UlasanAnime.com – Makoto Shinkai, a prominent figure in the anime industry, has consistently delivered visually stunning and emotionally resonant works. This review delves into his contributions, particularly highlighting his 2007 releases and his evolving narrative style.
Shinkai recently debuted a short film on NHK, a colorful skit focused on cats, which stands in contrast to his earlier, more introspective works. Unlike his first known work, “She and Her Cat,” this new piece, titled “A Gathering of Cats,” leans towards comedy. The short, part of an NHK program showcasing notable animators, is a brief 60-second experience, encouraging viewers to catch it.
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“A Gathering of Cats” shares a namesake, Chobi, with his earlier film but otherwise offers little in common. The short’s comedic tone marks a potential new direction for Shinkai’s repertoire, moving beyond the deeply emotional narratives he is known for.
The year 2007 has been particularly significant for Shinkai with the release of “5cm.” This film is considered a remarkable achievement and a strong contender for his most accomplished work to date. It has garnered awards at foreign film festivals, underscoring its international appeal and artistic merit.
Shinkai’s strength lies in his ability to imbue Eastern, humanist messages within visually appealing narratives. While he doesn’t delve into the extremely experimental or avant-garde, preferring a more accessible approach, his films offer a unique perspective often different from mainstream Western television. For instance, his engagement with more unconventional anime, like Studio 4C’s “Amazing Nuts,” is limited, suggesting a preference for his distinct storytelling style.
The critical acclaim for “5cm” suggests that Shinkai has truly honed his storytelling craft. While his previous film, “Beyond the Cloud,” focused on a narrative that played second fiddle to its musical score and the romantic reunion of its protagonists, “5cm” places the story at the forefront. Shinkai masterfully weaves a compelling narrative, akin to a chef expertly preparing a complex dish, demonstrating his growth as a filmmaker.
The film’s tripartite structure, while potentially disorienting for some, effectively enhances the overall narrative experience. It compels the audience to engage with the story not just through what they see or hear, but through the cumulative emotional and thematic impact of the entire piece. This approach elevates “5cm” beyond a simple viewing experience to a more profound engagement with its themes.
Visually, “5cm” is breathtaking, rivaling the aesthetic quality of productions from Pixar and Studio Ghibli. The author expresses a strong desire to see the film projected in 35mm, highlighting its cinematic grandeur and the anticipation for its wider distribution, possibly through ADV Films.
Makoto Shinkai is undoubtedly one of the most exciting emerging talents in independent anime filmmaking. His work continues to make significant waves, and while his “arthouse aura” might persist, the quality of his output is undeniable. He is a director whose career trajectory is eagerly watched by fans and critics alike.
This article is part of a series reviewing the memorable and remarkable moments of 2007. The series aims to provide an in-depth look at various anime and their impact.
- Introduction
- Part 1 – Makoto Shinkai
- Part 2 – Baccano!
- Part 3 – Sola
- Part 4 – Hitohira
- Part 5 – Gurren Lagann
- Part 6 – Code Geass
- Part 7 – ef, Hidamari Sketch, Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei
- Part 8 – Manabi Straight
- Conclusion
