the stupid ending where they don't get together, I would've given it 10/10, instead it's a 9/10 from me, even though it was a masterpiece until the end. It's a shame how authors nowadays can't write anything other than bittersweet.

Apr 20, 2014 8:51 PM

#303

ronri

Offline

Sep 2011

898

Deventh said:
If it wasn't for the stupid ending where they don't get together, I would've given it 10/10, instead it's a 9/10 from me, even though it was a masterpiece until the end. It's a shame how authors nowadays can't write anything other than bittersweet.

Well it's better than the average sad ending. That said, by the end they've actually started writing letters to each other and that the letters talk about how they plan on meeting each other again. More than anything, it's a start of a much healthier relationship than what they had before. ^_^

Apr 25, 2014 7:15 AM

#304

Deventh

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Jul 2009

ronri said:

I agree that the ending is not as bittersweet as it could've been, but now the ending is just an open interpretation. If it was in the author's hands who knows how he would've made them suffer. And how do I know that for a fact? Because over 90% of japanese manga/anime authors are doing bittersweet ones. I guess depression got to these people hard and they are still recovering. No wonder suicides there are over the roof. I hope they start to shift from that trend some day soon...

Apr 29, 2014 12:12 PM

#305

MiMi3016

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Aug 2013

229

what a great movie and props to the animation and music really loved it

May 17, 2014 6:08 PM

#306

Raitei

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Aug 2007

468

The first 15 minutes fly by. Its a really sweet connection that they made. I wish we could have seen more of their story and found out more about Yukino.

The art is obviously stunning, as expected.

Overall an 8/10, simply for being too damn short, the ending was a bit too rushed for me.

5cm/s still remains my favourite Shinkai movie.

May 19, 2014 2:32 PM

#307

desolace1024

Offline

Mar 2012

The entire premise was rather silly, and the characters were very plain. Don't understand why Makoto Shinkai keeps trying to force such relationships in such short amounts of time. The visuals and ending song were great, though.

6/10

May 20, 2014 7:52 PM

#308

ittou_shura

Offline

Aug 2013

733

I just realised I've watched all of Makoto Shinkai's works and I've rated all of the same.

5cm per second: amazing animation, great soundtrack, but underwhelming ending that left me confused as to why it's meant to be sad. So 8/10.

The Place Promised in Our Early Days: again great animation and sound but the story was... just at the end it started to get boring so on the basis of everything else 8/10.

Voices of a Distant Star: can't remember much but I think the art was a bit weird for some reason but the story was good enough to get 8/10 I guess.

Dareka no Manazashi: touching but too short and not that memorable so again 8/10 (lol)

And finally this Garden of Words: Animation so good I had to re-watch some scenes more than once because I forgot to read the subtitles lol. Damn flawless in my eyes.

Story and characters is where it kinda fails. More the story than characters cause the character interactions were nice I like the dialogue. But the way they fall in love with each other seems very cliche. I mean I know it's all nice and poetic but why can they only meet when it's raining? What does he find charming about her? The shouting in the rain scene managed to be touching but in a cliche, hollow way.

So once again as with most of Makoto Shinkai's works he gets everything perfect except for the story. Should have been longer there wasn't enough time to add depth to the characters and story so the relationship can be a little more believable. 8/10 overall.

This guy is clearly talented in the art department but he should let someone else write the scenario for his next one. It's like he's trying too hard to create touching romance story all the time but it comes off as forced and contrived.

ittou_shuraMay 20, 2014 7:59 PM

May 31, 2014 3:56 PM

#309

Nemesis_Andrmd

Offline

Dec 2013

107

Thank God they didn't stay together. That story was too taboo. I think that that was what the rain stood for anyway.

"Me ni wa me wo, ha ni wa ha wo, aku ni wa aku wo."

Jun 3, 2014 6:59 AM

#310

TapuTapuu

Offline

Jan 2014

1386

Show me better animation than this movie has and I'll give you a medal. I love how Shinkai represents ideas with scenery. Something very unique. He reminds me Kubrick in some aspects...

Jun 7, 2014 12:36 AM

#311

ruinfx

Offline

Apr 2014

Beautiful piece of art , man shinkai is one funky dude.

Always so bittersweet.

I'm done chasing my dreams because I know I'll only wake up to reality. That reality will soon become my dreams.

Jun 17, 2014 4:39 PM

#312

Pknoctis

Offline

Dec 2010

2201

I thought it was a terrible movie until I realized there was an extra scene after the credits... open-ended, but fairly hopeful. I liked it. A bit too short to really feel anything, but the eye porn really helped carry the movie along. 7.5/10

Jun 21, 2014 10:00 AM

#313

MoeXtreme

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Jan 2012

388

dat art, dat art, WOOOW DAT ART 9/10

Jun 27, 2014 8:36 PM

#314

renzbiohazard

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Jan 2014

479

Although I don't like romances that are inappropriate, the story somehow moved me. As expected from the person that wrote 5cm per second.

8/10

Recommend me an anime

Jun 28, 2014 10:45 PM

#315

khonsutora

Offline

May 2012

837

Nice ED and animation. 7/10 overall

“They stood together in a false intimacy, a nervous contact. And he was in love with her.”
― D.H. Lawrence, Women in Love

Jul 2, 2014 11:41 AM

#316

IntervisioN

Offline

Dec 2012

3002

Decent film, great animation and all but the nothing seems to be fully explained, none of the supporting characters contributed to anything and the ending was lackluster. Can't really expect much from a 45 minute film though.

7/10

Jul 5, 2014 1:47 AM

#317

frozenmir

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Oct 2012

Perfect

Jul 14, 2014 7:51 PM

#318

DiepStep

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Jun 2012

I really enjoyed it. But I don't see why he left the shoes there instead of keeping it until the next time he saw her Q__Q

Jul 14, 2014 8:10 PM

#319

AsianKungFu

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Sep 2013

2720

Wow this was far better than I thought. Definitely better than that shit 5cm per second. And come on, who wouldnt notice that amazing art. My only complaint is that it was too short; Not nearly enough time to make well-developed characters. It was good, 8/10 for me.

AsianKungFuJul 14, 2014 8:15 PM

"I have been wielding a blade since before your were swimming around your father's scrotum." - Kurou

Jul 14, 2014 8:16 PM

#320

AsianKungFu

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Sep 2013

2720

Inuyasha768 said:
I really enjoyed it. But I don't see why he left the shoes there instead of keeping it until the next time he saw her Q__Q

Wtf!? use your brain man. Any normal human would know that he didnt left the shoes there.

AsianKungFuJul 23, 2014 10:11 PM

"I have been wielding a blade since before your were swimming around your father's scrotum." - Kurou

Jul 31, 2014 2:07 AM

#321

GlizzyOtaku

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Mar 2014

299

Re-Watched this again, it's so beautiful.

Jul 31, 2014 2:44 AM

#322

Uchiha

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Dec 2013

6021

KouhaRen0 said:
Re-Watched this again, it's so beautiful.

Damn right, im going to re-watch this again too.

Aug 5, 2014 5:08 PM

#323

Konekoneko

Offline

Feb 2010

491

Aw man i thought they were going to stay together forever :((((
I bet he will find her eventually but i was hoping for them to stay together.
So she got the shoes or did he just leave them there!?
Ahh it was so pretty and now im sad haha

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Aug 5, 2014 10:27 PM

#324

ronri

Offline

Sep 2011

898

Konekoneko said:
Aw man i thought they were going to stay together forever :((((
I bet he will find her eventually but i was hoping for them to stay together.
So she got the shoes or did he just leave them there!?
Ahh it was so pretty and now im sad haha

They promised together that they would see each other in the future, but he purposely left the shoes there because it was a sign of his immaturity back then (and their blissful relationship) which he has moved past from. Basically they still like each other, but they've matured enough that they wouldn't want to use their first meeting as the basis of any relationship they might decide to have in the future (especially since their first relationship was handled immaturely filled with escapism).

ronriAug 5, 2014 10:30 PM

Aug 11, 2014 2:05 AM

#325

removed-user

Offline

Jul 2018

561873

It was a touching story ;~;
It was short but I felt I connected with the characters.
As stated numerous times already, the visuals were just breathtaking
and not to mention those clearcut sound effects which just simply makes the world go round. I loved Takao's determination in the last line. It was beautiful and realistic of him to set a goal for himself to reunite with Yukari once he's attained more experience in life and really just being the kind of man that she can one day be proud of.

Sep 20, 2014 1:00 PM

#326

TekkamanBuredo

Offline

Aug 2011

symbv said:
People talk a lot about the last lines about walking and come for you, but the most memorable lines to me, except the emotional confrontation near the end, are the pair of Tanka from Manyoushu (ch.11) that bookend their first meeting in the park and their last (before getting true to each other). It is a beauty that so many tanka in Manyoushu are pairs in which one is the answer to the other in feeling and mood.

The lady to the man:
なるかみのすこしとよみてさしくもりあめもふらぬかきみをとどめむ
The thunder strikes softly. Can't the sky get a bit cloudy and rain falls a little. To keep you around. (my bad translation)

And the man answers:
なるかみの　すこしとよみて　ふらずとも　わはとどまらむ,　いもしとどめば
Even if there is no thunder or rain, I shall stay here, if it is your desire to keep me around. (my bad translation again)

Much better in mood and fits the dreamily beautiful scenery than the J-Pop song at the end.

this is gold!

Sep 20, 2014 1:00 PM

#327

TekkamanBuredo

Offline

Aug 2011

eldest said:

destructo22 said:
Anyone know what the note/letter said that Takao was holding in the epilogue? It had the date 2014/2/3 on it.

This letter turned out to be longer than I thought.
Thanks for reading all the way up to here.
I hope you continue to be in good health,
and that the warm seasons come quicker.
[...] I look forward to hearing from you.
2014.2.3 Yukino Yukari

thank you so so much!

Sep 20, 2014 1:02 PM

#328

TekkamanBuredo

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Aug 2011

Saudades said:
^x2 Translation for the last line (credit to a guy on Nyaa):

Hope they include it in the official BD release, it's quite a good line to close the film.

thanks!

Sep 20, 2014 6:44 PM

#329

removed-user

Offline

Jul 2018

561873

While those two essential lines of poetry are spoken out loud and subsequently tied explicitly to Man'yōshū by the characters, other literary references are shown fairly overtly in the film - including the title.

It has been noted in earlier comments that Makoto Shinkai must have considered the meaning of the kanji making up Yukino's last name and the same can probably be said with confidence about the kanji making up Akizuki (秋月 Aki (autumn) and zuki/tsuki (moon). I think at least one more person’s last name has direct bearing on the story, the imagery and the connections of the characters with the flora of Shinjuku Gyoen, Mr. Itō. (伊藤先生 Itō sensei) and I doubt it is a coincidence that his name was spelled out on screen.

Shortly after Yukino first recites a poem from Man'yōshū (Book 11, poem 2513), at the end of their first encounter in the garden, Akizuki shows his older brother his note with the partially remembered poem and shows some awareness of the technical aspect of the poetry. His brother is of no assistance himself but offers a suggestion for a potential source of information in such matters.

In the following scene Akizuki's class is taught about the Man'yōshū anthology. (Based on what his teacher, Mr. Takehara, writes/has written on the blackboard because there is no sound from his lesson.) I haven't identified all of what the teacher wrote yet - although it looks like at least two of the tanka written out are Book 8, Poem 1569 and Book 11, poem 2383.

As was noted here earlier, Akizuki later greets Yukino with the recitation of the corresponding tanka (book 11, poem 2514) and briefly elaborates on the significance on their first truly sunny moment together in the garden - which Yukino confirms as the response to the tanka she recited at the end of their first meeting.

I think there is significance in where they stand at that moment and how the shadows of the plants on that arbor fall across their heads. In an earlier scene Yukino was under an umbrella in this same spot. The earlier scene was referenced in an other useful thread in relation to remarks made on the commentary track regarding personal space but that is not all her umbrella provided at that moment, imo. Unlike the author of the text quoted in the OP, I don’t think the oncoming thunderstorm and rain are unfortunate in precluding Yukino’s answer to Akizuki’s recitation of the tanka. On the contrary, I think that storm is her immediate answer. To me it looks like the build up to that storm washes out those shadows - as Yukino and Akizuki shift their position slightly and so does the camera angle. As a result they gradually end up under different foliage. After lighting strikes the thunder is heard again they turn to look in the same direction and - as Yukino moves closer to Akizuki, when the rain rapidly increases to downpour - they get framed by the silhouettes of different leaves.

Shinkai has given hints in interviews what lightning signifies, because of the kanji with which it is written, and what Yukino represents in that respect. (Premiere Q & A) I think that storm in that early fall moment is Yukino’s unspoken reaction. Her answer in that moment is different than her ultimate answer. Their future relationship would probably have been different than if they had not left the garden together for the first time shortly afterwards. If they had not spent the remainder of the afternoon not only under the arbor but also in her Tokyo apartment - doing domestic chores and preparing a shared meal together.

Shinkai and others have said that the weather is an important character but I don't think the weather is a different entity but rather an extension or one aspect of the human characters - just as specific plants seen throughout the film represent them and their relationship. I also think there is more happening in the sky to hint at their future in the early part of their last scenes together in the Shinjuku Gyoen garden.

The Man'yōshū collection is also the subject Yukino teaches her class in Shikoku at the very end of the film. She too has written about the collection on the blackboard but we don’t hear her speak the poetic words in that classroom setting either. Three poems from the anthology are clearly visible, on the next page of the book from which she is seen teaching, in her final scene, before she looks up from her book, looks out the window and we cut back to Akizuki walking away from the bower in the snow in Shinjuku Gyoen. The three poems are: Book 1, poems 8 and 32 (33 is directly related to the latter) and book 4, poem 496. Given how meticulously each detail is arranged in this film it is probably deliberate that the last poem, 496, is only partially visible even to us because of the way the book is held open in Yukino's hand. At the very least it seems to be an other reminder that there are many hints indicating where to look further - that not everything is revealed in the film itself.

The flowers on the book cover look very much like kikyō. Yukino is introduced in the story when first her feet and then her face come into view, in profile, at the very beginning of the story. The first flowers seen together with her feet are Satsuki/ chushuji. Kikyō is late blooming, but its plants remain in bloom for a fairly long period of time, especially if tended properly, it is considered one of the seven autumn flowers mentioned in Man'yōshū (in Book 8, poem 1538, 朝貌の花). Kikyo symbolises unchanging love in Japanese and Chinese traditions - differing in that respect from the plant’s symbolism in western art. I think even Akizuki’s sneeze and her reaction may have been included as connections to this flower.
I’d like to know if the book from which she teaches is real. Most of the books shown are real - and have been identified- but a few appear to be Shinkai’s inventions and this poetry paperback seems to be in the latter category.

The symbolism of the various plants and flowers no doubt contributes to the story. Whereas Shinkai focussed on cherry trees and their blossom in Five Centimetres per Second I think it is fair to state that momiji is the tree central to the themes and intimately tied to the characters in Garden of Words. Unlike sakura, which is almost exclusively connected to spring and the blooming of whose flowers is much more fleeting, momiji foliage is a constant and much appreciated presence throughout the seasons - except winter when the trees lose their leaves. Momiji is especially loved for its dramatic colour change in late autumn, early winter. Which - perhaps significantly - is the only period of the year the leaves of this tree are not shown in their full splendour on the trees in this film. Neither is the moon shown full but only waxing and in its early crescent face at that.

The strings attached to the shoes Akizuki made are not technically required, functionally, but their decorations are nevertheless not strictly ornamental either, because the tied strings add security and the familiar ornaments provide comfort. With the momiji motif on the shoes he made for her, Akizuki essentially provides Yukino momiji leaves even in winter when the actual trees are bare. Quite possibly representing reassurance and security she craved during the preceding winter period but which her previous partner did not provide at the time.

To me it looks like the school crest consists of both momiji/kaede and kikyo. I think the abstraction of the flower in seal script is in part an inverted 大 - also found on the spine of, 額田女王 (Nukada no Ōkimi) by Yasushi Inoue, one of the library books as shown on the bookshelf in Yukino’s apartment. A book Yukino earlier read in the garden, with a titular character whose poetry is included in Man'yōshū and who makes a re-appearance through her poetry near the end of the story. I think the reversesed kanji is used, in part, as a reference to adulthood, (pre/im -) maturity here.

Other books seen throughout the film have been identified as well, see here for example, while a few of the titles are either unknown or may be figments of Shinkai's imagination. One of which has 古都を夢く万葉集の風景を訪ねて printed on its spine. A reminder, perhaps, that the landscapes Shinkai explores and depicts in this film are for the most part human creations. An encouragement, perhaps also, to read this film and to see it as a graphic novel. A work of illustrated literature - in which Yukino Yukari and her relationships especially can be understood a little better through the written words with which Shinkai surrounds her. The story as a whole can be understood a little better by literally translating the images into words and then exploring the meanings of those words through the literary works referenced. For those who really like that sort of exploration I suggest seeking out good translations and, especially for the poetic elements, consulting more than one translation because the poetry is open to interpretation and even readers of modern Japanese must rely on translation and transliteration for the original texts of Man'yōshū.

This, for example, is a different English translation for the first tanka, 2513, than quoted in the OP of the other thread.
“If the thunder rolls for a while
And the sky is clouded, bringing rain,
Then you will stay beside me.”

That translation can be found online in previews of the book ‘’1000 Poems from the Manyoshu: The Complete Nippon Gakujutsu Shinkokai Translation’’. Not all poems are included in this book, however. The difference in translations, I think, is significant for the timing of the film’s narrative.

In that book poem 2514 is translated as follows:
Even when no thunder sounds
And no rain falls, if you ask me,
Then I will stay beside you.

The translation of the film has been criticised in other threads here for its omissions but translations of the film available online have their flaws as well. In one I watched earlier, for example, Man'yōshū is not even specifically mentioned in the subtitles for one of the pivotal scenes in the park, when Akizuki identifies it as the source and indicates where he found the reference. For those who like this film but don’t understand Japanese I strongly suggest watching different translations.

Because of the way the -bookmarked- pages are rendered in the film with legible print I think it worth singling out Natsume Soseki's Wayfarer here as well. (The bookmark is between Page 262, the last page of chapter 42, and page 263 with the first line of the next chapter.) The bookmark itself a reminder that few images in this film, especially in the Shinjuku garden, should be taken at face value or as merely decorative or incidental backdrops. Each image or object to be treated as a word - a word with potentially more than one meaning. A lot has been said about how visually stunning this film is but I think Shinkai has given enough hints that he wants this film to be read as much as he wants it to be seen. It is not an entirely self-contained work. The many literary references clearly indicate it stretches beyond the confines of the garden. Midori’s line from Murakami’s ‘’Norwegian Woods’’ has already been mentioned in earlier comments and there must be other lines not explicitly attributed throughout the film as well.

Shinkai has commented in the past that first love rarely works out but although still firmly focussed on the transience of existence I think he has chosen symbolism of a more permanent nature to represent the relationship of the characters in The Garden of Words than in Five Centimeters per Second.

Sep 20, 2014 10:38 PM

#330

ronri

Offline

Sep 2011

898

@VersoSciolto: Oh wow, I really appreciate you taking the time to type that up. Really comprehensive look at the film and it's little elements. It definitely makes me want to seek out the other translations now.

ronriSep 20, 2014 11:48 PM

Sep 23, 2014 3:16 AM

#331

Tengai

Offline

May 2012

7011

Well, it's my friend's birthday today, and he really likes this Anime movie. That's why, as a gift to him, I watched this movie now, as he keeps on telling me to watch this. I have known this Anime movie, I think, days after it aired, but I was waiting for the right time and mood to watch this. I guess, it was destined for me to watch this now.
Anyway, as expected, really beautiful animation. So beautiful, that I can cry. The music is also wonderful.
Realistic story, but nothing special. However, the execution was good, and I like it. I, myself, want a woman who is older than me. Maybe, 3 to 4 years older.
He looks like a really nice man, and she looks really pretty. I like the shoes he made for himself. That's my style. The shoes he made for her, was nice.
Scenery looks really beautiful; especially that garden. This is why I want to visit Japan. Someday.......someday, my friend.
Many things were not explained, but that's because of the length of the movie. Still, a great movie~ Now, I shall watch the other movie my friend really likes: Hotarubi no Mori e :D
Happy end, right?? He will visit her~

Oct 18, 2014 1:59 PM

#332

CrimsonSilver4

Offline

Jan 2013

4065

The animation was a little weird sometimes, but it gives a good message of love.
It was a little short tho.

Oct 20, 2014 2:16 PM

#333

Sonority

Offline

Jan 2014

346

huh

yukino sensei had all the problems of her own, but was "saved" without even really talking about them.

guess it shows how valuable interaction with someone else can be, regardless of where you are in life and even if it doesn't help you right away.

[right]

Nov 2, 2014 4:48 PM

#334

Aizix

Offline

Dec 2013

3406

The art and animation were fkn astonishing. It was a very nice watch, didn't feel long at all but the ending was meh. 7/10

Nov 11, 2014 2:00 AM

#335

bloodiemonster

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Oct 2013

2896

this was amazing loved the art style

[/quote]

Dec 6, 2014 7:50 AM

#336

CunGum

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Jan 2014

I just finished watching this & had to get on here to see if there's more out there like it... Why do I often finish watching something & when it ends I feel abandoned?!

I thought this was a nice little story expertly delivered and magnificently animated. All the shoe/feet scenes were a nice surprise - Shinkai is a man after my own heart.

Dec 7, 2014 7:23 AM

#337

Tsukasa_Rio

Offline

Jul 2012

4088

- EPIC story (its like forbidden love between student and his teacher) yet with uncertain ending..
I like this kind of story better than harem story, a guy that cannot decide which girl he really love >_>

- EPIC animation (rain and the place where they first met)..

and going to watch another art from Shinkai Makoto ^^

Dec 12, 2014 9:28 AM

#338

Impala

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Jun 2013

1763

It really boasts its artstyle and animation. That's it.

Jan 2, 2015 1:17 AM

#339

Charge97

Offline

Dec 2014

145

Animation and music was superb .... Wish it was a little longer though ... The story would have had more impact that way ...

There’s no hope on the battlefield.
It has nothing but unspeakable despair.
Just a crime we call victory, paid for by the pain of the defeated.
Yet humanity has never recognized this truth.
And the reason for that is, in every era,
a dazzling hero has blinded people with their legends and prevented them from seeing the evil of bloodshed.
The true nature of humanity has not advanced a step beyond the Stone Age!

Jan 4, 2015 6:06 PM

#340

geneonline

Offline

Jul 2009

Saudades said:
^x2 Translation for the last line (credit to a guy on Nyaa):

Hope they include it in the official BD release, it's quite a good line to close the film.

thank you for solving the riddle of the last minute of the video. your the best!

Jan 14, 2015 3:15 AM

#341

Scrabble

Offline

Dec 2013

My God. Both my breath and 10 MegaLitres of Tears were taken away from me.

Absolutely Beautiful Story. Despite the age difference that puts a lot of people off, this is LIFE. Life is not as simple as a man and a women who are the same age falling in love and living happily ever after. Of course, there was no explicitly implied romance future for the two characters. People who are nagging about the age difference GET OVER IT. The story is much much more complex than the simple notion of similar age romance. It's about life and hardship and how to keep moving/walking forward.

Soundtrack was beautiful too. The Ending song was chosen perfectly and inserted at the best possible time. My eyes simply just bawled on its own.

Animation was simply breathtaking. Most likely one of, if not THE, best out. The detail, lighting and ambience flushed out in each scene was simply superb. I absolutely hate myself for not watching this earlier.

Overall Rating: Hands down 10/10 MASTERPIECE
(I don't like giving ratings that are perfect but since there is no 9.8 option I have to round to 10)

Jan 19, 2015 6:08 PM

#342

djokorajkovic992

Offline

Feb 2014

That story and characters were absolutely terrible lol
But yeah visually it was fantastic

Jan 26, 2015 4:56 AM

#343

Narco

Offline

Sep 2014

475

Ven said:
I still can't get over how amazing the art and animation was.

Yea, same here.

The music was just amazing as the artwork. Story was also great, i never watched romance movies so this is first time i see story like this. Really enjoyable.
I cant say i dislike ending, but i cant say i like it either. It has a charm but since i cant be satisfied with my imagination ( i dont like open endings) i wouldn't mind to see did they meet again or not.

NarcoMar 14, 2015 9:31 AM

Jan 30, 2015 10:51 AM

#344

Imaishi

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Sep 2014

7338

Visually great, but hated the end.

Feb 2, 2015 4:50 AM

#345

Zadion

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Oct 2013

4475

The climax was just... intensely beautiful and amazing. Both the soundtrack and animation were so gorgeous. This movie is full of beauty and the direction is spectacular.

Unfortunately, the story itself isn't fantastic; it was just a nice little love story. Still, there were some parts I absolutely loved. I adored Yukino; her character really resonated with me. ;-;

Overall, it was an entertaining watch, but Makoto Shinkai is still overrated.

☩ Discord: the.path.to.pathos
☩ RateYourMusic
☩ last.fm

Feb 4, 2015 11:27 PM

#346

FeSTiNaLeNTe

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Jan 2014

4581

Well, it was a bit touching I guess. And I like the rain.

Feb 15, 2015 2:45 PM

#347

Raines

Offline

Oct 2013

474

It's been a while since I have seen a movie this beautiful, some people complain about the length of the movie being to short but it didn't really bother me that much, the characters were great and the story was good, definitely enjoyed watching this.

Feb 26, 2015 1:52 PM

#348

bbrian

Offline

Sep 2013

1811

So glad they didn't actually end up together as a couple or whatever, was actually worried they would.

Movie did benefit being quite short considering the simple story. 10/10 on the Art and visuals.

Mar 6, 2015 8:51 PM

#349

ImTheGuy

Offline

Dec 2013

467

The animation was unreal. Loved the story.

Kana Hanawaza is a goddess.

That last scene where she ran into his arms...that's a tearjerker.

Wish they were together in the end.

9/10

Mar 13, 2015 10:36 AM

#350

k0k0

Offline

Aug 2009

3108

It seems like I'm the only one who appreciated the age-gap romance concept more than the ethereal art style. The movie left a mark on me and, more than that, I could relate to it. So glad it kept its touch of realism.

11/10. Adding to favourites.

See All Discussions

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Kotonoha no Niwa Episode 1 Discussion

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» What if the genders were reversed?

» What did you think of this movie? ( 1 2 )

» Am I the only one, probably not

Poll: » What demographic is Kotonoha no Niwa?

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