Review of Suzume
Overall I enjoy Makoto Shinkai's work, and this movie is no exception. The animation is once again top notch, and I personally love his art direction and style. Especially when he has scenes of capturing every-day Japan from commuting around an area, the train stations, the food, or even a simple car ride. To me I always enjoy those simple moments that showcase everyday life in another country where you see similarities and differences. I digress, but Makoto does rely on some signature elements of super natural fantasy, a love story, humorous moments, and themes that relate to modern day Japan. The notable difference between Suzumeand his last couple of films is the bigger focus on supernatural elements, and having more action related to it. You can argue it is constant in Your Name with how they switch bodies often, but this time it's more action heavy with how they have basically close these gates with a mystical creature about to cause earthquakes. Also the story does a good job conversing around Japan, and as I mentioned earlier I love how he captures everyday life.
In fact, when it feels like the story reaches the climax, you realize you're only at the halfway point. Unlike your name the climax was evacuating the town, then a conclusion arc with Taki trying to remember something important and why he has a connection to a destroyed town. That was literally the last 10 minutes or so, while what at first feels like a climax in Suzume is only a little halfway through the story. The journey actually continues for Suzume trying to find a way to change things despite how she could walk away at that point.
Honestly that is a strength with this movie. It's intense and an emotional ride throughout that doesn't let up until the very end. Similar to his past movies which I think is Makoto's greatest strength. You rarely feel like the story's pacing is off, or the story gets too sidetracked or bogged down. I say that for most of his films, and there are several moments throughout the film that make you emotional between the characters.
One of the main themes in the movie is related to earthquakes as I have mentioned before. It has become common in his films to have a theme related to a natural disaster, or something that is truly relevant to almost everyone in Japan. It makes sense since Your Name has a natural disaster with the meteor destroying a town. Aka a nod towards Fukushima with it being all gone afterwards. Weathering With You tackles the effects of climate change. Suzume is back to natural disasters, but a bigger focus how all of Japan has to live in a volatile region with earthquakes. It's an effective way to tackle a cultural theme directly tied to Japan.
The only issue I have with this film, and why it's not a 10/10 for me, is the love story feels rushed. Granted, it's not like they are getting married by the end, but the development of deep love was within a few days. It's a chaotic three days where it didn't have room to build the relationship unlike Your Name or Garden of Words for example. I feel like a bond was building, but the love element was too fast for my tastes and compared to his past films.
Otherwise, another great that will keep you entertained through an emotional thrill ride.