Overall, the concept of Kimi no Na wa is less to me an original take on an idea, but actually a developmental process combining elements of the traditional high school anime setting with the elements of the exploration of the mechanics of time and space. Utilizing both a traditional Japanese cultural standpoint in addition to the anime themes we all are familiar with really serves to enhance the near-flawless development of the story.
A second developmental technique used to distinguish this film from many of its rivals is the repetition of ideas very early on in the movie, in addition to rapidly setting up a world that we as human beings can both relate to, but also question at the same time. The questions and answers proposed by the story are somehow perfected in timing to the point in which me, as a first-time viewer, can still maintain captivated by the development.
One dislike, however, from my personal standpoint, was the execution of the ending. Not to spoil anything in particular, but for me personally, an ending should be a resolution, not a recapitulation. The development of THEMES seemed to present themselves in such a prolific manner, that I felt a sense of emptiness at the end, even when the effective but simple literary technique of repetition was untilized near perfectly from an analytical perspective. This, however, really did lead me to wonder how the story itself actually ended. I suppose the producer does deserve the artistic liberties to present his own story how he sees fit, but once again, I must state how simply desolate and empty I felt upon the conclusion of this film.
All in all, Kimi no Na wa is a superb film, with a rapid developmental process and thematic presentations that can easily enthrall viewers. The film contains little to no downsides, and even though the story may seem to progress slowly at times, the masterful execution of the film as a whole will easily disguise any minor flaws.
