Suzume

I didn't know it was about the earthquake and 311. I wasn't ready at all. For the people who don't know about it, it would be a great adventure anime which has a comedy aspect. But for me, it was pretty heavy.

I don't think it has a crying scene but I cried like a baby at the scene that reminded me 311 also made me think of the people who lost their loved ones on that day by the earthquake and tsunami.

About the people who didn't come home after they left their home in the morning...

I was living in Tokyo back then so I'm not in the position to talk about it much but This movie is special for us I think.

I don't know if I can watch this movie again after knowing what's this about now because it's a lot for me.

For the animation and story, I would rate it 8-9 but for the people who became stars above on that day and people who lost loved ones, I rated 10.

Oh btw my husband who is an American said it was a great movie so it's for everyone :)

To the people planning a trip to Japan, I recommend looking up about what you all should do if an earthquake happens in Japan juuuuust in case. Hope it helps you and have a wonderful time there! :))

(Sorry for my poor English and thank you for reading.)

The premise was truly intriguing with several doors at abandoned places in need of getting closed in order to stop the gigantic worms from causing natural disasters. Ancient Gods are the keystones holding these worms back and there is a closer who has taken up this important job to keep these doors closed. Then there is Suzume, a girl raised by her aunt after she lost her mother during 2011 Tsunami. Suzume is gifted to see the ever after and her love at first sight Sota who is the closer, leads her to join him in the mission to close the doors as well as save the world.

The animation is what caught my eye and I am not that much into anime. The story remained captivating for the most part and the narrative style kept the intrigue intact. I was drawn into the world of Suzume even before the fantasy part began. Chasing Daijin while closing one door after another, relating it to a major natural disaster from the Japanese history was a nice touch. However, despite couple of jokes working, the sub plot involving Serizawa felt dragged and the introduction of Sadaijin lacked the desired impact. Overall, Suzume is still a worthy watch for it's unique premise.

"Suzume," directed by Makoto Shinkai, is an enchanting animated film that masterfully blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and deeper emotional themes. Renowned for his previous works like "Your Name" and "Weathering with You," Shinkai continues to showcase his signature style in this beautifully crafted story.

The film follows the journey of a young girl named Suzume, who stumbles upon a mysterious door in the mountains of Kyushu. This door leads to other worlds and opens up an array of adventures, but it also unleashes chaos that she must confront. Accompanied by a young man named Souta, her quest transforms into a race against time as they seek to close the doors to prevent disasters from affecting their reality.

As expected from a Shinkai film, the animation in "Suzume" is nothing short of breathtaking. The vibrant landscapes of Japan, combined with meticulously detailed backgrounds, create an immersive world that draws the viewer in. The motion and fluidity of animated sequences are coupled with stunning visual effects that highlight the film's fantastical elements, making every frame a work of art.

Suzume is a relatable protagonist whose emotional depth resonates throughout the film. Her character evolves dramatically as she grapples with her past, the losses she faces, and the responsibility that comes with her journey. Souta's character complements Suzume beautifully, bringing in a dynamic that balances humor and seriousness. The supporting characters, including Suzume's friends and family, add richness to her story, offering insights into her motivations and struggles.

At its core, "Suzume" explores themes of grief, connection, and the importance of confronting one's emotions. The door symbolizes both opportunity and the consequences of one's choices, serving as a metaphor for how we deal with the past and the steps we take to move forward. The film touches on the impact of natural disasters, intergenerational trauma, and personal growth, providing not just entertainment but also deep reflections that linger after the credits roll.

The musical score, crafted by the renowned musician Radwimps, enhances the emotional impact of the film. The soundtrack expertly blends with the visuals, guiding viewers through the highs and lows of Suzume's journey, adding layers of emotional depth. The songs are memorable and beautifully complement the narrative, further immersing the audience in her world.

"Suzume" is a poignant and visually stunning film that appeals to both animation lovers and general audiences. It captures the essence of human emotions through the lens of fantasy and adventure, leaving viewers with a lasting impression. Makoto Shinkai proves once again that he is a master storyteller, and "Suzume" stands out as a testament to his genius. Whether you're a fan of his previous works or new to his films, "Suzume" is a cinematic experience that should not be missed.

A love at first sight, seeking past, fifty thousand people used to live here now it's a ghost town, unlikely villain, phenomenon driven mystery, parkour, a race against time and chance, past meet future, today's sacrifice tomorrow's keep, great humor timing, strong voice acting, magical, captivating visual art animation & a music to fall in love, with nostalgia sure to hit a Makoto Shinkai's masterpiece ! When I left the theater I feel like wanting more I regretted for not having watch Kimi no Nawa and Weathering with you on cinema but not this time and I am so glad I captured this one. Ittekimasu Itterasshai.

Suzume has become one of 2023's breakout hits and for good reason; though the film may have some similarities to Your Name and Weathering With You, it's got enough different material to make this film a nicely refreshing experience at the cinema.

I don't know why some critics/audience-members have complained about the supposed similarities to Makoto Shinkai's previous films; directors have styles they refine to their heart's content, so it's an odd thing to point out here. With that said, Shinkai uses his 'magic realism' approach to tell an even more fantasy-oriented story than Your Name; there are talking cats and sentient chairs in this one instead of a 'simple' body-swap.

Of course, the story's well realised but what about the animation? It's gorgeous! Of course it's gorgeous! It's so crisp and fluid that even the few imperfections here and there do not diminish the sense of seeing a fantastical take on modern Japan that's ripe for the 'real fantasy' imagery on display here. Also, the animation has a consistently cinematic (and larger than life) flare that few recent American animated offerings seem to have. The intimate and big set pieces never feel totally out of place. Everything here just... fits nicely.

Suzume is the kind of animation that cinema was made to show off, and in THE showiest fashion possible! Makoto Shinkai has a real knack for theatrical stories.

Suzume gets 4.5/5 stars. 9/10 points. This one is certainly worth getting a ticket to see!