**Spoilers ahead, as the reviewer is expected to have seen the movie**
**Also, bear with me as Im trying my best to review. Im not good with words,
but I swear that Im trying to be as clear as possible. Here we go!**
Kimi no na wa is beautiful in every way. So much effort and dedication was put into this movie.
The story =9
Another unique story, I'd say.
Its about two young kids; a girl named Mitsuha who lives in the town called Itomori, and a boy named Taki from Tokyo. The story throughout was a journey to figure out their situation; how they swap bodies, what occured it, and why
Lots of comedic bits too, making the scenes more worth to watch. Like the intro part for Mitsuha and Taki....man, can't take their actions off my head.
Despite all the commotions, the story stayed strong and on-topic, so much so that it made every character matter. When the scenes introduced us the main characters, we get more lines from the friends or family, laying out each other's traits as the story goes along.
One flaw though, is that we didnt get to see action beyond Mitsuha screaing in front of her mirror. (I guess Shinkai seriously respects women)
But nonetheless, the story was structered really well
The characters =8
Besides the main characters, we have their family and friends that played great roles as they "somewhat accepted" to join Mitsuha or Taki's journey. Every character was unique and strongly resembles the settings theyre in.
For example, Mitsuha doesnt like her life in Itomori, and would rather be a boy who lives in Tokyo. Meanwhile her friend Tessie would rather stay and continue living in Itomori and work in the construction company his father is in.
Strong story + unique characters that can relate = great roles
The voice acting on each character did awesome jobs, especially the comedic bits.
As an English speaker though, I had to give more props to the English VAs for making the movie extra better! They translated the characters like it was NOTHIN! Especially the intro scenes, and the scene involving Yotsuha's response to her big sister's screaming....cant wait to own the English version on Bluray!
Another flaw though, was Taki's family side. We get Mitsuha's, but what about the loner Taki-kun's? We get to see the dad, but not much story of him or the rest of Taki's family.
Kinda puts my "importance" review to shame, but I guess some stories had to be put down til someone asks Makoto Shinkai himself.
The scenery and objects they drew in the movie.. =10
Itomori's (unfortunately fictional) landscapes and Tokyo's were greatly drawn into the anime. If youre going to watch this movie in crisp 1080p HD, you eill see how much effort the animators and drawers put into the scenes.
The lighting, the shades, and the solid structures (roads, walls, even a piece of chalk or pencil) were beautifully drawn throughout.
What got me the most was how they used sunlight to make things even spookier or more memorable. The scenes with the sunlight just....lighten up the mood of the scene.
Sure, we may have seen it in his previous movies, but I still had to say it.
**I watched Kimi no na wa bwfore watching his two other ones, like Garden of Words and 5 cm/sec**
Themes, a band, background sounds, and two different bells....=8
When I hear the 1st theme song play in the background, I was expecting this whole movie as if uts an anime episode. I mean, its AWESOME, Im trying to sing their English version now (sang by the same Japanese singer making his best English sentences)
But thats the thing. Its.....kinda distracting, ruining the theme of the story for a bit. I'm still glad that theyve adjusted themselves to fit into the scenes to summ up Taki's and Mitsuha's situation, and itll forever be in my head.
But aside the songs, the background music and natural sounds are very well done, in detail and to give a theme of the scene.
Especially the Kataware-doki scene....its been a fan favourite ever since. I will never forget it, because the theme and the story blends in as one, giving the characaters a chance to shine, then...-----
You'll understand why.
Overall, my score would be 9.
Not every story was made perfect, but if the focus was to make a beautiful story while pushing yourself to make the best scenery and making the characters memorable and cooler, it will become something more than just perfect.
Ive definitely enjoyed the ride. And you will too.
And never forget his/her name. Or you'll suffer the same pain too.
