5 Centimeters Per Second is an Anime movie that I had heard nothing but good things about it, and when I was lucky enough to get my hands on a DVD copy, I was absolutely blown away. This review will be as spoiler-free as possible.
5 Centimeters Per Second is a story about three individuals, Takaki and Akari, who become close friends in Elementary School, and Kanae, a girl whom Takaki befriends after moving to a different prefecture in Japan.
The story is told in three arcs, with the perspective switching in each arc. The majority of the plot revolves around Takaki and Akari's relationship as the years go by, even after they have moved to different areas of Japan.
Over time, Takaki and Akari's relationship begins to fade as they less frequently contact one another. While the plot may not be anything new or revolutionary, what is important is how it is presented.
The story is presented in such a way that absolutely anyone can relate to something in the story. Whether it is the warmth of friendship between two people, the heartbreak of being away from someone you care about, or the pain you feel when someone you love does not love you back, the viewer will find something to relate to.
A large piece of the plot is distance, as it is mentioned often through some very well placed examples, reminding us that something so simple can affect the outcome of nearly everything in this world.
From beginning to end, the story grips you and never lets go. At it's very core, the story is about Life, Love, friendship, missed chances, what could have been, and the will to keep moving. When you reach the end, you will realize just how precious the chances we have are, and how much someone can really mean to you.
If the story was the bulk of the movie, then the characters of 5 Centimeters Per Second are the packaging that holds it all together (Please excuse my poor attempt at an analogy). We first meet Takaki and Akari when they are in Elementary school, and are immediately presented with how deep their friendship is.
It is evident in their speech, how they speak to one another, how they address each other, and most notably, how they feel when they learn that they must part ways. The sadness they exhibit is nothing short of heartbreaking, coupled with Takaki's narrative shows how deeply affected they are.
The letters they write to each other gives further insight to their friendship, as the letters discuss things that only very close friends would talk about. The moment they meet again after so long is a heartwarming reunion that brought tears to my eyes the first time I watched it. The facial expressions, gestures, body language and voice are unbelievably well done.
Takaki's friend, Kanae, who first meets Takaki when he transfers to a new middle school, is the lead character in the second part of the story. Kanae is initially unfocused and undetermined in the beginning, but by the end of the second arc she comes to many realizations, and that something simply can not be. From the beginning, we are aware of Kanae's intentions, but Takaki's emotions are not clear until the end of the arc. Perhaps the deepest part of the characterization comes from their beliveablity.
The way the characters interact with one another and the emotions conveyed through both real time and the narratives is astonishingly accurate, and once again we are faced with the fact that many of us once understood what it felt like to faced with the situations presented in the movie.
One could go as far to say that the audience themselves are the characters on screen, reliving past events and feeling those emotions they had thought were once lost with time. Nevertheless, the characters of this story are brilliantly presented and so true to life that they need to be seen to believe.
Makato Shinkai has become famous for his breathtaking artistic style and animation, and the art in 5 Centimeters Per Second is no different. The various scenary and backgrounds are without a doubt the most beautiful looking art I have ever seen in Anime to date.
A wide array of beautiful, vivid colors and effects are used to create beautiful sunsets, gorgeous city scenery, and many others that fit the mood perfectly. Couple the amazing art with spectacular lighting effects, and the result is near realistic and awe-inspiring. Shinkai has really outdone himself this time. T
he character art is also amazing. As mentioned briefly before, the characters emotions are conveyed masterfully. The way the characters move, the changes in their voices, and their facial expression are definitely believable. The seiyuu cast for the roles were perfect.
One can not forget to mention the music of 5 Centimeters Per Second. Shinkai's good friend, Tenmon, once again lends his musical skills to score this movie. Scenes are perfectly accented with moving piano ballads, uplifting orchestral scores, and the final song in the movie, which fits so well it is actually kind of scary. Music is not a prominent element in the movie, but it does its job well.
There are very few Anime out there that struck a cord with me as 5 Centimeters per Second did. Its simple message of life and its challenges and masterful storyelling of three individuals who anyone can relate to is nothing short of greatness. Combine that with the wonderous artistry and beautiful music, and you have the best Anime movie I have seen in some time.
Shinkai, you drew me in with Hoshi no Koe, you sold me at 5 Centimeters per Second. The DVD is somewhat difficult to get nowadays, but if you can find it (or afford it), buy it. To those who were not privileged enough to have seen this movie, if you ever get a chance to, please do so, I can not recommend it enough.
