I seldom do blogging on anime but I made an exception for this which I felt it is worth my time and effort. Some heads up to this anime movie. It was directed by Makoto Shinkai. True, I have no idea of who he is, but with the rave and publicity other blog have given. I decided to give it a try even though I am not much of a fan of "emo" genre like Sola and Clannad. It based on 3 stories duration 1 hour 3 minutes. About how Tohno Takaki, Shinohara Akari and Kanae Sumida from young to adult change on the perspective of life with factor of time and distance. The impression was deep enough to warrant a type down as I screen it the first time in my stuffy office at 3am in the morning. Another plus, the music is great !

Another thing that wows me is the cinematic visual effect and the eye candies. The excruciating details were almost closed to realism which watching Sola after 5cm afterward look awkward.

Chapter 1: Oukashou

Takaki and Akari were both transfer student in primary school, they eventually clicked together because they were simliar and often got teased by other childrens.

However, as time went by. Due to their families, Akari had to move elsewhere for secondary school. Takaki watch helplessly as he couldn’t do anything about it and reluctantly they become further apart. The have deep feeling for each other and maintain contact with letters. But it seem the number of letter have gotten less frequent as the time went by. 1 year later, they promised to meet at Akari’s nearest train station and Tataki embarked on a journey in a snowstorm.

Due to the snow, Tataki reach around 11 pm instead of the promised 7pm and found Akari still waiting for him.

And of course, they eventually went all out. The feeling of irretrievably lost something and dwelling on the possible outcome of what I could have did. I supposed everyone have their share of heartache.

Chapter 2: Cosmonaut

Set in the secondary school days, Kanae was constantly watching Tataki aka as long I can see him, I am happy. It clearly show another aspect of love, unrequited. Kanae was bright but down to confusion with hearts matter. I supposed all girls do. Tataki as faithful as he is to Akari, he miss out on the various opportunities as he shut out his heart.

Kanae mastered all her courage in order to confess to him and in the end never did anything as she realised Tataki would never look at her and never would.

Aren’t this another common aspect of can’t be help scenario in life. Another take on the widening relation, Tataki was typing mail on his cell all the time but eventually never get to send it.

Another one of those awesome landscape cinematic

Chapter 3: Byousouku 5 Centimeter

Back in Tokyo, everyone get back to their working life. Akari was getting married to someone else and Tataki was dating someone else but the girl eventually give the SOS signal. Event though they were adults, they still think of the time when they are young from time to time and the occasionally meet-up but unable to talk to each other. Maybe regrets and shame or pity araise, time to time reminisce on those time.

I particularity like the cut scene with the music with their day to day flashback.

Tataki went back to where they (with Akari) used to see each other. I don’t really understand this part where they turn around.

Overall, Chapter 1 and 2 were good setting the pace and character. However I am a bit unsatisfied with the ending or maybe hate the open ended ending. (Another one of those can’t-be-help? It does give me those feeling though). Kanae Sumida wasn’t narrated which I find it quite a shame. Was eager to find out what was her ending like.

This anime quite hit me. The same thing happened. It went through the same way as what the anime did. Totally lost contact but still happen to see each other but never get to talk. I think I will break the chain when I go back the next few week time.

Lastly, this is the awesome song insert by Mazayoshi Yamazaki.