I saw Makoto Shinkai’s new film “Suzume” in IMAX during its opening weekend 🚪
It was not as great as “Your name.” However, I liked it more than Shinkai’s previous film, “Weathering with You.”
“Suzume” looks beautiful as expected with a couple stand-out moments and character animations.
Yet it feels lacking in fresh, impressive visual surprises. Shinkai (and his team) mostly stick close to what he knows. What’s here are the sort of sights you pretty much have seen before if you’ve watched his previous works. It’s pretty, but familiar.
Storywise, it’s much more about the titular character’s journey than the romance (which feels underdeveloped). It’s a pretty fun adventure with road trip-like moments.
I found the themes of loss and past tragedy to be moving. Having certain parts more fleshed out / more depth would’ve made more of an emotional impact though.
The music is notably pretty great, with a lot less use of lyrical songs and instead more instrumental tracks. Solid performances from the vocal cast, too.
Likewise, the audio team did a good job with the sound design bringing Suzume’s world to life.
I’ve been anticipating “Suzume” to be somewhat divisive. So far, reception seems pretty split among my friends and acquaintances who’ve seen it.
Suzume was an enjoyable and emotional experience, despite certain elements being undercooked.
Trailers:
https://youtu.be/F7nQ0VUAOXg
https://youtu.be/FVU0zESXS5c
(Photo:
[Left] In Japan, for almost every movie, you can buy a “pamphlet,” a book that has information, interviews, concept art, and/or scenes from the movie.
[Right] Some movies come with a freebie. In Suzume’s case, it’s a booklet with notes, interviews, and concept art.
[Center] Japanese theaters have a gift shop selling movie merch. It’s cool but can be dangerous. I bought a keychain.)
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