Weathering With You
"Weathering With You" is a 2019 Japanese anime film directed by Makoto Shinkai, who is known for his work on the critically acclaimed film "Your Name." The movie tells the story of Hodaka Morishima, a high school boy who runs away from his home on a remote island to Tokyo. There, he meets Hina Amano, a girl who has the power to control the weather, and together they start a business to help people who need sunny days for their events. However, their success comes at a cost, and they soon realize that their actions have consequences.
The animation in "Weathering With You" is breathtaking. The attention to detail in the cityscapes of Tokyo is stunning, and the way the rain is animated is so realistic that you can almost feel it. The use of lighting and color is also masterful, with each scene having a distinct and beautiful palette.
The soundtrack is another standout aspect of the film. The music, composed by RADWIMPS, perfectly captures the emotions of the characters and the mood of the story. The songs "Grand Escape" and "Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do?" are particularly memorable, and they complement the film's themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of nature.
The characters in "Weathering With You" are well-written and engaging. Hodaka is a relatable protagonist, struggling to find his place in the world and chasing his dreams. Hina is a charming and selfless character who is willing to do anything to help others, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness. Their relationship is heartwarming and poignant, and the film explores their feelings for each other in a way that is both honest and touching.
The film also touches on important themes, such as climate change and the power of nature. The story shows how the characters' actions affect the weather, and how their desire for sunny days has unintended consequences for the world around them. The film asks us to consider our impact on the environment and to appreciate the beauty of nature, even when it's not convenient.
One of the strengths of "Weathering With You" is how it incorporates elements of Japanese culture into the story. The film showcases Tokyo's unique blend of modern and traditional architecture, and there are several scenes that highlight Japanese customs and traditions. These moments add depth and richness to the story, and they make the film feel like a celebration of Japanese culture.
In conclusion, "Weathering With You" is a beautiful and touching film that explores important themes and features stunning animation and music. The characters are relatable and engaging, and the story is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The film is a worthy follow-up to "Your Name" and cements Makoto Shinkai's status as one of the greatest anime directors of our time.
The total score is
according to Rotten Tomatoes, a popular review aggregator website, "Weathering With You" has a 91% approval rating based on 118 reviews, with an average rating of 8.1/10. This indicates that the movie has been generally well-received by critics and audiences.
A movie with a similar atmosphere
If you enjoyed "Weathering With You" and are looking for a similar movie, I would recommend "The Garden of Words" (Kotonoha no Niwa) directed by Makoto Shinkai. Like "Weathering With You," "The Garden of Words" is a visually stunning and emotionally poignant anime film that explores themes of love, loneliness, and the beauty of nature. The film follows the story of a high school student named Takao, who dreams of becoming a shoemaker and develops a relationship with a mysterious woman named Yukino, whom he meets in a beautiful garden during rainy mornings. The film features similar attention to detail in its animation, beautiful soundtracks, and explores themes of self-discovery and emotional healing. Overall, "The Garden of Words" is a beautiful and moving film that shares many similarities with "Weathering With You" and is definitely worth watching.
