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'Suzume' - A Critical Analysis and Review

Makoto Shinkai's 'Suzume' is a film that ambitiously attempts to achieve numerous objectives in its two-hour runtime. With stunning animation and a captivating background score, 'Suzume' presents itself as a uniquely above-average film, despite its convoluted plot and multiple metaphors.

Cinematic Experience:-
Undoubtedly, the most striking aspect of this movie is its animation. The imagery is breathtakingly beautiful, with each frame worthy of being a work of art. Although the use of CGI in some parts of the film (notably the 'Worm') may be subject to debate, Shinkai has effectively concealed any potential drawbacks of the technology by employing ... smooth visual transitions whenever the 'Worm' disappears through the 'Doors.'

The background score is equally impressive, as it seamlessly integrates with the scenes. However, the decision to include both of the film's beautiful songs at the end feels somewhat rushed and underwhelming.

Plot:-
Despite its highly imaginative premise, the plot is somewhat simplistic and repetitive. The primary driving force of the story - Suzume's unrequited crush on a young man - feels underdeveloped, and the ending lacks coherence.


Characterization:-
Unfortunately, the character development in 'Suzume' falls short of expectations. Except the character of Suzume, no character has been given the slightest development. The motives of the characters Daijin and Sadaijin are extremely unclear and debatable.
Still, the characters do serve an important purpose. The people whom Suzume meets in her journey and their hospitable attitude stress on the fact that although people are motivated by selfish desires, selfless acts don't cease to exist.

Themes:-
'Suzume' is a movie rich in themes. The film deals with adolescence, loss, recovery, hope, selflessness, loneliness, and the significance of human bonds. While some of these themes are not fully fleshed out, they contribute to the film's overall appeal.

The Base:-
The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and its impact on Japan serve as the foundation of the film. Rather than focus solely on the disaster, 'Suzume' explores the efforts made to heal its scars. The film handles this sensitive issue in a highly uplifting manner, and Shinkai deserves commendation for his approach.

The Miyazaki Effect:-
It is evident that Shinkai draws inspiration from the style of renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki. This influence is apparent in the film's imaginative plot, rich metaphors, cultural references, and personified creatures. For instance, the opening of the 'Doors' at random, deserted locations serves as a metaphor for the unpredictability of natural disasters and the destruction and isolation they cause. The three-legged chair symbolizes hope during difficult times.

Personal Interpretations:-
i. Daijin:-
One possible interpretation is that Daijin, the enigmatic cat, represents the lengths people will go to seek love and comfort from others.

ii. The 'Worm':-
The 'Worm,' a creature from the 'Ever-After' realm, may be a metaphor for the accumulated bitterness and grief within us, which manifests itself during times of loneliness and dejection.

iii. The fight between the 'Worm' and 'Sadaijin' :-
The fight between a cat and a snake-like creature might be a reference to the Egyptian myth of the Cat Goddess Bast battling the monstrous serpent Apophis for eternity. This could symbolize the constant inner struggle to keep our emotions from the past under control, preventing them from causing harm to those close to us.

Conclusion:-
'Suzume' has its strengths and weaknesses, with great animation and background score, but a confusing plot and undeveloped characters. It also touches upon important themes and uses metaphors effectively. Ultimately, the appreciation of the movie's qualities is subjective and depends on individual tastes and preferences.

Clannad has got everything that a good show must have. A strong and meaningful plot, rich and clear themes, brilliant characterization and balanced pacing. The voice acting, direction and background score are appreciable as well.

Plot: The plot of Clannad is simple and yet very effective in highlighting the purpose and themes of the show. The show has a decent beginning and a good ending.

Themes: Clannad very clearly and beautifully presents the themes of self-discovery, friendship, family and true love in just a 23-episode time span. The show also focuses on the theme of unique bread baking (kidding).

Characterization: Clannad has plenty of characters ... (some with matching character designs) who are all mostly introduced in the few few episodes of the show. This makes it difficult for some viewers to keep track of all the characters in the beginning. But, as the story progresses, almost all characters receive a pretty strong and decent characterization. The interactions between the characters produce a light-hearted and comedic effect on the show (in general).

Emotions: Although a major part of the story is comedic in nature, the story makes one emotional and empathetic at many occasions. The family dynamic of the Furukawa family and the dynamic between the central characters is a great example of the same.

Conclusion: Clannad is a must-watch slice of life for various reasons. It is thematically rich and has a good plot with balanced pacing a slight supernatural touch which never makes you feel bored. The show aa a whole has a calming and heartwarming effect on the viewer.

Being an old-school anime, Clannad has served as an inspiration for many slice of life animes and continues to do so.

"Violet Evergarden: The Movie" is the final instalment in the Violet Evergarden storyline. The animation and background score are JUST AWESOME. The plot is good but could have been better. The movie is more of an emotional drama and brings to the conclusion the quest of Violet Evergarden to understand love. She finally receives a much deserved proper happy ending after an entire life of uncertainty.
I loved how the movie showed how letterwriting is still significant to convey the deepest emotions which cannot be expressed orally. It's indeed sad that the practice of writing letters declined with the invention of telephones and the outburst of ... emotions on receiving a letter was slowly forgotten.

"Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll" is yet another emotionally rich tale which is canon to the show "Violet Evergarden." The animation and background score are as AWESOME and BRILLIANT as the show. The new characters are given proper characterization. The eternal love and trust between Amy and her adopted sister Taylor is portrayed very nicely. I absolutely loved the character of Taylor. It was because of her that character of Benedict learnt to realize the importance of his job and got some much needed character development.
The biggest shortcoming in this film is that the character of Violet serves the only purpose of ... uniting the two sisters. This is an inconsistency as the movie is supposed to be about Violet. Nevertheless, the movie is a good continuation of the plot of the main series.

“Violet Evergarden” beautifully and near-perfectly focuses on the themes of war, loss, love, self discovery, kindness and the importance of letters. Each episode is a non-exaggerated emotional journey for the character of Violet Evergarden (who is learning what emotions really are) and we, the viewers. The animation and the background score is AWESOME, BEAUTIFUL, SPECTACULAR and SPLENDID. The plot is simple and very beautifully written and not very addicting, which is good. The pacing of this show is slow but this shortcoming of the show is overshadowed by its plot, animation and background score. Violet Evergarden receives one of the best meaningful character developments I ... have seen so far. Other frequently appearing characters are basically supporting ones and receive a decent characterization.

'Whisper of the Heart' is a down-to-earth, lovely and heartwarming story about pure love between two adolescent teenagers. The characters are well-written and likeable. The background score is incredibly suited to the atmosphere of the story.
True love is helping your partner move forward in life by being their support - love should not always necessarily be associated with romance. I absolutely love how the movie conveys this message. The movie also explores the anxieties faced by teenagers while thinking about their future and trying to find their purpose in life.
I would highly recommend slice of life lovers to try this amazing movie by ... the legendary director, Mr. Hayao Miyazaki.

"The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" is an average science fiction coming-of-age story by Mr. Mamoru Hosada which could have been better if it had been a bit less complicated and the character of Chiaki had received more development. The plot is down to Earth, engaging and repetitive after a period of time. It's imaginative and uses the time-travelling idea in a different way (which is unexplained).
The animation is neat with watercolor-like backgrounds. The background score is good. The intimate relationship between the three main characters is explored very nicely but only Makoto receives proper character development.
One very strong point about this movie is how ... it shows that there are still people who always consider about other people feelings and try to help them always, irrespective of how the solution will hurt them. This movie also gives attention to the theme of self-confidence which is a lacking personality-trait in many people.

“Weathering With You”, directed by the world famous Mr. Makoto Shinkai, has a stunning animation and is totally beautiful to watch. The direction is undoubtedly good and the background score is JUST WONDERFUL. The voice-acting is also pretty good. The pacing is
just okay – neither too fast nor too slow. Clearly this movie is an example of great hard-work.
The main part where this movie suffers is the plot which is kind of incomplete. The ‘ecosystem on the clouds’ or Hina’s powers are not explained. The character development is also incomplete. Also, this movie ends with the main character making a selfish decision against the wishes ... of his love and ultimately brings a catastrophe. This part of the movie can be annoying for many but can also be 'heart-warming' for others.

My Dress-Up Darling is an average 'feel good' rom-com with good animation and a decent background score. Almost all the characters are totally unrealistic except for Gojo who stands for all introverts who are afraid to speak of their interests. The main theme of the show is a good one - valuing and respecting others interests but the useless fanservice-humor devalues the main theme.
The one thing that stands out in the show is that Gojo and Marin actually have a reason to like each other and are not just attracted to each other (although I am very disappointed with the fanservice which seriously destroyed ... what could have been a very good show).

“Your Lie In April” is a show which really paints a rainbow of symphony. It has a gorgeous animation and an INCREDIBLE background score. The pieces of classical music added do speak a lot about the characters and their innermost feelings. Each and every character has a purpose and receives proper development. The show more or less maintains a steady pace. The plot is simple, emotional and heartwarming. All emotions, whether happy or sad, have been expressed really beautifully.
This anime truly opens up a new world for the viewers by presenting a whole new perspective on how to treasure things and showing how ... much feelings and love you can put into something.