I may have a new favorite film. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Hosoda,
2008) is a Japanese animated film that falls into the sci-fi genre with strong
elements of romance. However, the film stays grounded in reality as it tells
the tale of tom-boy Makoto Konno as she travels back in time to correct what
she deems as mistakes. It starts out with changing her grades and waking up
early but she soon discovers that small things here and there create big
changes, even life threatening changes. From the simple, yet beautiful animation
to the touching story that leaves your heart feeling warm and fuzzy I can’t
give enough love to this film. So warning, very lovey dovey review coming up.
Is there anything bad I can say, maybe screw
the ending which I have mixed feelings about. I love it and yet I cannot stand
and since I don’t want to give away any spoilers to a lesser known anime film
that I bet many Britain’s have not seen (but should) I shall leave it there.
Where to
start with my rave review, let’s go for characters. Our antagonist, the tom-boy
Makoto, is so relatabley average it’s almost strange. Makoto isn’t particularly
good or bad at anything, when one thinks about it she could easily slip into
the background but then we’d all miss out on one amazing story. Her two best
friends are guys that are loveable, attractive, and are constantly making fun
of her for being how she is but that’s what friends are for right? Makoto’s
aunt is somewhat important as a guide to Makoto, she helps her see how her time
leaping may be affecting others. She makes Makoto open her eyes a little bit.
The animation, oh it’s so beautiful. If I
could live in that watercolor world I would be happy forever. The background is
like those of most every other anime film or TV series but what was different
was that the characters would go from regular anime movie, ghilbi-esque faces
to much more cartoon like faces, like their mouths taking up the entire bottom half
of their face when they cry. It kind of took away from the reality of the film
without pushing you out of the world of the film. I think it worked well, as I
think it reflected Makoto’s character. She seems carefree and quite childlike
which I think is shown through how she is animated. In fact all the characters
kind of have this, especially one of her guy friends, Chiaki Mamiya, whom
always has a hidden face as though he is hiding something about himself. Enough
animation ramble I think, moving on.
Overall,
this film is gorgeously animated (if I hadn’t made that clear) and the story is
heart warming, yet infuriating and will always have you absorbed and guessing
what’s going to happen next. There wasn’t a moment when I wasn’t with Makoto, I
honestly forgot about the real world for 98 minutes. It’s such an amazing
story, and character piece. It’ll leave you with tears in your eyes and
thoughts in your brain. It may leave a little heartache as well, no spoilers
but it’s so moving. Honestly a film I didn’t know about, had no intention of
watching, saw it on sale in HMV so I picked it up and now has a firm place in
my favorite films of all time. If you
love animation, watch it. You love sci-fi, watch it. You love film, watch it.
Rating: Do
I really have to say, could you not guess? 5 out 5, if I could give it higher I
would.
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