Weathering with You 天気の子 (2019) - Japan
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
Following up the international fame of “Your Name”, Japanese animation director Makoto Shinkai created another masterpiece abet with much less fanfare and scale. The story goes simpler this time around revolving around a teenager first love story and sweet romance, but at its core the message goes beyond human emotions and boundaries of time. It’s an allegory on climate change, the conflict between short term happiness for a couple and longer term sustainability for the future generations. These are difficult decisions that we need to balance in life and politics. Ultimately, the film remains epic in its feelings and easily another emotionally resonating and heart-felt affair.
As per Makoto Shinkai previous works, the artwork and attention to details are always breathtaking to endure. We enjoy the small moments of big town and complicated Tokyo. We get a beautiful romance that transcends human boundaries and emotions and the endless pursue is simply endearing reaching a finale that is both touching and profound. The characters are all relatable and the moments we go beyond realism into to the fantasy world is made easily by being an anime, rather than real world live action.
All in all, “Weathering with You” is lovely follow up of the over the top “Your Name” and this one is far more subdued. The emotions hit the right notes and the characters are well developed. The boy meets girl story, the disadvantaged, two lonely souls coming together, adulthood and reality comes in the way and obstacles are thrown at them at wasp speed one after another both heaven and earth literally. By the end of the film, we are reminded of the impact of humans on climate change, society and importance of sustainability and questioning whether or not it’s our own duty to sacrifice our short term happiness for longer term viability in our presence on Earth. Enjoy it as a romance or an allegory or both.
I rated it 8.5/10