The latest from Makoto Shinkai is so approachable that you don’t need to be an anime fan to appreciate it. I’ve been a fan of Sinkai’s work since 2016’s YOUR NAME and his equally ambitious follow-up, WEATHERING WITH YOU. While SUZUME isn’t entirely on par with his previous films, it easily makes up for this with a fun journey, a lovable protagonist, and some more catchy songs from Shinkai’s music collaborator – Radwimps.
So why does Shinkai’s work get more theatrical attention here in the States than other anime filmmakers? I think it’s because his films are the closest in spirit to Hayao Miyazaki (SPIRITED AWAY, PRINCESS MONONOKE, and several more). The technical styles might be different since Shinkai uses more J-pop. Still, the messages underneath them are always about a human element, mapping to stories of loss, belonging, and friendship. With SUZUME, the story might be fantastical in base (heck, it even includes a talking chair), but underneath that fantasy is an authentic movie about the loss of parents.
SUZUME should get an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Film this year. It’s a beautifully realized story that comes to life thanks to the charm of the lead character, Suzume. Also, just try and get the new Radwimps song, “Kanata Haluka,” out of your head! 😍
It’s available to stream on Crunchyroll.
