Review of Suzume

While doing same concept as his previous works, Makoto Shinkai definitely grows as a director. Suzume, or in original title Suzume no Tojimari, talks about a highschool girl Suzume and a college boy Souta journey to prevent disasters. More explanation about the plot could be seen at the synopsis. Let's just hop into the movie itself. While the movie is fun to watch, easy to enjoy even for non-anime fans, there's a point to be noted. Let's start with reasons why you need to watch newest Makoto Shinkai's work. First of all, it's fun. Why it's fun? as a movie the whole, this movie has stunningrealistic graphic with smooth animation. The way character moves, choreography, until how animals behave portrayed beautifully. Accompanied with superb sound design from the crackle of rocks until ear-banging explosion, it's crystal clear, crisp, defined accurately (surprisingly not that much film with high budget could achieve this, despite the atmos capability in cinemas).

Second, the pacing, which actually makes the movie exciting to follow. While the story may not really the big thing from Suzume, the pacing of the whole movie is really neat, balanced, fast, and fluid. The shots taken were well proportioned, quick, showing that this story is about journey. A journey about a high schooler girl that need to prevent disaster in hurry. The way every scene is tied really presents that adrenaline rush. But not only fast, action packed scenes, Suzume could makes the audience take a long breath by the beautiful, calming scenery accompanied with alluring slow rock soundtracks. Suzume takes the audience into a rollercoaster rides of adrenalines.

Now let's talk about the downside Suzume has. Concept repetition.

Apparently Makoto Shinkai used the same formula as his previous works, says, Your Name (Kimi no na wa) or Weathering with You (Tenki no Ko). While a lot of people doesn't satisfied with that, it's actually feels off. At Suzume, every story element are balanced, too balanced that nothing stands out. You called this work romance? Makoto Shinkai definitely based the whole script on romance, but it's literally progressed weirdly. You called this work drama? There is drama. For like 5 or 10 minutes or so. It's so subtle that feels like a filler.

Looks like Makoto Shinkai showcased and condensed too much of things in the script. The execution is still great, but feels bland. Like a milk candy coated with chocolate. The flavours unique, but it's gone after a second.

Verdict. Is it worth to watch? Yes, still. The graphic, sounds, and the screenwriting elevates the too-much-to-tell-yet-repetitive core concept into a well executed, fun, and exciting movie to watch.