Weathering with You

Weathering with You is a 2019 animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai, who is known for creating visually stunning and emotionally charged works such as Your Name. The film follows the story of a high school student named Hodaka Morishima (Kotaro Daigo), who runs away from his small town on a remote island to Tokyo in search of a better life. However, he soon finds himself struggling to make ends meet and spends his days enduring hardship and loneliness.

One day, Hodaka meets Hina Amano (Nana Mori), a girl who possesses the ability to control the weather. Together, they start a business to help people who are suffering from the constant rain that has been plaguing the city for weeks, by making sunny days for them. However, their supernatural help comes at a cost and has larger consequences than they ever could have imagined.

Despite being an animated movie, Weathering with You tackles themes that are both mature and relevant. It tells a poignant story that revolves around the human condition, in which characters face real-life problems, ranging from poverty, loneliness, adolescence, to climate change and global warming. The narrative of the film is well-crafted, and the screenplay is packed with twists and turns, which keep the movie interesting and engaging till the end.

The animation is a fantastic element of the movie. From the richly detailed landscapes of Tokyo, to the stunning rain and weather effects, every frame is a breathtaking work of art that makes the audience feel as if they're in the middle of the story. It's also interesting to note that the film reimagines many famous Tokyo landmarks in its own unique style, making the animation feel deeply imaginative and creative.

The characters in Weathering with You are heartwarming and authentic. Hodaka is a relatable protagonist that viewers can sympathize with. He's a stubborn, ambitious teenager who is forced to adapt to a new environment, and the audience follows his journey of self-discovery. On the other hand, Hina is a mysterious and sweet-natured character, who sincerely wants to help others. Her backstory and her emotional struggle remain an integral part of the storyline.

The supporting characters in the film have depth and are well-woven into the story. Take, for instance, Keisuke Suga (voiced by Shun Oguri), a writer and freelance magazine editor, who becomes a mentor figure for Hodaka. His backstory is interesting, and his reasons for helping Hodaka are grounded in his own life struggles. Likewise, Natsumi (voiced by Tsubasa Honda), his junior and colleague, is a fun-loving person, and her lightness of spirit brings balance to the characters’ situation.

Another standout feature of the movie is its music. The film features a haunting melody by Japanese rock band Radwimps, who collaborated with director Makoto Shinkai on the score of Your Name. The music enhances the emotional weight of the story and adds a melancholy feel to the film. The moments where the characters and the music come together can be considered the film’s most powerful moments.

In conclusion, Weathering with You is a beautifully animated and emotionally engaging film that manages to blend slice-of-life drama, supernatural elements and fantastical ideas in a well-crafted story that touches the heart. Its themes of hope, loss, growing up and living with the consequences of one’s actions make it a relevant work of art. The characters feel real, and their struggles make them relatable, while the animation and music lift the narrative to the level of an unforgettable experience. It is a must-watch movie for fans of anime and animation, and a treat for anyone who appreciates an emotionally charged story.