[Preface]
This is my first review ever and although I have completed around 150 seasons of anime (and probably more) this is only the 4th time I have given a rating of 10. That said, I don’t want to review anime with the same critical analysis as I might a literary piece in a traditional scholarly environment. I’m going to write this review in a straightforward stream of conscience. The main ideas will be put into brackets at the start of each paragraph.
It is not enough to say that this piece was refreshing or innovative. Kimi no Na wa captures every element and trope of anime that is to be loved. It reminds us of why we started watching anime and why we still watch anime. It brings us back to the basics, the little things we find enduring. It sets a new standard, a new tone for what we can consider a masterpiece in anime.
[Actual Review]
[These characters will be real to you.]
The characters in this piece are developed so beautifully, so intricately that you will often find yourself thinking back on your life. You might laugh as you recount the times you spent with your grandmother or burn with frustration as you relate to the social anxiety of the two main characters. These personalities are accessible. Truly characters that you absolutely fall in love with. These characters are friendly, cute, cool, inspiring, exciting, bold, and anything else you could love in a person.
[Every single aspect of the plot folds exquisitely into each other.]
The plot was surprising. This anime is so much more than you think it is. In anime we often expect and unfortunately find that the plots are linear in nature. We can predict with ease what is to come and if we can’t predict the plot it’s often because the anime has brought in some nonsensical plot twists just to be surprising. Kimi no Na wa eases you into a vibrant reality with plot twists that make you feel like you should have seen it coming but for some reason didn’t. Imagine trying to solve a puzzle. Each piece is carefully guided into place until you are left with no guidance and realize that you hold in your hand the final piece.
[Music is brilliant.]
The tone of the music for this anime is top tier, absolutely amazing. Each soundtrack sets just the right tone for the right moment for the right environment. Nothing short of brilliance in selection and composition. You’ll just have to hear it for yourself. In fact, one of the reasons I was so excited to see this movie was because I heard the amazing soundtrack beforehand.
[THE FEELS ARE REAL]
The anime will tug your heart in every direction. This anime leaves nothing to chance, every push and pull of emotion is intentional. It’s done very well, positioned and paced perfectly in a way that makes the anime both enjoyable and impressionable. Your heart will move for these characters.
[Artwork is beautiful.]
I think nobody can deny that Kimi no Na wa has some beautiful art that is able to visually present a story that is captivating. However, personally I don’t think art is too important. When I first started watching anime I thought it was one of the most important aspects but now I think paying this too much focus is the wrong approach. Yes, when we look at anime like unlimited art plays a critical role in its success. However, there is so much more to the value of anime that is more inherent and timeless than art.
[CONCLUSION: There is a lot of depth to this anime.]
What do I mean by depth? Well if you watch this anime you will immediately be able to tell. There is more to be said about this anime than can realistically be put to words in the span of this review which is intended for a relatively short read. Just know that overall this anime offers an incredible amount in its vivacity. It takes from life some of its greatest themes and carefully maneuvers it into a story, a masterpiece. This anime is not simply a movie; it is an experience.
