5 Centimeters Per Second [Blu-ray]

CAUTION: REVIEW CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS!!!When I say that the art rivals that of Miyazaki, I mean it. The detail and attention to expressions and the clothes, the backgrounds, every little object has detail that jumps out and further presses the film's theme of isolation.Before I say what is good about this film. I have to note that the first Act is pretty cheesy in its dialogue (and maybe that's just the way it's translated). I, as an avid Anime watcher, always watch my films in the original language with subtitles and sometimes if I've seen the film enough, without them. The Japanese version is better because the characters are done as they were first intended. But the acting is incredible as well as believable.Each moment passes slowly and then speeds past the characters, much like the Cherry Blossoms that fall.This film is about the pain of never being able to get to the person you care about the most and being able to tell them how you feel. Even though you say it, sometimes the time you spend apart makes you isolated and confused.The story comes in three Acts (or sections) the first is about Tono Takaki, a young boy (at the start of the film) who takes an interest in another girl, Araki, who is lonely and awkward like he is. After jumping in to drag her away from students who are writing insults about her on the chalk board, he is helplessly drawn to the idea that they are both connected in their fascination with falling Cherry Blossoms. But because both of their families continually move and they have to keep transferring far away- their attachment becomes strained in an almost strange obsession with an idea of a paradise where they'd stay in the same place forever. But time passes like the falling cherry blossoms and soon they move through each moment in life, becoming more distant.The Second Act is about Takaki at his new school (as a high school student) and a girl who falls for him because he's a nice guy on the surface and doesn't seem to care how strange and indecisive she is. But, even when she finally comes up with the courage and volition to confess, she notices that Takaki was always staring off into the distance whenever he was with her. That he was the furthest thing from being connected to the people around him. An amazing short section that breaks the heart in its honest message.The Third Act is Takaki as a young adult (in his twenties approximately) and how he's inexplicably distant and unhappy with his current job and life. He struggles to understand why he can't keep in contact with Araki the way he used to and why he didn't turn around and see her across the train track (this is a specific scene in the movie- watch to see what I'm talking about) as soon as the train passed quickly. The moment they realize they may be able to connected, one of them is gone.Perhaps the confusing part of the film is the end montage of Takaki and Araki's life. It's hard to understand what is going on. But in essence it is about how both of them have moved on and never really reconnected because their lives dragged them apart. The growing up that happens in the montage-divides the line between an ideal of Takaki's and reality.This strange trio of anecdotes in Takaki and Araki's lives expresses a number emotions and harsh acceptances when people grow up: That some people will accept that they didn't get what they wanted and others will hang on to the sparse moments of joy that they got falling from the sky even if it's only for five seconds.A real winner for all Miyazaki fans!

"5 Centimeters is a story in which nothing happens... The tale lacks the dramaturgy that an animated work ought to have as entertainment; yet, my desire was to create an animation in which nothing extraordinary occurs. This is because in more cases than not, we ourselves live daily lives that are by no means extraordinary. If that daily life could be portrayed beautifully, however, then perhaps that would allow us to believe that our own day-to-day experiences are treasures worth living for." - Makoto ShinkaiI found this quote in a tiny booklet that came inside the disc case, along with more on 5 Centimeters Per Second from the director, Makoto Shinkai.The case itself is pink, as shown in the picture, and since I order my movie collection alphabetically, this movie goes into the first spot, where it feels right at home standing out among the blue.5 Centimeters per second is, as the cover clearly states, "a chain of short stories about their distance." They, in this instance, are Takaki Tohno and Akari Shinohara, two very close childhood friends who are separated when Akari moves away. The chain of short stories is three links long. The first part shows Akari and Takaki as children, and focuses mainly on setting up the story, and then their last meeting before being separated. Part two is shown through the eyes of a classmate of Takaki's, named Kanae, in the future, when he is in high school. This part focuses on Kanae's feelings for Takaki, and clearly shows how the distance between him and Akari has created more distance in the form of a void between him and the others surrounding him. The final part shows where Akari and Takaki are as adults an how their lives have formed since part one. Some people describe this movie as a tear-jerker, but, in a word, I would describe it as captivating. On another note, I must add that the soundtrack, background art, and animation are outstanding.Included on the disc (besides 5 Centimeters), are two of Shinkai's other films: The Voices of A Distant Star, and She and Her Cat. 5 Centimeters and Voices have the options to be played in either Japanese or English audio. All the films have an option of English subtitles. Personally, I thought all of the voice acting was excellent, although I have not yet watched Voices with Japanese audio. Also included in the extras, is an interview with Shinkai, where he is asked about topics such as: the inspiration for the name, comparing to his others works, and the process of creating 5 Centimeters Per Second.I do not regret this purchase, and I have a feeling I will be coming back to this movie often. If you are not strapped for money, I would highly recommend picking this up.