Makoto Shinkai, renowned for his breathtaking visuals and emotionally resonant storytelling, has cemented his place as one of anime’s premier directors. With a career spanning decades, his works often explore love, loss, and the bittersweet beauty of life. Here’s a ranking of his top ten anime films:
10. Cross Road: A Cinematic Short
This 2014 short film, originally a commercial for the Z-Kai correspondence education company, tells the story of two students, Miho and Shota, who face the pressures of university exams. The stunning visuals and subtle romance make this short a gem, even though it’s brief. Its potential as a full-length film was something fans longed for, a desire that would eventually be fulfilled with Shinkai’s famous Your Name.
9. The Place Promised in Our Early Days
Shinkai’s first feature film, released in 2004, is set in an alternate reality where Japan is split by a Cold War-like conflict. The narrative follows two boys, Hiroki and Takuya, whose bond with the girl they both love, Sayuri, is tested as they pursue their dreams. The film blends slice-of-life with a more dramatic, sci-fi edge, though its slower pace and melancholic tone leave a lasting impression.
8. Someone’s Gaze
In this 2013 short film, Shinkai explores the poignant relationship between a young woman, Aya, and her estranged father, narrated by their deceased cat. In just seven minutes, it beautifully captures the healing process that occurs in the aftermath of loss, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds and the gentle flow of life.
7. She and Her Cat
This 1999 short film marked Shinkai’s directorial debut and is about a young woman’s life seen through the eyes of her cat. The minimalist storytelling and stunning visuals, paired with a reflective narration, evoke a bittersweet sense of longing and connection. The film’s success inspired a mini-series, showing its lasting impact.
6. Children Who Chase Lost Voices
Released in 2011, this coming-of-age adventure film blends Shinkai’s usual emotional depth with fantastical elements. When Asuna, a young girl, stumbles upon a mysterious song, she embarks on a journey to an unknown world. The film, with its “Ghibli-esque” style, pays homage to Hayao Miyazaki’s influence but stands out with Shinkai’s signature mix of nostalgia and sorrow.
5. The Garden of Words
This 2013 film is an introspective story about a 15-year-old boy, Takao, and a woman named Yukino who form an unlikely bond during rainy days at a garden. The film’s animation is simply stunning, utilizing a combination of hand-drawn art and CGI to create a lush, atmospheric setting. Though understated in plot, its portrayal of loneliness and connection is quietly powerful.
4. 5 Centimeters Per Second
A story of unrequited love and growing up, this 2007 film follows Takaki and Akari as they try to maintain their long-distance relationship despite the passage of time. Through three interconnected segments that span their childhood, teenage years, and adulthood, Shinkai paints a poignant picture of love, loss, and the inevitability of change.
3. Weathering With You
In this 2019 film, a runaway teen, Hodaka, meets Hina, a girl who can control the weather, and they navigate their relationship amidst an unrelenting downpour over Tokyo. The story touches on themes of love, sacrifice, and environmental crises, showcasing Shinkai’s ability to weave emotional complexity into a broader societal commentary. The tension between personal love and global responsibility is a standout theme.
2. Suzume
Shinkai’s 2022 film serves as a powerful exploration of grief and healing in the wake of disaster. The protagonist, Suzume, must work with Souta to contain a disaster-causing supernatural force that was accidentally released. Set against the backdrop of Japan’s Tōhoku earthquake, Suzume is a deeply personal reflection on the trauma and recovery that followed the tragic event, and it marks a poignant conclusion to Shinkai’s trilogy of disaster-themed films.
1. Your Name
Without question, Your Name is Shinkai’s magnum opus. Released in 2016, this global sensation tells the story of two teenagers, Mitsuha and Taki, who mysteriously swap bodies. As they search for each other across time and space, Your Name seamlessly blends romance, drama, and fantasy with the breathtaking animation Shinkai is known for. Its exploration of love, fate, and memory touched millions, solidifying Shinkai’s place as one of anime’s most influential directors.
Makoto Shinkai’s films resonate deeply with viewers due to their emotional narratives, stunning visuals, and themes of love, longing, and the passage of time. Whether through short films or feature-length epics, Shinkai’s ability to capture the human condition has made him one of the most significant voices in contemporary anime.
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