Reviews

There are two dubbed versions of this anime. One by ADV release in 2008 and another by Bandai released in 2011. If I had to recommend one it would be the ADV version. 5 centimeters per second is an emotional series. The feelings and struggles of each characters can be felt in the voice acting acting alone on the ADV version. The timing of pauses from each character going into their deep thoughts is presented much better. You get a better feel of the character "sharing" their emotions with you, the audience. In the Bandai version, i get the sense of the voice actor just reading their lines or trying too hard. The sense of emotions just doesn't match the scenery. And believe me, 5 centimeters per second is all about scenery. It'd be a waste to not feel what goes on in the characters head. The effects of the character's narrative thoughts and scenery-art work so well together to portray the deep feelings the characters have. For example, the cold feeling of being alone during winter and the warm feeling of finally meeting up with the one you care for can all be seen and felt during the "train station visit". This series captures the struggles of romance and realism of how life goes on. FYI the ADV version is hard to find but is well worth it.