Japanese Title: Tenki no Ko

Release Date: Jul 19, 2019

Duration: 1 hr. 52 min

Weathering With You anime is a captivating film by Makoto Shinkai, the visionary director behind the hugely acclaimed Your Name. That movie’s success was so monumental that Shinkai himself humorously remarked in interviews, “People need to stop seeing my movie.” Whether he was being sarcastic or sincere, it speaks volumes about the heights he reached with Your Name, making it a cultural phenomenon.

Plot Overview

In Weathering With You anime, we meet Hodaka, a high school boy who has run away to Tokyo in search of adventure and a new life. Once he arrives, he befriends Hina, a girl with a remarkable ability that she can manipulate the weather. As the two navigate their lives in the city, they quickly find themselves struggling with finances. To make ends meet, they decide to monetize Hina’s powers by charging people to pray the rain away. It turns out there’s a significant demand for sunny days, allowing them to start a small business. However, as expected, complications arise when Hina’s abilities start to interfere with their relationship and the lives of those around them.

Visual Mastery

With Your Name, Shinkai cemented his place among my favorite anime directors, so my anticipation for Weathering With You was sky-high. I went into the theater expecting another visual treat, and I was not disappointed. The film is a stunning piece of animation, filled with vibrant sequences that burst with life and color. Every shot feels like a carefully crafted painting, with meticulous attention to detail. Even the brand names of stores and locations are rendered to look exactly like they do in real life—no fake anime brands here, just an authentic representation of Tokyo life.

Soundtrack Excellence

If we talk about the soundtrack, it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. If the characters are the heart of the story, then music is undoubtedly the lungs, breathing life into every moment. RADWIMPS returns to compose the score for Weathering With You, and they once again create something awe-inspiring. The music flows seamlessly with the story, enhancing its emotional beats at every turn.

I particularly love the song “Grand Escape”.  If you haven’t heard it yet, I highly recommend giving it a listen—it’s a beautiful song that complements the film so well.

Let’s enjoy the song!!!

Initially, I worried that the score wouldn’t have the same impact on me as their work in Your Name, but I was pleasantly surprised. While nothing quite reaches the emotional heights of “Sparkle” from Your Name, RADWIMPS poured their hearts into this film’s soundtrack, making it another reason to watch it.

Humor and Humanity

One particularly amusing side note: there’s a scene in a McDonald’s where Hodaka enjoys a Big Mac that looks like the most delicious, perfect burger ever depicted in an anime. In that moment, he remarks that it might be the best meal he’s ever had in his 16 years of life, which is both humorous and a bit sad. This scene perfectly encapsulates his character—he’s trying to escape a difficult past while grappling with the harshness of his current life. It’s moments like these that truly evoke sympathy for the characters, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the film.

Emotional Depth

Weathering With You anime offers a beautiful blend of stunning animation and sympathetic characters, making it a film that you’ll likely enjoy watching. Its greatest strength lies in how beautifully rendered it is. I believe you could pause the movie at almost any moment during its nearly two-hour runtime and find an image good enough to use as a desktop background. It’s simply that breathtaking. There’s an exhilarating motorbike chase that is so well animated I momentarily forgot I was watching a film; it felt like a real action sequence. The immense effort that went into the film’s visuals, sound, and emotional resonance is clear, making it one of the best anime films I’ve ever seen.

Themes of Love and Sacrifice

As much as I loved the visuals and music, it’s the underlying themes that resonated with me the most. Weathering With You anime explores the intricacies of love, sacrifice, and the burden of choice. Hodaka and Hina’s relationship is beautifully developed, marked by moments of joy and tension. Shinkai expertly portrays the complexities of young love—how it can be intense and exhilarating yet fragile and prone to misunderstandings. This emotional depth makes the film not just a visual spectacle but also a meaningful experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Animation

The animation quality throughout the film is a testament to the craftsmanship involved in creating such a work of art. From the detailed cityscapes to the intimate moments between characters, the animation invites viewers to appreciate the sheer beauty of each scene. The film’s ability to seamlessly blend high-energy moments with quiet, reflective ones speaks to the skill of the animation team. I found myself lost in the art, completely engaged with the story unfolding before me.

Timely Themes

Moreover, Weathering With You anime touches on timely themes, such as climate change and the consequences of our actions. As Hodaka and Hina navigate their challenges, viewers are encouraged to reflect on what they might sacrifice for love and happiness. It’s a thought-provoking narrative that resonates universally, transcending cultural boundaries.

Conclusion

In summary, Weathering With You anime is a beautifully crafted film that captures the essence of youthful dreams and the complexities of life. Shinkai has solidified his place as one of the leading voices in anime, and this film further cements his reputation for creating emotionally resonant stories. If you’re a fan of Shinkai or simply appreciate stunning animation and heartfelt storytelling, this movie is a must-watch.

I can’t recommend it enough; it’s a film that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact. It prompts viewers to think about their own relationships and the sacrifices we make for those we love. I’m already looking forward to revisiting Weathering With You someday, eager to experience the emotions it evokes and to appreciate the breathtaking artistry that makes it a standout in the world of anime. Have you seen Weathering With You? I’m eager to hear your opinions on this anime!