Review of Suzume

A coming-of-age fantasy spectacle about love, grief, and finding oneself. The story follows the cross-country adventure of Suzume, a 17-year-old high schooler as she helps a cursed Souta with his duty as a “Closer”—one who locks up “doom doors” to contain the supernatural force called the “Worm” from unleashing catastrophic disasters across Japan. I got to experience Suzume in IMAX and it was a sight to behold. I was immediately captivated by Shinkai’s familiar trademarks; stunning streaked skies, atmospheric soundtrack, and hyper-realistic art style. While it arguably had similarities to Your Name and Weathering With you in terms of identical scenes and parallel side characters, Suzume wasable to stand on its own feet - just like Souta’s adorable three-legged (and mouthless lol) children’s chair variation. If only I hadn’t assumed that the storyline would be as nuanced as its 2 predecessors, I believe I would’ve appreciated Suzume’s simplicity more.

Moreover, Suzume is a thrilling, whimsical, and touching coming-of-age fantasy spectacle about love, grief, and finding oneself.

Makoto Shinkai has truly become one of the anime industry’s renowned visionaries, and he’s once again proven that he’s worthy of the title with his latest epic road movie with a heart, Suzume.