Overview
“5 Centimeters per Second” is a Japanese animated film released in 2007. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, it’s renowned for its stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and poignant exploration of love, distance, and the passage of time.
The film is divided into three parts, each focusing on different stages in the life of Takaki Tōno, a young boy who forms a deep connection with a girl named Akari Shinohara.
1) Cherry Blossom – The first part follows Takaki and Akari during their childhood in the early 1990s. They bond over their shared interests and experiences, particularly their mutual love for reading. However, their friendship faces obstacles as Akari’s family plans to move away. Despite their efforts to stay in touch through letters, their separation begins to take its toll on their relationship.
2) Cosmonaut – In the second part, Takaki is now a teenager, and he is still haunted by memories of Akari. He meets another girl, Kanae Sumida, who harbors feelings for him. However, Takaki remains emotionally distant, unable to let go of his past love for Akari. This part explores unrequited love and the inability to move on.
3) 5 Centimeters per Second – The final part takes place several years later, with Takaki now a young adult working in Tokyo. He is still grappling with the emotional repercussions of his past relationships. Meanwhile, Akari has moved on and is engaged to be married. The film concludes with Takaki reminiscing about his past and the fleeting nature of time and connections.
“5 Centimeters per Second” is celebrated for its beautiful animation, evocative imagery, and atmospheric soundtrack. It’s often praised for its realistic portrayal of love and loss, as well as its exploration of themes such as distance, longing, and the passage of time. The film resonates with audiences for its bittersweet and introspective tone, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after the credits roll.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Title & Release Year | 5 Centimeters per Second (2007) |
| Director | Makoto Shinkai |
| Plot Structure | Divided into three parts focusing on different stages in the life of Takaki Tōno and his relationship with Akari Shinohara. |
| Themes | Love, distance, passage of time, longing, loss |
| Visuals | Renowned for stunning animation and evocative imagery. |
| Soundtrack | Atmospheric soundtrack complements the emotional storytelling. |
| Reception | Praised for realistic portrayal of love and loss, as well as exploration of themes. Resonates with audiences for its bittersweet and introspective tone. |
Plot of the Movie
Episode 1 – After finishing elementary school in 1994, Takaki Tono and his close friend Akari Shinohara are forced to part ways. Akari is transferred to a middle school in the Tochigi Prefecture, while Takaki continues his studies in a middle school in Tokyo. They exchange letters and once again find happiness in sharing their feelings.
Takaki’s family has often moved from place to place, which worries the children as they fear that eventually the distance between them will become too great to travel to see each other on weekends. In the first semester of seventh grade, it becomes apparent that Takaki’s family will have to move to the Kagoshima Prefecture the following year in 1995. Therefore, he decides to meet Akari a week before his departure.
Two weeks before the meeting, he writes her a letter describing everything he feels. On March 3, 1995, after classes, Takaki sets off to meet her by train with several transfers, but due to a snowstorm, the trains are increasingly delayed from the schedule. Takaki hopes to deliver the letter during the meeting, but it falls out of his pocket and is carried away by the wind into the snowy fields.
Under the cherry blossoms, Takaki and Akari kiss for the first time. They spend the night together in an old shed, wrapped in a blanket and talking about various topics until morning. As he leaves, Takaki believes that the kiss holds more significance than the letter, and he does not regret being unable to deliver it. And Akari never manages to give away her letter.
Suddenly, the characters realize that they are parting ways forever. Before leaving, they agree to continue corresponding.
Episode 2 – Takaki enrolls in a middle school on Tanegashima Island, where the space center is located. On the very first day of 8th grade, Kanae Sumida falls in love with the boy transferred from Tokyo. She catches herself constantly wanting to be near him, searching for him with her eyes everywhere, but she doesn’t dare to confess her feelings, continuing to love Takaki Tono unrequitedly for several years.
The year is 1999. It’s their final year of school. Kanae’s feelings for Takaki only intensify, and when there’s only six months left until the end of classes, on the day she manages to ride a wave, she decides to confess her love to him. They witness the launch of a rocket from the space center, which carries a space probe destined for the exploration of the solar system and doomed to fly into the unknown, sending messages that will be received less and less frequently on Earth.
Episode 3 – Takaki Tono is so busy at work that he doesn’t notice how quickly time flies, even though several years have passed since he graduated from university. Takaki breaks up with his girlfriend after living with her for three years.
In March 2008, Takaki quits his job. He feels that there are countless reasons for this—like he has “reached the edge of the abyss”—yet at the same time, there isn’t a single reason that fully convinces him. On a calm weekday, he walks down the street and finds himself near a railroad crossing, where he and Akari once walked and admired the cherry blossoms nearby. A girl walks towards Takaki. At that moment, as they pass each other, he realizes it’s Akari, and if he were to turn around now, she would surely do the same.
Turning around, Takaki sees that Akari does indeed turn around, but their eye contact is interrupted by passing trains, and after the trains depart, Akari is already gone.
Next, set to the song “One more time, one more chance,” a brief overview is presented of the main characters’ lives over the past decade: Akari, like Takaki, experienced moments when she couldn’t send the letters she wrote to him and eagerly awaited correspondence from her beloved. During her middle school years, she felt lonely, and in high school, she had a friend who walked her home, though their relationship remained platonic. Shinohara found solace in reading, fully absorbed in the activity. It’s revealed that during high school, Takaki visited Tokyo during the holidays and spotted Akari at a train station, engrossed in her reading. Despite her decision, Kanae ultimately chooses to confess her feelings to Takaki but arrives late. Standing behind the airport fence, she silently watches as the plane takes off. On her way home, she notices Akari walking along the road, who had come to see Takaki, but they miss each other.
Akari also went to study in Tokyo and remained there to live and work. She met a young man named Mizuno, and after some time, they began living together. They eventually got married. While sorting through her school belongings before moving, Akari found the letter she had written for their meeting but had never managed to give to Takaki. The discovery brought back pleasant memories, and that same night, they both had the same dream.
Reasons to Watch It
5 Centimeters per Second” is worth watching for its emotional storytelling, stunning visuals, atmospheric soundtrack, realistic portrayal of relationships, and thought-provoking themes.
Emotional storytelling – The film offers a deeply moving exploration of love, distance, and the passage of time, resonating with audiences on an emotional level. Stunning visuals – Renowned for its breathtaking animation and evocative imagery, the film captivates viewers with its stunning visual beauty. Atmospheric soundtrack – The film’s soundtrack complements its emotional storytelling, enhancing the overall viewing experience and drawing viewers deeper into the narrative.
Realistic portrayal of relationships – “5 Centimeters per Second” offers a realistic portrayal of love and loss, exploring the complexities of relationships and the impact of separation. Thought-provoking themes – Through its exploration of themes such as longing, nostalgia, and the transient nature of connections, the film prompts viewers to reflect on their own experiences and relationships.
“5 Centimeters per Second” is a cinematic masterpiece that offers a poignant and unforgettable viewing experience, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in thoughtful and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Reasons to Avoid It
Potential viewers may choose to avoid ‘5 Centimeters per Second’ due to its slow pacing, melancholic tone, heavy emotional content, lack of action-driven plot elements, and the need for patience to engage with its introspective storytelling style.
Slow Pacing – The film adopts a deliberate and measured pace, focusing on subtle moments and emotional nuances. For viewers seeking more fast-paced or action-packed narratives, the leisurely pacing of “5 Centimeters per Second” may feel too slow. Melancholic Tone – “5 Centimeters per Second” is known for its bittersweet and introspective tone, which may not appeal to those looking for more uplifting or lighthearted entertainment. The film delves into themes of longing, loss, and the passage of time, which can evoke feelings of sadness or melancholy. Potentially Heavy Emotional Content – The film explores the complexities of love, distance, and relationships, often delving into deep emotional territory. Viewers who prefer to avoid emotionally intense or heavy content may find the themes of “5 Centimeters per Second” overwhelming.
Lack of Action or Plot-Driven Elements – “5 Centimeters per Second” prioritizes character development and emotional storytelling over action or plot-driven elements. For viewers who prefer movies with a more robust plot or significant events driving the narrative, the quieter, character-focused nature of this film may not be as engaging. Need for Patience –Appreciating “5 Centimeters per Second” requires patience and a willingness to engage with its introspective storytelling style. Some viewers may find the film’s slow-burn approach challenging, particularly if they prefer more immediately gratifying or fast-paced narratives.
Overall, while “5 Centimeters per Second” offers a rich and poignant viewing experience for those who appreciate its themes and storytelling style, it may not be suitable for everyone due to its slow pacing, melancholic tone, heavy emotional content, lack of action, and the need for patience to fully appreciate its depth.
Critical Response
“5 Centimeters per Second” garnered extensive critical acclaim, with reviewers lauding its exceptional visual craftsmanship, profound emotional resonance, and thought-provoking narrative depth. Makoto Shinkai’s direction was widely praised for its ability to capture the subtle nuances of human emotion through stunning animation and evocative imagery. Critics commended the film’s atmospheric soundtrack, which complemented the storytelling and heightened the emotional impact of key moments.
One of the film’s standout aspects was its realistic portrayal of love and loss, with reviewers noting the authenticity of the characters’ experiences and the poignancy of their relationships. The exploration of themes such as longing, distance, and the passage of time struck a chord with audiences, prompting reflection on the nature of human connections and the fleeting nature of life.
While some critics acknowledged the film’s slow pacing and melancholic tone as potential drawbacks, many viewed these elements as integral to its artistic vision. The deliberate pacing allowed for a deeper exploration of the characters’ emotions and relationships, while the melancholic tone added depth and complexity to the narrative.
Overall, “5 Centimeters per Second” was hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, with many critics praising its ability to evoke profound emotions and leave a lasting impression on viewers. It was celebrated as a testament to the power of animation to convey complex emotions and universal truths about the human experience.
| Aspects of Critical Acclaim | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual Craftsmanship | Exceptional animation and evocative imagery praised for capturing subtle human emotions. |
| Emotional Resonance | Profound emotional depth and authenticity in portraying love, loss, and human connections. |
| Narrative Depth | Thought-provoking exploration of themes like longing, distance, and the passage of time. |
| Direction by Makoto Shinkai | Widely praised for capturing nuanced human emotions and delivering a compelling narrative. |
| Atmospheric Soundtrack | Commended for enhancing storytelling and heightening emotional impact of key moments. |
| Realistic Portrayal | Authentic depiction of love and loss, resonating with viewers through relatable experiences. |
| Pacing and Tone | While some noted slow pacing and melancholic tone, many viewed them as integral to the film’s artistic vision. |
| Overall Reception | Hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, praised for its ability to evoke profound emotions and convey universal truths. |
Key Themes
“5 Centimeters per Second” intricately explores themes of love and longing, the passage of time, distance and separation, nostalgia and memory, communication and miscommunication, and the transience and impermanence of life and relationships, offering a profound meditation on the complexities of human connection and the fleeting nature of existence.
Love and Longing – The film delves deeply into the complexities of love and longing, depicting the yearning and emotional distance between the characters as they navigate their relationships and personal journeys. Passage of Time – Time is a central theme in the film, as it reflects on how relationships evolve and change over time. The passage of time serves as a backdrop to the characters’ experiences, highlighting the transient nature of life and connections. Distance and Separation – Physical and emotional distance play significant roles in the narrative, symbolizing the challenges and obstacles that the characters face in their relationships. Whether it be physical distance due to relocation or emotional distance caused by unrequited love, the theme of distance underscores the characters’ struggles to connect with one another.
Nostalgia and Memory – The film is imbued with a sense of nostalgia, as characters reflect on past memories and experiences. Nostalgia serves as a lens through which the characters reminisce about their shared moments and contemplate the significance of their relationships. Communication and Miscommunication – The film explores the complexities of communication and the barriers that prevent characters from truly understanding one another. Miscommunication and missed opportunities for connection underscore the challenges inherent in conveying one’s true feelings and intentions. Transience and Impermanence – “5 Centimeters per Second” grapples with the transient nature of life and relationships, emphasizing the fleetingness of moments and the inevitability of change. The impermanence of love and connection is a recurring motif throughout the film, serving as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility.
These key themes intertwine to create a rich and emotionally resonant narrative, inviting viewers to contemplate the nature of love, time, and human connection.
Memorable Moments
The film “5 Centimeters per Second” is punctuated by memorable moments such as the cherry blossom kiss, the train station encounter, Kanae’s airport confession, Akari’s discovery of the letter, and the haunting dream sequence, each contributing to the emotional depth and resonance of the narrative.
Cherry Blossom Kiss – The poignant scene where Takaki and Akari share their first kiss under the cherry blossoms symbolizes the innocence and purity of their young love, setting the tone for their emotional journey. Train Station Encounter – The fleeting moment when Takaki and Akari almost reunite at the train station, only to be separated by passing trains, encapsulates the theme of missed connections and the cruel twists of fate.
Confession by the Airport – Kanae’s heart-wrenching confession of her unrequited love for Takaki at the airport, juxtaposed with the departure of a plane, highlights the pain of unfulfilled desires and the inevitability of letting go. Akari’s Discovery – The emotional revelation when Akari finds the letter she wrote for Takaki but never delivered, triggering a flood of bittersweet memories and reflections on their lost connection. Dream Sequence – The haunting dream sequence shared by Takaki and Akari, where they finally find solace and connection in a surreal dreamscape, serves as a cathartic moment of closure and acceptance.
These memorable moments capture the essence of “5 Centimeters per Second,” leaving a lasting impression on viewers with their emotional depth and resonance.
Streaming Platforms
Viewers seeking to watch ‘5 Centimeters per Second’ can explore various streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Hulu, HBO Max, and Funimation, each known for featuring a diverse selection of anime content, potentially including this critically acclaimed film.
Netflix often features a diverse selection of anime films and series, including critically acclaimed titles like “5 Centimeters per Second.” Amazon Prime Video also offers a wide range of anime content, and “5 Centimeters per Second” may be available for streaming as part of their catalog. Crunchyroll – Known for its extensive collection of anime, Crunchyroll is another platform where you might find “5 Centimeters per Second” available for streaming. Hulu occasionally features anime films, so it’s worth checking if “5 Centimeters per Second” is available to stream on this platform. HBO Max has been expanding its anime offerings, so it’s possible that “5 Centimeters per Second” may be available for streaming here as well. Funimation specializes in anime content and may have “5 Centimeters per Second” available for streaming, especially for users in certain regions.
Please note that availability may vary based on your location and the constantly changing streaming rights. It’s a good idea to check these platforms directly or use their search function to see if “5 Centimeters per Second” is currently available for streaming.
Alternatively, you may also consider purchasing or renting the movie from digital storefronts like Google Play Movies, iTunes, or YouTube Movies.
