The latest Shinkai work is just as good as all others.
It’s another coming-of-age adventure with a splash of romance and drama, his signature fantastic visuals, and paired with the otherworldly music of his regular companion, RADWIMPS.
His sincerity and love for modern life, composed of the juxtaposition of past and present, city and nature, youth and tradition, of ordinary folk in extraordinary situations, makes you forget all worries and nuisances of life for a couple hours. And once it was over, I at least felt a lot lighter and happier.
It’s a messy film, with some cliches. And it doesn’t replace Your Name as my personal favourite. But, in my opinion, nothing can top your first Shinkai film anyways. And if you haven’t had the pleasure of watching one on the big screen, then Suzume will be a great start to your Shinkai journey.
In short, go watch it and feel something that modern Hollywood seems too “cool” and cynical to give you. I’ll be listening to the soundtrack while crying.
Part of Shinkai’s appeal are the gorgeous visuals paired with, nowadays, the music of RADWIMPS but the story is entirely coming-of-age so if you can’t stand that, you won’t like the films.
If you’re interested in analysis, there are a couple really cool videos going into Shinkai’s work by Mother’s Basement and Beyond Ghibli. You might enjoy the videos.
Anyways, thanks for the comment for the algo!
The man keeps making the same movie over and over, and I never get tired of it. I don't think he has the most groundbreaking or diverse filmography, but what he does he does very well, and makes me tear up every time.