The Garden of Words
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| I liked the pace of it :D |
| Beautiful.. i really liked it.. but also wanted to see her wearing the pair of shoes.. 5/5 |
| ^^^ Shinkai Makoto certainly knows well the art of leaving us forever wanting just one scene more! I too would love to see a follow-up epilogue with her wearing those shoes, sigh... |
| Wow, I love it. I'm surprised to say but I really loved how the story resolved itself. I think some people who are dismissing the ending of Kotonoha no Niwa ("The Garden of Words") may have missed the very point of the idea behind this film, especially with the glaring comparisons to 5cm all while hand-waving this one as another reiteration of melodramatic romance about distant lovers. The whole film was revealed to be a "romance" in both sense of the word: the commonplace notion of romance as "love", and the actual meaning as in to romanticize based on exaggerated idealism and falsehood. The film's climax (the "confession" scene) essentially put the main characters' relationship into a different perspective that made their first meeting that much less "romantic" and actually more indicative of their respective roles. When they first met, Yukino expected Akizuki to have recognized her as a teacher. She recognizes that he was from the very same school that ostracized her. Yet given how he didn't seem to recognize her, she simply gives him a "romantic" poem to simply entertain herself (classic literature being a favorite of hers). Think about it for a moment, especially in light of the revelation of them being a student and a teacher. Near the end, Akizuki came to falsely believe that what she said was not at all romantic, and how it almost seemed patronizing in his eyes. Couple that with what seemed like a rejection on her part during his confession to her, and it makes her seem all the more cruel in her treatment towards him. What Akizuki meant during his outburst was that he felt deceived by her based on the realization of their relationship, not as a teenager and an adult, but as a teacher and student. The revelation of their true respective roles shifted the very idea behind the way they interacted all this time. At the time when Yukino realized that Akizuki was so preoccupied with his dreams of being a shoemaker, she pushed him on and played along with the whole thing. Not out of malice, but out of pure fascination and curious infatuation. With Akizuki realizing that he's becoming infatuated with this mysterious woman, he pushes on and abandons his schoolwork, leaving him troubled with his studies. Realize though, a teacher is essentially (even if indirectly) pushing a student to do badly with his studies. The whole situation (their meeting, their encouragement) was essentially a twisted and romanticized scenario of love based on pure escapism, and one that even Yukino wasn't entirely sure of in terms of how she felt. Keeping things to herself, In stark contrast we have Akizuki opening himself up to her, telling her everything about his life. For him who viewed himself as a child, he saw Yukino as this mysterious adult who represented the unknown certainties of the world around him, drawing further intrigue on his own. What he thought was a distant figure that he could indulge in telling all of his secrets with nary a care, was revealed to be someone who was far closer than he had actually thought and fantasized about. Fortunately, despite the situation essentially being a romanticized experience, what remained true was their feelings and attachment for each other, which were unhinged in light of the fact that they didn't know the respective role of the other person. They grew to like each other because of the escapism that the other offered all while slowly appreciating the other person for what they are. While it was seemingly detrimental in the case of Akizuki, Yukino actually developed confidence within herself because of their constant interactions, the only missing piece being that she couldn't open herself up to how she felt towards Akizuki. This indulgent lifestyle eventually pushed her to act up and finally "walk" with her own two feet without "shoes" but in doing so, her passive commentary almost led her to outright mistreat Akizuki until the final moment they shared under the rain. In light of this revelation, Akizuki got a reality check by realizing how, despite thinking that he knew and understood what love felt like, he only came to recognize and understand it when the revelation of their roles were unearthed. To reiterate and summarize, notice how during Akizuki's outburst, he actually felt betrayed? He thought he was being played like a fool because of how the revelation of their roles as teacher and student brought a different light upon their relationship and how she unwittingly pushed him to make such poor decisions in school. Now what changes that is the fact that, what was initially a romanticized scenario, became an actual situation of true "romance" (to court with "love") in which their meetings allowed Yukino to carry herself more confidently than ever before despite being so secretive around him. This is ultimately realized when Yukino displayed how she truly felt and finally opened up to Akizuki the very moment in the film where her face is finally shone in bright light in stark contrast to how her face is always covered in the shade. Needless to say that Akizuki was momentarily surprised to find that his feelings for her were actually returned. With the two having a better understanding of themselves, they were able to finally express how the felt for one another. The ending is a nice touch, it shows how the two still maintain feelings for each other all while recognizing how they matured through the whole experience. Accounting for Yukino's letter, contrary to what some might think, what she had written wasn't actually a farewell letter: This turned out to be a very long letter. Thank you for reading it all. I hope that you are doing well, Akizuki-kun. It would be great if the weather warmed up soon, wouldn't it? I'll write again. ♫ February 3rd 2013 Yukino Yukari It should be noted that "the weather warming up" hints of a reunion in spring; that suspicion has actually been confirmed in another thread regarding the commentary track by Risa Mizuno and Shinkai. Another notable part about the final scene is how it takes place on a snowy field, as Yukino's name literally means "Snowy Field". This is a huge hint at how they haven't truly separated. The fact that they've begun writing personal letters to each other already indicates as much. This isn't a depressing ending at all, this is pure acceptance and realization, all while maintaining their love for one another despite their distance. It's a very sweet and uplifting ending, especially with Akizuki optimistically hoping that Yukino is doing well, and even looking forward in meeting her again. The story isn't just about the forbidden love and the distance between two people of varying age groups. It's a story about two seemingly complete strangers, who were closer to each other than they thought, indulging in escapism because of their own weaknesses and loneliness, based on the literal sense of "romance" (both in the sense of love and romanticism) and how it slowly affected their respective lives (in this case, both negatively and in the end, positively). |
ronriJul 2, 2013 3:07 PM
| Most people don't realise this title is based on the original meaning of the word “love” in Japanese, “koi”, as “lonely sadness”. Shinkai stated that the film is about longing for someone in solitude. So yeah i think the ending fits in with all that. i really couldn't rate it any less than a 10/10 |
The_StewardJul 1, 2013 9:38 AM
| Oh my god, beautiful. |
| Makoto Shinkai does it again! Beautiful! Story-wise nothing we haven't seen before, but it was so well executed, the characters, casting and wow the visuals..touchy touchy~ 9/10 |
| The best movie of 2013 for me :') Everytime I remeber this, da*n feels. I really feel gloomy and happy. :D |
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| Although I expected amazing visuals and art, this still really surprised me. The detail in every scene is excellent. However, the story. . ., well there was't too much of a story, really. But I guess it's like someone said earlier, Makoto leaves the ending pretty open. Yes, the best scene was undoubtedly the climax. From me, a 9 or 10 out of 10 ^^ |
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| just saw this at anime expo yesterday! |
| A lot of people talking about how this didn't live up to 5CM Per Second, but honestly I don't really think it was meant to. It's the same, but different at the same time. I think it told its story, served its purpose, and executed it perfectly. Also, Shinkai Makoto character interactions are the greatest. 9/10 |
DEMOLITION_D said: A lot of people talking about how this didn't live up to 5CM Per Second, but honestly I don't really think it was meant to. The fact that this was about two distant individuals and how they grew closer despite their self-doubts while 5cm was about the growing distance and parting between two established lovers is already a good enough indication of the difference between the two. Heck their respective endings are pretty much opposite from each other, with 5cm being more bittersweet in how they parted and this one being more optimistic with their growing relationship and maturity in their lives. |
ronri said: DEMOLITION_D said: A lot of people talking about how this didn't live up to 5CM Per Second, but honestly I don't really think it was meant to. The fact that this was about two distant individuals and how they grew closer despite their self-doubts while 5cm was about the growing distance and parting between two established lovers is already a good enough indication of the difference between the two. Heck their respective endings are pretty much opposite from each other, with 5cm being more bittersweet in how they parted and this one being more optimistic with their growing relationship and maturity in their lives. Oh God, let's not even talk about 5cm's ending. I get choked up just thinking about it. |
RizinDuluagon said: First of all, rather than the word 'sad', I would use the word 'reality'. Reality is not always perfect. This author portrays stories in more realistic way than others, and that's why I love his work. A lot of people think the movie itself is depressing, I think it's much more optimistic than Byousoku 5 cm. Plus, the boy said he will go after her after he learns how to "walk"' by himself (meaning: growing up, taking responsibility, being independent, etc.). As mentioned in my (long) post in the previous page, even the letter from Yukino hints that they've been writing letters to each other, with the hint that she intends to meet him again when spring. So yeah, definitely optimistic. ^_^ |
ronri said: Have you read his Byousoku 5cm novel? He wrote it years later. Mild novel spoilers: RizinDuluagon said: First of all, rather than the word 'sad', I would use the word 'reality'. Reality is not always perfect. This author portrays stories in more realistic way than others, and that's why I love his work. A lot of people think the movie itself is depressing, I think it's much more optimistic than Byousoku 5 cm. Plus, the boy said he will go after her after he learns how to "walk"' by himself (meaning: growing up, taking responsibility, being independent, etc.). As mentioned in my (long) post in the previous page, even the letter from Yukino hints that they've been writing letters to each other, with the hint that she intends to meet him again when spring. So yeah, definitely optimistic. ^_^ |
hpulley said: ronri said: Have you read his Byousoku 5cm novel? He wrote it years later. Mild novel spoilers: RizinDuluagon said: First of all, rather than the word 'sad', I would use the word 'reality'. Reality is not always perfect. This author portrays stories in more realistic way than others, and that's why I love his work. A lot of people think the movie itself is depressing, I think it's much more optimistic than Byousoku 5 cm. Plus, the boy said he will go after her after he learns how to "walk"' by himself (meaning: growing up, taking responsibility, being independent, etc.). As mentioned in my (long) post in the previous page, even the letter from Yukino hints that they've been writing letters to each other, with the hint that she intends to meet him again when spring. So yeah, definitely optimistic. ^_^ Huh, well that's interesting. |
| 5 sm\s has a This one is has a sad one, though a happy ending. Love you makoto |
| 5cm really didnt have a sad ending. ive explained it in depth multiple times in the 5cm thread. the way it ended, no one wanted it end like that, and it sure felt sad as hell, but looking at it logically, it was probably for the best. summed up quite heavily, takaki could finally move on, akari still hadnt forgotten, but had finally fulfilled her promise for the 2 of them to see the cherry blossoms again, and takaki finally accepted that 'thats life' and was able to move on. dont get me wrong though, as technically hopeful as it is, it still made me depressed. |
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eldest said: 5cm really didnt have a sad ending. ive explained it in depth multiple times in the 5cm thread. the way it ended, no one wanted it end like that, and it sure felt sad as hell, but looking at it logically, it was probably for the best. summed up quite heavily, takaki could finally move on, akari still hadnt forgotten, but had finally fulfilled her promise for the 2 of them to see the cherry blossoms again, and takaki finally accepted that 'thats life' and was able to move on. dont get me wrong though, as technically hopeful as it is, it still made me depressed. Yeah exactly, hence my choice of words in how this one was more "optimistic" and how 5cm was essentially "bittersweet" (since it wasn't a COMPLETELY depressing ending anyway due to Akari and Takaki finally accepting their parting through their final 'meeting'). |
Evaris said: ronri said: eldest said: 5cm really didnt have a sad ending. ive explained it in depth multiple times in the 5cm thread. the way it ended, no one wanted it end like that, and it sure felt sad as hell, but looking at it logically, it was probably for the best. summed up quite heavily, takaki could finally move on, akari still hadnt forgotten, but had finally fulfilled her promise for the 2 of them to see the cherry blossoms again, and takaki finally accepted that 'thats life' and was able to move on. dont get me wrong though, as technically hopeful as it is, it still made me depressed. Yeah exactly, hence my choice of words in how this one was more "optimistic" and how 5cm was essentially "bittersweet" (since it wasn't a COMPLETELY depressing ending anyway due to Akari and Takaki finally accepting their parting through their final 'meeting'). Not to mention that the ending makes the whole movie (even more) outstanding to begin with, at least in my book. Nothing against a true happy end, but I guess it could have felt a little bit forced or decreasd the emotional impact of the story. As it stands, the ending is certainly more difficult to stomach which also makes it more memorable on the other hand. And it fosters discussion, so that we can ponder over it for a long, long time :) and thats why we love it |
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| Yes, as I said in my spoiler. Read the novel! Still can't pick my favorite. Love his movies. So rewatchable! |
GoldenBRS said: Cool movie though I was wondering why they don't use their phone numbers to keep in chat into each other. At least they will be in touch into each other. Why does he slap the girl for? Don't know what's for but I sorta understand why on it. Very nice art that it looks very realistic in real life. Good couple sorta but not mine true favorite. 8/10 Makoto Shinkai's movie always happening in an alternative universe where communication between couple using phone is prohibited :p (lol jk, I guess it's just an artistic choice. They may have been using phones in the background) Anyway, I'm not a really big fan of 5cm per second. I was still a newbie back then and understanding many of Shinkai's implicit messages was pretty hard. However, Kotonoha no Niwa is much easier to digest and since I have spent the following years (after 5cm) with watching anime weekly I think I have been matured a bit in paying attention to details :p 9/10. Overall not a masterpiece movie, but I would say that the visual itself is a masterpiece http://lazycuriokitty.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/movie-review-kotonoha-no-niwa-garden-of-words/ I guess I'll just drop this here, pardon for the selfish promotion >___> |
zeroyuki92 said: http://lazycuriokitty.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/movie-review-kotonoha-no-niwa-garden-of-words/ I guess I'll just drop this here, pardon for the selfish promotion >___> just happened to check my watched threads before i hopped off and saw your reply thats a pretty good review man, short, sweet and simple a couple of the concepts you were trying to explain there you could substitute some tropes for to make your point clearer, (for instance, the one about the main heroine drinking at the start of the movie and end could be both 'foreshadowing' or 'book-ends' and this line here gave me a good chuckle, since its so true ART : SHINKAI/10 Here is a quote from Guardian Enzo of Random Curiosity that probably could represent my impression (since I’m lazy and can’t find the exact words lol) : When it comes to the visual side of anime – or animation – there’s Shinkai Makoto, and everyone else. Two different categories, period. nice review though, as long as its constructive like yours is, theres no issue in self promoting, always good to see people take interest in quality movies. |
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| Definitely my favorite film by Makoto Shinkai. The ending made me cry a bit. :) |
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| Definitely like that the story re-routed back to more real-life drama. I knew to expect amazing artwork but the moment I saw the first scene in the garden, I almost burst out...AMAZING. Though it doesn't leave as deep of a gash as 5cm, the ending was definitely brighter and positive. Didn't like the ending at first but after watching the movie a second time, I understood why things turned out the way they did. OST / ending was good |
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| It's wonderful. =) |
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| Great movie , watch it in full HD *__* |
| Well that was trite. |
Forgetfulness said: hpulley said: Yes, as I said in my spoiler. Read the novel! Still can't pick my favorite. Love his movies. So rewatchable! Okay...so I just finished reading the 5 CM/S novel. And I did not find anything hinting at what you said. It ended the same way as the movie. May I ask where you read your version? I read mine here: http://5cm.lhyeung.net/novel/01-cherryblossom.php And the ending paragraph was: EDIT: Well, I re-read it. The closest thing I could find was Was that what you were referring to? Cause it doesn't really seem to match up :/ Look for the 'one more side' version. I have no idea where to read it online because I only buy and read actual books in their original language. I have the 186 page version "Byousoku 5senchime-toru" which ends as you say just like the movie and also the 371 page "Byousoku 5senchime-toru one more side" version which is twice as long as the short version. It adds much more than the final pages I mentioned. |
hpulley said: Look for the 'one more side' version. I have no idea where to read it online because I only buy and read actual books in their original language. I have the 186 page version "Byousoku 5senchime-toru" which ends as you say just like the movie and also the 371 page "Byousoku 5senchime-toru one more side" version which is twice as long as the short version. It adds much more than the final pages I mentioned. that particular novel isnt available in english and hasnt been translated yet. the original novel has on that site listed, and so has the manga, ive read both and have the manga on my shelf, good read. is one more side any good? |
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Forgetfulness said: eldest said: hpulley said: Look for the 'one more side' version. I have no idea where to read it online because I only buy and read actual books in their original language. I have the 186 page version "Byousoku 5senchime-toru" which ends as you say just like the movie and also the 371 page "Byousoku 5senchime-toru one more side" version which is twice as long as the short version. It adds much more than the final pages I mentioned. that particular novel isnt available in english and hasnt been translated yet. the original novel has on that site listed, and so has the manga, ive read both and have the manga on my shelf, good read. is one more side any good? Damnit. I want my happy ending :( read the manga |
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eldest said: It's good! It offers another view of each of the three stories and thus is complementary to the original. Too bad the translations aren't done... if I had more time... I read in Japanese as I said but read so much I have little time for translations as it takes 5-10x as long to translate as to just read it.hpulley said: Look for the 'one more side' version. I have no idea where to read it online because I only buy and read actual books in their original language. I have the 186 page version "Byousoku 5senchime-toru" which ends as you say just like the movie and also the 371 page "Byousoku 5senchime-toru one more side" version which is twice as long as the short version. It adds much more than the final pages I mentioned. that particular novel isnt available in english and hasnt been translated yet. the original novel has on that site listed, and so has the manga, ive read both and have the manga on my shelf, good read. is one more side any good? |
Forgetfulness said: But it may not be happy in a disney sense of the word, but its a very optimistic, albeit perceptibly tragic ending |
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| Excellent character design, art, and animation! As for the story...it's just 'meh'. I did enjoy the scene where she was ironing his clothes and he was cooking and that embrace was absolutely beautiful, but the most I can give is 6/10. |
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| Wow, this was really good. The animation was one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. I wish they would make shows with visuals like that. The story was realistic and touching. I loved this movie. |
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| I loved the art, like everyone else haha. Too bad it's only 45 minues long :( |
| It was just okay for me, not boring at all but nothing beautifully made except for the animations, sound and visuals. The story was just okay, I was expecting a better movie for a score of 8.44 here on MAL. |
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| Truly a work of art. You will not get a fairytale ending from Shinkai Makoto, his stories are as realistic as his visuals. 10/10 |
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| It was such a beautiful story. I loved it how she was wearing different pair of shoes every day. Lovely art. Definitely 10/10. |
| (✿◠‿◠) A rice ball belongs in a fruits basket! |
| the art is soo awesome and the story is really touching too. i almost cried at that part when the ed song played. PFFFT. its just too sad. i love it :) |
Ramkec said: At the end, I just had to get up and applause, this movie was beautiful, another masterpiece of romance anime by Makoto Shinkai. |
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