Suzume no Tojimari anime review 2023

Suzume no Tojimari is essentially the tale of a young girl undertaking a literal journey to conquer her deeply ingrained trauma—a trauma shared by a significant portion of Japan—following the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, which claimed her mother's life. Although Suzume appears to be a cheerful teenager, her demeanor serves as a facade, shielding her from the world. She does not allow anyone to get too close to her, not even her aunt, with whom she has lived for ten years. While this distance offers protection against the pain of losing her mother, it also inhibits her ability to heal.

However, the film is fundamentally optimistic, despite the underlying emotional pain. Throughout her expedition, Suzume is forced to depend on the kindness of strangers, who consistently welcome her into their hearts and homes despite their lack of familiarity with her. Meanwhile, her relationship with Souta, who is paralyzed, deepens as they fight against supernatural adversaries, forging a bond unlike any she has experienced since her mother's passing. As they travel together, Suzume becomes increasingly unwilling to let go of him, although she recognizes that being disconnected from his body is detrimental to his health. Ultimately, she is confronted with the possibility of losing both her mother and Souta.

Despite sharing a similar narrative structure to Makoto Shinkai's previous films, Suzume no Tojimari stands out due to its inclusion of a clear antagonist, Daijin, a cat with a mysterious agenda that adds an extra layer of complexity to the plot. While there were no tangible villains in Shinkai's previous works, Daijin serves as a goal, an antagonist, and a mystery all at once. The audience is left questioning why Daijin is obsessed with Suzume and what it intends to achieve by turning Souta into a chair and searching for doors across the country.

Visually, Suzume no Tojimari is stunning, with excellent use of color and light. However, the eldritch entity Suzume encounters in Tokyo appears artificial in wide shots, making it seem like a poorly executed CG effect that clashes with the otherwise impressive animation. This misstep is particularly glaring in one of the film's most emotional moments, detracting from its impact. Nonetheless, this is the only visual issue in an otherwise beautifully crafted movie.

The music in Suzume no Tojimari lives up to the high standards set by Makoto Shinkai's other recent works. The soundtrack, composed primarily by Radwamps, is more ethereal and haunting than their usual alt-rock style. The recurring song "Suzume" is a standout piece, featuring strings, piano, percussion, a backup choir, and guest singer Toka's delicate vocals. It perfectly captures the otherworldly atmosphere of the film and is an earworm that lingers in the mind.

Overall, Suzume no Tojimari is a fantastic movie with well-crafted characters that evoke both laughter and tears. Its themes revolve around loss and learning to open up to others. The stunning visuals and beautiful music enhance the film's emotional impact. However, it does follow the formula of Shinkai's previous works, making the plot somewhat predictable. Nevertheless, the movie's mix of spectacle and emotion is sure to captivate audiences.

Suzume no Tojimari anime review 2023

The three-act structure in Suzume no Tojimari follows the same pattern as Makoto Shinkai's previous works. and weathering with you. The first act introduces supernatural elements and comedic moments, while the second act raises the stakes and presents a significant threat that is ultimately resolved. The third act deals with the aftermath and unexpected consequences of the previous act, as the protagonist fights to regain what has been lost.

While this structure provides a solid foundation for the film, it also makes it predictable for those familiar with Shinkai's previous works. Despite the plot's differences, viewers who have seen your name and Weathering With You will likely anticipate the film's direction at every turn. This predictability diminishes the emotional impact of the story, which is unfortunate as the film's strength lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions.