Netflix has officially started streaming Makoto Shinkais most underrated film, and it is an absolute masterpiece. Makoto Shinkai has become one of the leading names in anime filming for almost a decade now. Starting with Shinkai’s subversive body-swapping film Your nameThe director has become as popular as Hayao Miyazaki with fans excitedly awaiting every film he makes. However, one of his lesser-known projects is streaming now on Netflix, and it’s something fans can’t miss.
5 centimeters per second is a 2007 film by Shinkai that is told in three short stories following a boy named Takaki Tōno through different periods of his life. From his childhood to his adulthood, the film explores how he responds to being separated from his closest friend, Akari Shinohana, when she moves away. Clocking in a breeze of one hour’s length, 5 centimeters per second is a pretty easy watch for those who are fans of Shinkai’s work. However, the execution of his story makes it one of the most heartfelt and emotional outings in the career of the director.
5 Centimeters Per Second is an understated masterpiece that will leave you in tears
This short drama packs emotional punches in every corner
While Shinkai is famous for his films that blend drama with science fiction and mythology, 5 centimeters per second is more grounded. It’s a pure drama that explores Takaki’s grief after drifting apart from his friend. The upsetting part is the film showcasing what happens when someone can’t let go of the past. Takaki is left in a constant state of “what if” when life passes him, keeping his mind on Akari and his feelings for her. He gets trapped in a loop of living in the past, which leads to him struggling with his future.
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What’s worse is how Takaki’s mentality affects everyone else. The second story focuses on a girl in his class named Kanae Sumida who has feelings for him and wants to confess, but his constant glimpses on his phone without sending any messages to Akari leads her to move on from him in heartbreak. Then, in the future, he destroys his relationship with his girlfriend, Risa, by never speaking to her. It’s a tragic look into the life of someone who can’t go on, even though Akari has already moved on.
Makoto Shinkai’s 5 cm per second will make you appreciate his films even more
Everything fans love about his newest work stems from here
What’s great about 5 centimeters per second Is her humanity. Shinkai knows how to achieve the sensitive moments, making 5 centimeters per second is his most raw film. However, he also injects these moments into his later films. Even with their fantastical elements, Your name, awesome with you And Suzume All share a rich and emotional story that explores the humanity of their characters. Rewatching the films after watching 5 cm Opens audiences to whole new experiences when they see the underlying emotional themes baked into his stories.
5 centimeters per second was the perfect blueprint for what was to come as Shinkai improved his craft
basically, 5 centimeters per second was the perfect blueprint for what was to come as Shinkai improved his craft. It is rich in emotion and theme, making it a must-watch for fans of his filmography. Plus, at just an hour long, it’s a perfect watch for Makoto Shinkai Fans want more from his filmography, especially now that it’s streaming on Netflix.
Source: GKids Films