It’s been 4 years since I first watched 5 Centimeters Per Second. At first I was confused because up until that point, I have always watched romance that never fails to be realized despite having problems along the way. However, this movie exposed me to a bittersweet romance that never managed to bloom. I thought to myself “Huh, this doesn’t look interesting”, but damn was I wrong. I kept coming back to it and 3 re-watches later and it ended up being my all-time favourite movie. Why? It just seems to be a very personal movie to me, despite never experiencing an actual relationship with the opposite sex. I guess it’s similar to the feeling of liking someone one-sidedly and not having the will to act upon it, eventually parting ways, moving on, and forgetting.
The story starts out with the story of Takaki and Akari, two frail individuals who kept transferring schools because of their parent’s job. They became the closest of friends after they transferred to the same school but there came a day where they needed to part ways. Keeping in touch with people has always been a struggle. The story takes place during a time when the internet was not yet popular and the use of cellular phones are yet to be widespread, leaving only sending letters as an option. At first, it seems an exciting thing but it eventually dies down. They get busier as they settle down on their new areas, drifting them further apart. Even if they continue being pen pals, they’ll eventually run out of things to talk about. As they continue living out their life, the act of forgetting is inevitable. Getting caught up with everyday activities makes one think less of the events of the past. It’s like being no longer a part of the other person’s world, as their physical presence cease to be a part of each other’s life. People move on, but certain regrets linger.
Takaki’s decision to meet Akari the last time was a heart-wrenching and admirable effort. His weary narration as he inches closer to Akari’s place leaves a chilling feeling as if one is also within the snow storm he’s experiencing. His reflections on confessing his bottled-up feelings for Akari compressed on a letter only to be blown away by the wind, an indication that he has to confront it head-on. The continual delays of the train like it’s trying to conspire against him, heightening the dread he feels as she’s already far enough to be out of his reach. And when he finally arrives, the night he spent with Akari is very emotional yet magical. It’s just the feeling as they walk across a vast field of snow and the hollow sound of the wind moving across the falling snow. The way they confront their feelings has a touch of subtlety to it, implanting a sense of hope that they might meet again to fully realize the feelings they have for each other.
The second part of the film introduces us to a new character Sumida. This part takes place a few years after the first part of the film where Takaki has moved to a new area. There are observable criticisms to this part of the story as one can’t help but feel that Sumida’s contribution to the story is irrelevant. However, she gives a different perspective on having feelings for someone. Takaki and Akari’s feeling for each other is constricted by their distance. But, Sumida’s feelings for Takaki is also constricted by distance, albeit not literally. You might observe from Sumida’s monologues how he describes Takaki as someone who has always looked beyond her despite him being a genuinely kind person. Takaki still can’t forget about Akari, which explains him always seemingly distant and mysterious to other people.
There are also certain symbolisms present such as the rocket launching, beach waves, and Takaki’s cellphone. They are not necessary to understand the intent of the film but only serve as enrichment to the experience, giving meaning as to make the weak story more profound. An expectation one might have is a well-founded and executed plot but the movie has none of that. It’s a fragmented story, leaving it to the viewer how he will interpret it. This is one of the reasons why this film is polarizing. The rocket launching signifies a desire to reach out to the unknown, a lonely journey hoping one will find what he desires. It’s a similar thing to Takaki’s desire to be with Akari despite the distance, an attempt he made before. The beach waves symbolizes Sumida’s attempt to go with the flow, as she still have uncertainties with the way her life is heading. Takaki’s cellphone is a new manifestation of the letter, only that the receiver is non-existent. It’s his outlet for his emotions, a medium to put his regrets to rest. A wishful thinking that he still acts like he’s pen pals with Akari, it’s a very sad thing.
Finally, we get to the last part of the film. Takaki is all grown-up, living in Tokyo. There is not much to say as it only clocks around less than 10 minutes but Takaki’s lifeless narration shows how that failed romance devastated him. It’s really a depressing sight, how he maneuver his way around like he has already given up. At this point, one will ask “What happened to Akari?” Both of them are already strangers. The film ends with a montage of events leading to the current situation, played with a heartfelt ballad. Some of the scenes are shown before and some are not. Honestly speaking, it’s at this moment where I started appreciating the film more when I first watched it. It’s just a rush of emotions, heart-breaking and sorrowful.
For the animation, it’s just amazing. Even for some people who didn’t find liking the film so much, they can’t deny the gorgeous visuals. It’s like every scene can be used as wallpaper, it’s just that much of an eye-candy. For the soundtrack, it’s a beautiful set of tracks. There are some that are just different arrangements for the same music, but they just work as well when played at certain scenes. I find myself listening to it occasionally and drift towards soul-crushing sadness. It’s like certain scenes play in my head when I listen to a track.
Overall, this film is a must watch for anyone who is a fan of animation. Sure, the story is its weakest aspect but there are a lot of merits watching this. Most say that it has a low replay value but I keep coming back to it whenever I feel sentimental. It’s a film that has a divisive opinion and regardless which side you take is understandable as I’m aware of a lot of complaints this film has. An inconclusive romance that goes nowhere, that’s the point of the film. Shinkai Makoto attempts to make a statement that not all romances lead to a happy ending. As much clichéd that is, it’s trying to be realistic. 5 Centimeters Per Second is a film that tries to defy the trend of joyful romances. Atmospheric, somber, and melancholic, it’s an experience that might just make you a bit emotional.
