[Review XN] 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND (BYOUSOKU 5 CENTIMETER)

"A chain of short stories about their distance."

Japan is not only known as a scary horror film maker, but also the center of animated films. Both of these genres have been attached to and become the superior products of the State of Sakura. Japanese animation, or better known as Anime, has been famous in various parts of the world, equivalent to the popularity of products from the United States. Not only the big screen version worldwide, but also the serial and OVA versions (specifically released in the form of home videos). The strength of anime is the storyline that tends to be unique, neat animation and cultivation that is not kidding. Even so, most anime is an adaptation of manga (Japanese comics), only a handful of those who dare to carry the original story idea. Makoto Shinkai is a bit of it. Well, in 2007, Makoto Shinkai through CoMic Wave Inc. released a second long film that still smells of romance. Shinkai sensei wrote the script and produced his directed film entitled 5 Centimeters Per Second. After successfully pouring it in the form of a film, 5 Centimeters Per Second was then raised to novels and manga.

Shinkai sensei divides the story of 5 Centimeters Per Second into three segments where each segment is centered on a character named Takaki Tono. In Cherry Blossom, Takaki is forced to part with his best friend, Akari Shinohara, because the work of Akari's parents requires them to move to another city. After a year of separation, Takaki decided to meet with Akari. This reunion is not without reason. Takaki will move to a very distant city so the possibility of Takaki and Akari to meet again is very slim. He wants to meet Akari for the last time. Takaki's journey also experiences many obstacles that test each other's loyalty. Entering Cosmonaut, the story revolves even more complicated. Takaki, who is now in the 3rd grade of high school, has to determine his future after high school. His classmate, Kanae, had felt feelings for Takaki since the first time they met in middle school. After several years together, Kanae still lacked the courage to express her feelings. The problem was, no matter how hard Kanae tried to give a signal, Takaki ignored it. There is another woman who has occupied his heart. 5 Centimeters Per Second is the closing segment in this 65-minute romantic anime film. This segment takes place in the present and highlights the development of Takaki and Akari's relationship after they enter the workforce.

Artwork presented in 5 Centimeters Per Second worked with very admirable. Snowfall scenes in the first segment, rural Japan in the second segment, and flowers falling in the third segment, beautifully illustrated and impressed. This beautiful visual arrangement is also supported by dubbers who melt with their respective characters. Tenmon's music played a role in stirring up the emotions of the audience. Election of old songs from Masayoshi Yamazaki, 'One More Time, One More Chance', as a closing song feels just right to accompany a bitter montage. Shinkai Sensei's concoction, even though it doesn't offer anything new, still deserves to be showered with praise, especially in its courage to present a heavy topic about romance and its ending which has the potential to cause controversy, especially among viewers who expect 'happily ever after' or satisfying solutions about the relationship between Takaki and Akari.

5 Centimenters Per Second is another proof that anime is not only for consumption by children. With a fairly heavy storyline, 5 Centimeters Per Second is targeting the segmentation of adult audiences who have a more open mind about love, especially Shinkai sensei tries to avoid this film from the impression of a mockery. The message to be conveyed turned out to be a little heavier than I thought. This is not about 'where a soul mate' or old love blossomed again, but questioning how 'moving on' after a relationship in the past foundered. The three segments in this film are more accurately called sad rather than romantic. Not the right film for those who are looking for a romantic spectacle that melts. Like most Japanese films, 5 Centimeters Per Seconds goes slowly and quietly. When watching it, I felt a feeling of tightness in the chest. The audience will also be asked to redefine the meaning of love, happiness, and maturity.

Exceeds Expectations