The story is heartbreakingly realistic-I think if this scenario happened in real life with the same types of people as these characters, the outcome would be no different. When I read about 5 cm per Second I thought it sounded boring...it doesn't stand out like "giant robots, world destruction, save the world" or anything, but that's what makes it brilliant. It showcases that ordinary life isn't boring at all...it might seem unsatisfying to some people, but if 5 cm per Second wasn't as bittersweet as real life, it wouldn't quite be as magical.
Art is maybe the best part of 5 cm. It doesn't fail to deliver the same standard of beauty as Makoto Shinkai's other works. The colours, shading, and animation are all perfect and fit the mood. There's quite a bit of detail as well, also adding to the realistic mood of the story.
With all my gushing about the story and art, you'd think the sound was forgettable-especially when watching with subtitles. However, the sound actually did capture my attention. Each song sounds like it was composed with the emotion and care of anyone who has been through the same things as the characters. It's mostly sweet piano melodies that makes my heart either ache or feel nice and fuzzy. I would gladly listen to the soundtrack all day. The voice acting is pretty good too-the actors aren't really big-names as far as I know so I'm able to think "Oh, that's a nice voice." instead of "Oh my gosh it's Ayaka Onoue!"
I liked these characters. They weren't spectacular, but that's why they were good. They were written to be regular people, not some really cute moeblobs that make you want to buy $100 worth of merchandise. They reacted realistically to the situation, which I liked. So they aren't the most memorable characters, but they were well-written and humanly.
I enjoyed this anime a lot. Even though I'm not able to personally relate with their problems, I still felt like I knew how the characters felt. I remember watching 5 cm Per Second while talking to this person who is now my ex...it just adds a bucketload of nostalgia when I'm watching it. And I think nostalgia sort of is the whole theme of this anime anyways. So...I'm just trying to say that I want to give this anime a big huge hug like I'm 50 years old and meeting my kindergarten best friend again for the first time in 45 years.
