5 Centimeters Per Second

CAUTION: REVIEW CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS!!!When I say that the art rivals that of Miyazaki, I mean it. The detail and attention to expressions and the clothes, the backgrounds, every little object has detail that jumps out and further presses the film's theme of isolation.Before I say what is good about this film. I have to note that the first Act is pretty cheesy in its dialogue (and maybe that's just the way it's translated). I, as an avid Anime watcher, always watch my films in the original language with subtitles and sometimes if I've seen the film enough, without them. The Japanese version is better because the characters are done as they were first intended. But the acting is incredible as well as believable.Each moment passes slowly and then speeds past the characters, much like the Cherry Blossoms that fall.This film is about the pain of never being able to get to the person you care about the most and being able to tell them how you feel. Even though you say it, sometimes the time you spend apart makes you isolated and confused.The story comes in three Acts (or sections) the first is about Tono Takaki, a young boy (at the start of the film) who takes an interest in another girl, Araki, who is lonely and awkward like he is. After jumping in to drag her away from students who are writing insults about her on the chalk board, he is helplessly drawn to the idea that they are both connected in their fascination with falling Cherry Blossoms. But because both of their families continually move and they have to keep transferring far away- their attachment becomes strained in an almost strange obsession with an idea of a paradise where they'd stay in the same place forever. But time passes like the falling cherry blossoms and soon they move through each moment in life, becoming more distant.The Second Act is about Takaki at his new school (as a high school student) and a girl who falls for him because he's a nice guy on the surface and doesn't seem to care how strange and indecisive she is. But, even when she finally comes up with the courage and volition to confess, she notices that Takaki was always staring off into the distance whenever he was with her. That he was the furthest thing from being connected to the people around him. An amazing short section that breaks the heart in its honest message.The Third Act is Takaki as a young adult (in his twenties approximately) and how he's inexplicably distant and unhappy with his current job and life. He struggles to understand why he can't keep in contact with Araki the way he used to and why he didn't turn around and see her across the train track (this is a specific scene in the movie- watch to see what I'm talking about) as soon as the train passed quickly. The moment they realize they may be able to connected, one of them is gone.Perhaps the confusing part of the film is the end montage of Takaki and Araki's life. It's hard to understand what is going on. But in essence it is about how both of them have moved on and never really reconnected because their lives dragged them apart. The growing up that happens in the montage-divides the line between an ideal of Takaki's and reality.This strange trio of anecdotes in Takaki and Araki's lives expresses a number emotions and harsh acceptances when people grow up: That some people will accept that they didn't get what they wanted and others will hang on to the sparse moments of joy that they got falling from the sky even if it's only for five seconds.A real winner for all Miyazaki fans!

"5 Centimeters is a story in which nothing happens... The tale lacks the dramaturgy that an animated work ought to have as entertainment; yet, my desire was to create an animation in which nothing extraordinary occurs. This is because in more cases than not, we ourselves live daily lives that are by no means extraordinary. If that daily life could be portrayed beautifully, however, then perhaps that would allow us to believe that our own day-to-day experiences are treasures worth living for." - Makoto ShinkaiI found this quote in a tiny booklet that came inside the disc case, along with more on 5 Centimeters Per Second from the director, Makoto Shinkai.The case itself is pink, as shown in the picture, and since I order my movie collection alphabetically, this movie goes into the first spot, where it feels right at home standing out among the blue.5 Centimeters per second is, as the cover clearly states, "a chain of short stories about their distance." They, in this instance, are Takaki Tohno and Akari Shinohara, two very close childhood friends who are separated when Akari moves away. The chain of short stories is three links long. The first part shows Akari and Takaki as children, and focuses mainly on setting up the story, and then their last meeting before being separated. Part two is shown through the eyes of a classmate of Takaki's, named Kanae, in the future, when he is in high school. This part focuses on Kanae's feelings for Takaki, and clearly shows how the distance between him and Akari has created more distance in the form of a void between him and the others surrounding him. The final part shows where Akari and Takaki are as adults an how their lives have formed since part one. Some people describe this movie as a tear-jerker, but, in a word, I would describe it as captivating. On another note, I must add that the soundtrack, background art, and animation are outstanding.Included on the disc (besides 5 Centimeters), are two of Shinkai's other films: The Voices of A Distant Star, and She and Her Cat. 5 Centimeters and Voices have the options to be played in either Japanese or English audio. All the films have an option of English subtitles. Personally, I thought all of the voice acting was excellent, although I have not yet watched Voices with Japanese audio. Also included in the extras, is an interview with Shinkai, where he is asked about topics such as: the inspiration for the name, comparing to his others works, and the process of creating 5 Centimeters Per Second.I do not regret this purchase, and I have a feeling I will be coming back to this movie often. If you are not strapped for money, I would highly recommend picking this up.

The first major anime movie by Makoto Shinkai (the previous two were shorts, and both are included in this release); this collection combines stunning and realistic animation with a haunting story arc. Interestingly, I think that the older you are, the harder the ending hits. Saying anything else would spoil the movie for others.If you like good anime, this is worth your time. Finding Shinkai's two earlier shorts among the bonus features was an unexpected delight. I enjoyed all three features.

The Blu-ray came in the mail in perfect condition.This film has become one of my favorite animes from Makoto Shinkai. And with the addition of the short film, 'Voices of a Distant Star', this Blu-ray edition of '5 Centimeters Per Second' from GKIDS is a real treat for any anime fan. I highly recommend it!

De la pelicula poco que decir, para mi es la mejor pelicula de Makoto Shinkai. Del bluray todo excelente, los idiomas son ingles y japones con subtitulos en español. Excelente

Could I rate this 4 stars because I will always be in awe, and tears - manly tears - (must be allergies or dust) with "Your Name" or because I loved "Suzume" in theater? That would be hard. I am somewhat positively biased. 5 cm per second, even though is presented as 3 episodes, can be seen as a single movie covering three time periods, with some recurring characters. No need to spoil anything. If you have seen any of Makoto Shinkai's work, you know it will look stunning and it will hit you "right in the feels". Personally, I love how some scenes from his early work mirror future events from his more recent projects. The beauty of this Blu Ray, you will get the full 5 min black and white version of "She and Her Cat" but also "Voices of a Distant Star" as many of the included Bonuses. So no need to buy an old used DVD version of "Voices" to get those.(Learn from my personal experience, that even though the overpriced listing of "voices" clearly stated it was an NTSC DVD version, I was sent a PAL version. You will not have this problem) If you also get "The Place Promised in Our Early Days", you will have on 2 Blu Rays, the first 4 personal projects of Makoto Shinkai. A great place to start or continue your exploration of this man's work. "She and her Cat" was later remade into short episodes totaling 30 minute.

Nonastante il film sia stato gestito per l'Italia dalla società francese Kazé, l'edizione è fatta benissimo!Ho acquistato il Blu Ray perché rispetto al DVD ha i contenuti extra e ovviamente una qualità decisamente migliore.Doppiaggio molto buono, il film è stato doppiato in Italia a Milano, quindi la qualità è assicurata (magari molti potrebbero pensare: certo che è doppiato in Italia, è la versione italiana xD... provate a dare un'occhiata al film Viaggio verso Agartha, il doppiaggio italiano è stato eseguito in Francia, sempre dalla Kazé, e fa schifo!!).All'interno non è presente alcun booklet.Il film poi si commenta da solo, uno spettacolo. Emozionante e riflessivo, Makoto Shinkai esprime al meglio i suoi pensieri su distanza, amicizia e amore.Nel complesso una splendida edizione, e consiglio il BD per la poca differenza di prezzo rispetto al DVD.Grazie Amazon per la velocità e la solita qualità del servizio.

Il est de ces oeuvres qui transcendent et font vibrer.Des oeuvres dont chaque instant est un véritable cri de l'âme de l'artiste tant chaque trait est empreint d'une poésie sincère et inspirée.Ode à l'amour, ode aussi à la vie, à toute cette beauté qui nous entoure et à laquelle nous ne sommes que trop peu sensibles, 5cm par seconde transporte, captive, éblouit.Servi par une image belle à en couper le souffle et une BO douce et mélodieuse, on sort de ce film ébahi, des étoiles encore plein les yeux d'avoir rêvé avec les protagonistes pendant 60 minutes.Je le recommande très chaudement aux amateurs d'animes, de poésie, et aux autres aussi.Le blu-ray est indispensable à une expérience optimale bien entendu, puisqu'il est d'exceptionnelle qualité, avec une image d'une finesse remarquable et d'une profondeur telle que l'on croirait voir de la 3D par moment.

As a fan of anime I've watched many anime movies but none have affected me as much as this film. I liked it so much I bought Shinkai's previous films to see more of his work.5 Centimeters per Second: A Chain of Short Stories About Their Distance tells the inevitable tale of seperation, a story of how the people we meet, friends and lovers, whom we believe we'll know forever gradually drift apart.The story is nothing short of magnificent. It involves two main characters Takaki and Akari who are both school children drawn together by the fact that they are both used to transfering, after Akari transfers to the school that Takaki attends. As they both enjoy being inside the school spending time in the library, they grow closer until they are essential in a relationship.There friendship is brought to a sudden end when Akari is again forced to transfer and move all the way to Iwafune, leaving Takaki behind. The story continues from Takaki's perspective, picturing how the distance from his love affects him mentally and emotionally. His focus and attention is constantly looking towards some far distance place, thinking about Akari. Due to this his life deteriorates as he is unable to concentrate on anything close to him.The animation is breathtaking thanks to the lighting and the backgrounds which are simply beautiful. The score also increases the effect that the movie has upon the viewer. The story is fresh and never cliche. Although plot progression seems slow, the story is just taking its time to truly demonstrate how a young boy is affected by the seperation from his best friend and first love. The viewer can empathise with his feelings as it is a sad inevitability in life.As I could not gain this movie in the UK I downloaded the English dub off the internet, as I was so impressed with the film, I bought the original subtitled version from America (as it has not been released in the UK and the English dubbed costs to much to have posted overseas). I am pleased that I was able to support the official release so that Shinkai may be able to go and develop equally, and hopefully even better, touching animated stories about space, time and relationships.If you enjoyed this product checkout his earlier works Voices of a Distant Star and The Place Promised in Our Early Days.