Review of Suzume

A movie that's trying so hard to fulfill so many expectations that it ends up meeting none of them. (Very light spoiler warning for Suzume, Kimi no Na Wa and Tenki no Ko follows) Shinkai-san's past blockbusters are both popular and generally well received, and I think because of their large scale narrative (natural disaster, natural events that concern a large group of people) he may have felt pressured to repeat something similar. And he does, but what ends up following is a story that feels largely nonsensical to me. From key plot points concerning the main character's (particularly Souta) involvement to the final ending, watchingthis movie just left me with a lot of question marks and an unsatisfying resolution. Interesting plot devices are neither continued nor explained. The connection between the two main characters feels much less natural and touching than Shinkai-san's past films, which also meant that I had trouble connecting and relating to them. Age gap aside, it's hard to see what drives Suzume's affection for him.

This movie's main merit lies in its striking visuals and aesthetic depiction. Like Shinkai-san's past films, the depiction of Japanese towns and cities are extremely well done, with my favourite visuals throughout the film being the ones of an abandoned amusement park. The sky, scenery and fantasy aspects are all very well drawn and designed. I appreciated the central motif of the free-standing door, which you can also see in this movie's poster. The cat character is cute. The other thing about Suzume that deserves appreciation is the music, which is by Radwimps, the same artist behind the OST of Kimi no Na Wa and Tenki no Ko. I find that I don't like the main leitmotif as much as some other viewers, but it definitely helps fill out the haunting aspect of the film. The ending theme is lovely and I still listen to it.

There are many aspects in this movie that recalls other famous anime works, namely Ghibli films. In doing so I was also repeatedly reflecting on how Suzume falls short of those other movies. I would say that if you are looking for a movie that elucidates on the horrors and beauty of nature, you are better off seeing Princess Mononoke, which I saw echoes of throughout Suzume. If you are looking for a fantasy love story that draws on the past and the future, Howl's Moving Castle is a much better - and more coherent option.

Aesthetics aside, it's really hard to recommend Suzume. It's okay to watch if you are just checking it out, but watching it after Shinkai-san's other famous works really doesn't leave a satisfying impression.