Suzume

I love anime just as much as the next person, but I have to acknowledge that his most recent effort is also his least strong to date. Although critics have often criticized Shinkai's writing in his earlier films, the relatively strong visuals and music in Suzume are unable to save the film's beleaguered narrative.

Suzume by Shinkai doesn't try to break any new ground, and viewers will find that the plot pretty much follows the same pattern as his previous two works. Unfortunately, there's just a little bit too much packed into its two-hour running length for anything to be satisfactorily addressed. A coming-of-age/self-discovery subplot, a romantic subplot that feels a little forced and awkward, as well as some family strife and pain, are all included. It all comes off as a bit of a cop out with little to no emotional payoff because none of these links are given enough time to grow. Overall, even by Shinkai's standards, not very good.

Like always, the graphics steal the show. Suzume switches from the more realistic, realistic atmosphere of earlier movies to a more ethereal, mystical one. Once more, viewers will be treated to breathtaking views and sceneries fit for a wallpaper. However, the movie sadly lacks the minute, human details that Your Name and Weathering with You so successfully used to add an extra layer of realism. Suzume, in my opinion, falls short in terms of atmosphere and graphics compared to Suzume's excellent standard.

No one was surprised that the film's sound design and special effects were once again flawless and significantly added to its authenticity.

The soundtrack features a return by Radwimps, who once again provide a fantastic soundtrack. Sadly, despite the fact that the songs were fine, the timing seemed a little "off". Some tunes were obviously reused, and it never really felt like many emotional notes were being touched. There was no "damn, this is it" moment as when "Sparkle" or "Grand Escape" first began playing in Your Name or Weathering with You. Maybe the plot is to blame more for this than the music. That said, it was a... dubious choice, to put it mildly, to move one of the sole vocal Radwimps tunes to the end credits.

Viewers expecting to be impressed-or perhaps underwhelmed-by the aesthetics (and other things Shinkai has historically done well) should be prepared. Viewers shouldn't bother if they're hoping for a story writing enhancement. Even though I'm still looking forward to Shinkai's future endeavor, I only want that it will be something fresh. Even the most effective recipes eventually go stale.

Staff:

Directed by: Makoto Shinkai

Written by: Makoto Shinkai

Produced by: Kōichirō Itō, Kinue Itō, and Wakana Okamura

Starring: Nanoka Hara, Hokuto Matsumura, Eri Fukatsu, Shota Sometani, Sairi Ito, Kotone Hanase, Kana Hanazawa, Matsumoto Hakuō II, and Ryunosuke Kamiki

Cinematography: Ryōsuke Tsuda

Edited by: Makoto Shinkai

Music by: Radwimps and Kazuma Jinnouchi

Production companies: CoMix Wave Films and Story Inc.

Distributed by: Toho

Release date: November 11, 2022

Running time: 122 minutes