5 Centimeters Per Second

As a fan of anime I've watched many anime movies but none have affected me as much as this film. I liked it so much I bought Shinkai's previous films to see more of his work. 5 Centimeters per Second: A Chain of Short Stories About Their Distance tells the inevitable tale of seperation, a story of how the people we meet, friends and lovers, whom we believe we'll know forever gradually drift apart. The story is nothing short of magnificent. It involves two main characters Takaki and Akari who are both school children drawn together by the fact that they are both used to transfering, after Akari transfers to the school that Takaki attends. As they both enjoy being inside the school spending time in the library, they grow closer until they are essential in a relationship. There friendship is brought to a sudden end when Akari is again forced to transfer and move all the way to Iwafune, leaving Takaki behind. The story continues from Takaki's perspective, picturing how the distance from his love affects him mentally and emotionally. His focus and attention is constantly looking towards some far distance place, thinking about Akari. Due to this his life deteriorates as he is unable to concentrate on anything close to him. The animation is breathtaking thanks to the lighting and the backgrounds which are simply beautiful. The score also increases the effect that the movie has upon the viewer. The story is fresh and never cliche. Although plot progression seems slow, the story is just taking its time to truly demonstrate how a young boy is affected by the seperation from his best friend and first love. The viewer can empathise with his feelings as it is a sad inevitability in life. As I could not gain this movie in the UK I downloaded the English dub off the internet, as I was so impressed with the film, I bought the original subtitled version from America (as it has not been released in the UK and the English dubbed costs to much to have posted overseas). I am pleased that I was able to support the official release so that Shinkai may be able to go and develop equally, and hopefully even better, touching animated stories about space, time and relationships. If you enjoyed this product checkout his earlier works Voices of a Distant Star and The Place Promised in Our Early Days.

Makoto Shinkai's film "5 centimeters per second" is one of the most moving and satisfying anime films of recent memory. The themes of love, loss and the emotional and physical distances between people have been explored before in his two previous works "Voices of a distant star" and "the place promised in our early years" however this new film strips away all the sci-fi elements and presents a raw and moving slice-of-life tale. Presented as 3 short films examining the same relationship over time I think that anyone that saw this film would be moved by one if not all the characters in the story. Whether it be the urgency Takaki feels when he goes to visit Akari,the sadness Akari feels as she is separated from her love or the quiet rejection Kanea feels when she realizes that her feelings for Akari are not the same, everyone can relate to some feeling. Shinkai's trademark visuals of course present and as usual they are lush, cinematic and always beautiful. His ability to take everyday places like trainstops, convenience stores and wide grassy fields and imbue them with a realistic yet dreamlike quality is amazing. 5 centimeters is an excellent film and worthy of being seen by a larger audience including viewers who may not watch anime. Absolutely stunning.

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, I finally got my hands on the domestic ADV Films copy of "5 Centimeters per second." (**Amazon shipped the order to me on March 19**). Be it the original voice acting or the English dubs, this movie is a treat-fest. Both are done perfectly and should serve to excite fans of either one. I, however, prefer the Japanese voice acting; they are one of the best I have seen to date. Period. The story is compelling and simply amazing. A love story between two childhood friends, Takaki and Akari, who stood up for each other only to be distanced by the harsh reality of surviving in the cruel world. The story is divided into three segments. Each segment is righteously different, and take a different approach to build up the story. Another beauty to this title is the wonderful music. It isnt overwhelming, but not underwhelming either. A melodious piano being played in the background acts to compliment the romantic screenplay. This month, 5 centimeters per second and Appleseed: Ex machina being released back to back, there is nothing more joyous to an otaku like myself. You will be amazed at this "Legendary anime" (according to IGN.com:). According to the Japan Times (on the back of the DVD cover), Makoto Shinkai is hailed as the "Next Miyazaki." I am not that big of a Miyazaki fan, but if Shinkai continues to makes these Triple-A animes, then so be it. Next, I am waiting for the Collector's Edition. I know it is on the way.

CAUTION: REVIEW CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS!!! When I say that the art rivals that of Miyazaki, I mean it. The detail and attention to expressions and the clothes, the backgrounds, every little object has detail that jumps out and further presses the film's theme of isolation. Before I say what is good about this film. I have to note that the first Act is pretty cheesy in its dialogue (and maybe that's just the way it's translated). I, as an avid Anime watcher, always watch my films in the original language with subtitles and sometimes if I've seen the film enough, without them. The Japanese version is better because the characters are done as they were first intended. But the acting is incredible as well as believable. Each moment passes slowly and then speeds past the characters, much like the Cherry Blossoms that fall. This film is about the pain of never being able to get to the person you care about the most and being able to tell them how you feel. Even though you say it, sometimes the time you spend apart makes you isolated and confused. The story comes in three Acts (or sections) the first is about Tono Takaki, a young boy (at the start of the film) who takes an interest in another girl, Araki, who is lonely and awkward like he is. After jumping in to drag her away from students who are writing insults about her on the chalk board, he is helplessly drawn to the idea that they are both connected in their fascination with falling Cherry Blossoms. But because both of their families continually move and they have to keep transferring far away- their attachment becomes strained in an almost strange obsession with an idea of a paradise where they'd stay in the same place forever. But time passes like the falling cherry blossoms and soon they move through each moment in life, becoming more distant. The Second Act is about Takaki at his new school (as a high school student) and a girl who falls for him because he's a nice guy on the surface and doesn't seem to care how strange and indecisive she is. But, even when she finally comes up with the courage and volition to confess, she notices that Takaki was always staring off into the distance whenever he was with her. That he was the furthest thing from being connected to the people around him. An amazing short section that breaks the heart in its honest message. The Third Act is Takaki as a young adult (in his twenties approximately) and how he's inexplicably distant and unhappy with his current job and life. He struggles to understand why he can't keep in contact with Araki the way he used to and why he didn't turn around and see her across the train track (this is a specific scene in the movie- watch to see what I'm talking about) as soon as the train passed quickly. The moment they realize they may be able to connected, one of them is gone. Perhaps the confusing part of the film is the end montage of Takaki and Araki's life. It's hard to understand what is going on. But in essence it is about how both of them have moved on and never really reconnected because their lives dragged them apart. The growing up that happens in the montage-divides the line between an ideal of Takaki's and reality. This strange trio of anecdotes in Takaki and Araki's lives expresses a number emotions and harsh acceptances when people grow up: That some people will accept that they didn't get what they wanted and others will hang on to the sparse moments of joy that they got falling from the sky even if it's only for five seconds. A real winner for all Miyazaki fans!

Wow. This is a stunning and beautiful anime. Makoto Shinkai is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors. He has a fascination with the theme of lovers who are separated by distances. Longing permeates this work, like in Voices of a Distant Star and The Place Promised in Our Early Days. This particular anime is about two kids who fall in love for the first time, and then are separated when their parents have to move. It's told with visuals that are totally amazing. Few other anime has ever matched the gorgeous visuals conjured by Shinkai in this anime. I love the attention to detail, every reflection of light and ripple of movement is lovingly depicted. Love the way he shows a train ride through the snow, or a sunrise. There are none of the fantastical elements seen in his earlier works, this one is more grounded in reality. Perhaps it's this realism that results in the sad ending. I felt like the film ended at a point similar to the midway point of The Place Promised in Our Early Days. It felt incomplete. I wanted more. It's a reflection of how young love cannot last. Kind of like Kevin and Winnie in The Wonder Years. By the time you finish this hour long film, you have this terrible feeling of heartache and loneliness. I guess that's what he was going for. It's not a tear jerker like Grave of the Fireflies, but it has its own emotional power. The ending song is also not as strong as the song from The Place Promised in Our Early Days. I guess, if you're bummed by the ending of this anime, the antidote is to watch The Place Promised in Our Early Days, which does have a happy ending.

"5 Centimeters is a story in which nothing happens... The tale lacks the dramaturgy that an animated work ought to have as entertainment; yet, my desire was to create an animation in which nothing extraordinary occurs. This is because in more cases than not, we ourselves live daily lives that are by no means extraordinary. If that daily life could be portrayed beautifully, however, then perhaps that would allow us to believe that our own day-to-day experiences are treasures worth living for." - Makoto Shinkai I found this quote in a tiny booklet that came inside the disc case, along with more on 5 Centimeters Per Second from the director, Makoto Shinkai. The case itself is pink, as shown in the picture, and since I order my movie collection alphabetically, this movie goes into the first spot, where it feels right at home standing out among the blue. 5 Centimeters per second is, as the cover clearly states, "a chain of short stories about their distance." They, in this instance, are Takaki Tohno and Akari Shinohara, two very close childhood friends who are separated when Akari moves away. The chain of short stories is three links long. The first part shows Akari and Takaki as children, and focuses mainly on setting up the story, and then their last meeting before being separated. Part two is shown through the eyes of a classmate of Takaki's, named Kanae, in the future, when he is in high school. This part focuses on Kanae's feelings for Takaki, and clearly shows how the distance between him and Akari has created more distance in the form of a void between him and the others surrounding him. The final part shows where Akari and Takaki are as adults an how their lives have formed since part one. Some people describe this movie as a tear-jerker, but, in a word, I would describe it as captivating. On another note, I must add that the soundtrack, background art, and animation are outstanding. Included on the disc (besides 5 Centimeters), are two of Shinkai's other films: The Voices of A Distant Star, and She and Her Cat. 5 Centimeters and Voices have the options to be played in either Japanese or English audio. All the films have an option of English subtitles. Personally, I thought all of the voice acting was excellent, although I have not yet watched Voices with Japanese audio. Also included in the extras, is an interview with Shinkai, where he is asked about topics such as: the inspiration for the name, comparing to his others works, and the process of creating 5 Centimeters Per Second. I do not regret this purchase, and I have a feeling I will be coming back to this movie often. If you are not strapped for money, I would highly recommend picking this up.

Even though this movie came out a few years ago, I just saw it about a year from this review. The film split into 3 short stories, but they are all connected. The film is a little bit longer than an hour, which in my opinion, is perfect for this movie. I really love the cinematography in it, the backgrounds are beautifully drawn, and the sound fits the film perfectly. There is no action in this, but again, in my opinion, it does not have pacing issues, and the dialogue is very poetic. I really can't say much more about the movie, without spoiling it. Overall, the film is one of my favorites of all time and I recommend it to anyone who like realistic, romantic movies. The box itself is pink and comes with the Blu-ray, and a small booklet that has interviews and some art. The Special features are: Makoto Shinkai's first film (Voices of a Distant Star), a 5 minute short called 'She and Her Cat', and an interview with Makoto Shinkai. The 2 movies have English dub and original Japanese, with subtitles. The short and the interview also have English subs. The film does play in my Blu-ray, which tells me that it's region A. The price is steep, and 'I think' it's because you're buying it from Japan, so it has the Japanese prices, but I could be wrong. I feel satisfied with my purchase and I hope this short review can help you decide whether to buy or not.

The creator of the film "Your Name"'s earlier work. A coming of age story told in such a way that makes you feel for these characters. Does distance matter or can love prevail? Through struggle and hardship, you see the main character find himself. You also see a dynamic struggle of time and distance. Beautiful imagery and landscapes, lighting, and overall artwork. The only way this film falls short in my opinion is the overall pacing, a bit slow. As well as the ending. I find myself debating if the ending is disappointing or if it's simply honest. And that in itself is beautiful. This film is very good, but in comparison to "Your Name", it falls a bit short.

好き嫌いは分かれる作品かもしれないが、マイ・フェイバリットな映像作品。忘れ難い。

Nonastante il film sia stato gestito per l'Italia dalla società francese Kazé, l'edizione è fatta benissimo! Ho acquistato il Blu Ray perché rispetto al DVD ha i contenuti extra e ovviamente una qualità decisamente migliore. Doppiaggio molto buono, il film è stato doppiato in Italia a Milano, quindi la qualità è assicurata (magari molti potrebbero pensare: certo che è doppiato in Italia, è la versione italiana xD... provate a dare un'occhiata al film Viaggio verso Agartha, il doppiaggio italiano è stato eseguito in Francia, sempre dalla Kazé, e fa schifo!!). All'interno non è presente alcun booklet. Il film poi si commenta da solo, uno spettacolo. Emozionante e riflessivo, Makoto Shinkai esprime al meglio i suoi pensieri su distanza, amicizia e amore. Nel complesso una splendida edizione, e consiglio il BD per la poca differenza di prezzo rispetto al DVD. Grazie Amazon per la velocità e la solita qualità del servizio.

5 Centimeters Per Second is probably one of the most memorable movies I have seen in a long time. It's a movie created by the amazing director Makoto Shinkai. This man is also the genius behind Voices of a Distant Starand The Place Promised in Our Early Days. Hailed as the 'next Miyazaki' by The Japan Times, Makoto Shinkai has created a reputation for heartbreaking narratives with breathtaking visuals, particularly his landscapes. *** SPOILERS AHEAD*** 5 Centimeters Per Second is the speed at which cherry blossoms (sakura) fall from their trees. As they fall, they drift further from the tree and also from each other. It is a metaphor that can be applied to the lives of people. We grow and change and we drift from the places and people we knew as children. This is not limited to the physical location of a person but the psychological state they are experiencing at any given time. Takaki and Akari become friends in elementary school as both are prone to illness and spend most of their time indoors while all the other children play outside. They plan to attend the same middle school, when Akari finds out her parents are moving the family to Tochigi which is quite far away from Tokyo. Akari leaves. 6 months later Takaki receives a letter from her and they begin to correspond via mail. Eventually this leads to a trip to visit Akari out in Tochigi. His arrival is delayed because of heavy snow and late trains, but at the end of it all, Akari is still waiting for him at the train station where he finally arrives. Akari grabs the front of his coat and cries. They walk, and end up standing in front a snow covered Sakura tree where they share their first kiss. It occurs to Takaki that this is going to be the last time he'll ever truly be with Akari, that time and distance will ultimately separate them forever. Sadly, this is true. 5 Centimeters Per Second is separated into 3 chapters (episodes): 1. Cherry Blossom 2. Cosmonaut 3. 5 Centimeters Per Second Personally I enjoyed 'Cosmonaut' the most, despite it not directly involving Akari. Instead it introduces a new character named Kanae Sumida as she struggles to find direction in her life and the strength to confess her love to Takaki, 'Tonokun'* as she calls him. In this part, Takaki has also now moved- to a town called Kagoshima- which increases the distance between him and Akari. Kanae develops feelings for Tonokun and they become friends much in the way Takaki and Akari might have, had they the opportunity to attend the same school. In the end, while Kanae does manage to conquer other challenges, she does not tell Takaki how she feels. Tenmon composed the soundtrack for this movie, which isn't a surprise since he's done the music for all of Shinkai's major works. Tenmon's piano melodies are lovely and incredibly haunting. I am not a big fan of the song that is played during the ending's montage. This is a pretty soft kind of movie with soft colours and tender moments. The sound was a bit rough for it, but that's just my own opinion of course. In any case, this is definitely one of my favourite movies and my favourite of Shinkai's movies (though Voices of a Distant Star comes pretty close). This movie makes me cry; I would compare it to Millennium Actress in terms of the emotion evoked by watching it (though Millennium Actress is a pretty different movie). ***ADV has gone out of business and so this movie release version is not longer available. However Bandai has picked up the license and so it's been re-released in a new version with new dubbing (done by Bang Zoom! Entertainment, at the request of the original Japanese distributor): 5 Centimeters Per Second ***

With such a visual compelling series, comes an equally compelling DVD movie for fans viewing pleasure. Although this series is not perfect, it is pretty close and brings amazing story, characters, and romance to a visually appealing 2007 film. Definitely worth the price to have in a collection but the quality may turn people off. Overall, I highly suggest the buy.

Wenn man sich zu so einem hohen Preis einen Film bestellt, dann muss man glaub ich nicht dazu sagen, dass man schon vorher von diesem Film restlos überzeugt und begeistert ist. „5 Centimeters per Second“ ist ein Meisterwerk sondergleichen, alleine schon von den Bildern her. Nicht umsonst trägt der Film den Spitznamen „5 Wallpapers per Second“. Die Lieferzeit von Japan nach Österreich betrug 39 Tage, entgegen den ursprünglich angegebenen (geschätzten) 8 bis 18 Tagen. Aber der Kontakt mit dem Verkäufer war sehr gut und auf der Website von JapanPost konnte ich die Lieferung verfolgen. Nach 37 Tagen war das Paket beim Zoll in Wien angelangt und zwei Tage später war es an meiner Haustür; zu meiner Freude zollfrei!