Review of Suzume

After having watched this at TBL cinema, which was a treat seeing it on the big screen, I am satisfied. Nothing to crazy is happening, some pure wallpaper art, good soundtrack and interesting things happen on the screen to take you away from this reality into whatever Makoto is envisioning. Slight spoiler territory (nothing major, don't read further if you want the newbie exposure to the film): A little disappointed TBL didn't have the sub version. The dub version wasn't anything good, but it was also not as bad as I thought. It was good enough to not distract you, but it does take some getting usedto in the first 15 minutes of the movie (especially Souta's voice, props to the English VA for having his techniques, same goes for Suzume, but I personally don't think he was the right fit).

The characters were okay, my favorite part was the car ride scene since there was more character interaction which allows us to get some more insight into the characters rather than us guessing and halfheartedly believing in them. I really liked the breakdown between Suzume and her aunt, Tamaki, it felt real and genuine. The end part was a nice surprise and easter egg I enjoyed.

I guess the movie is immersing the viewer in the world and later exploring the characters. That's difficult and I applaud them for undertaking it and executing it in a satisfactory manner. It felt like Suzume shouldn't have this deep connection with Souta and thinking back some things can be explained why she did it still feels weak.

I was looking forward to the main theme from Suzume to appear here and there, instead we got different tracks which were good. Me personally, I like when everything ties back well together. I get the direction taken though, a bit all over the place.

Thanks Sara, Dean and Sardjana for watching this movie with me and a stranger next to me who enjoyed the comedy scenes as much as I did or even more.