There has been a lot of talk about this new anime movie entitled "Your Name," or "Kimi No Nawa," comparing it to Hayao Miyazaki's works like "Spirited Away," and "My Neighbor Totoro." The hype of "Your Name" is still growing as the new movie has made it to the official list of Oscar consideration list in the category Best Animated Feature and is now the sixth highest-grossing Japanese Film. If you have not seen it, here are a few reasons why you must watch this anime movie:
The Sci-Fi and the Drama Feels
The film is about two teenagers who are fated to meet and achieved this kind of connection in a peculiar way - body swapping. The two, Mistuha and Taki, switch bodies in their dreams. It has the "Freaky Friday" feel, but different in the emotions that are portrayed by Mitsuha and Taki especially since they are of different gender. The animated film also explores different movie themes aside from sci-fi and drama, as it also tries to demonstrate adulthood and the struggle of confirming one's identity.
Great Graphics
Japanese animation almost all the time shows great graphics and animation styles. "Your Name" shows a number of locations that are based on real-life Tokyo, and rural Japan. One example is the Suga Shrine that is located in Tokyo and is shown in the last scene. This makes the movie not only an interesting watch, but also as if you're having a tour in Japan.
Understanding the People in Japan and its Culture
"Your Name" highlights the difference in the life of someone who lives in the city and someone who lives in the rural area. Makoto Shinkai illustrated the difference of the lifestyle and emotions of the two teenagers and how they were confused when they switched bodies.
The Sentiments of Japanese
Makoto Shinkai also illustrated the sentiments shared by the Japanese people about natural calamities. Although Japan is considered as one of the well-developed countries, there are still a number of people who have not recovered from the 2011 earthquake. Even though the movie "Your Name" is about body swapping between two teenagers, the story is also highlighted with a natural calamity.
Miyazaki Successor
Everybody who watches anime movies knows Miyazaki, and it is said that "Your Name," and Makoto Shinkai is the "New Miyazaki". This is because the film achieved a number of box office records, and is also going to be released in 85 countries!
