The stunning love story *Weathering with You* was my top animated film of 2019. Makoto Shinkai, the writer and director behind that Academy Award-nominated masterpiece, as well as the highly praised *Your Name* from 2016, is back with another triumph. *Suzume* is a breathtaking anime journey that will make you believe in the extraordinary.
On her way to school one morning, the teen girl protagonist, Suzume, crosses paths with a mysterious man named Souta. He’s searching for hidden ruins that conceal a door, and the two share a brief but instant connection. However, their paths soon cross again — this time at the door, which is a powerful portal. When opened, the door reveals glimpses of the past but also holds back a catastrophic storm. We learn that Souta’s mission is to travel across Japan, locate these doors, and prevent them from unleashing their destructive force, which manifests as giant, red, worm-like creatures. Only Suzume and Souta can see them, while everyone else perceives the events as mere earthquakes.
The film’s opening sequence, in which Suzume and Souta try to seal the first door, carries the intensity of a climactic moment. It’s at this point that you realize you’re in for something truly exceptional.
Photos courtesy of Crunchyroll
Not long after, a talking cat named Daijin comes on the scene and transforms Souta into the small, three-legged chair Suzume’s mother made for her when the girl was a toddler. (Think Lumiere and Cogsworth from “Beauty and the Beast” — but with a much deeper tone.)
Suzume skips school, embarking on a journey with Souta (now in the form of a walking, talking chair) to track down the elusive Daijin. Along the way, they meet new allies and work together to close more doors, all while preventing further earthquakes. The only truly predictable element in Shinkai’s intricate screenplay is the anticipation of when the next pivotal event will unfold. Emotional, historical, and spiritual currents weave through every scene, creating a rich tapestry. Yet, the story remains deeply grounded, focusing on fundamental human truths, making even the most surreal occurrences feel strangely natural.
As is the case with Shinaki’s other films (and the best anime), Suzume also features some lighter moments. But, ultimately, this is a mature film about growing-up and discovering one’s true self. It challenges us to look into our past (even at the most difficult moments) and muster up the confidence to make new memories. This is a hauntingly beautiful movie, with the year’s best score/soundtrack and transcendent animation.
Suzume is already a huge hit in Japan, China and South Korea. Expect a similar impact in North American theaters beginning this Thursday, April 13th.
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