One of the elements which drew me to Japanese animation, even before I knew much about it, was the sheer variety of subject matter it can cover. Whereas Western animation was traditionally aimed at children, anime seemed to know no boundaries.  Enter a film like 5 Centimeters Per Second which is set firmly in the genre of drama.  The title refers to the rate at which a cherry blossom petal falls.  Created by Makoto Shinkai whose previous works include Voices of a Distant Star and The Place Promised in Our Early Days (more on these films in the coming months), this film is subtitled “a chain of short stories about their distance”.  In the first of three stories we are introduced to two elementary school students: Takaki Tono and Akari Shinohara. A boy and a girl who become friends through shared interests. The two grow closer and spend more and more time together despite the relationship being unusual, especially in Japanese society. When Akari’s family moves away, the pair keep in touch by writing letters. But when Takaki’s family is due to move even further away, Takaki decides to meet with Akari one last time.  Though sharing their first kiss and promising to continue to stay in touch with each other, it is clear that their friendship is coming to an end.

Taking place a few years later, the second story focuses on a classmate of Takaki who has a crush on him. We follow Kanae Sumida’s attempts to express her feelings to Takaki. It soon becomes clear to Kanae that despite Takaki’s kindness to her, his heart is elsewhere. The viewer knows that Takaki still wants to be with Akari who he has not seen in years.

The third story is set a still a few years later. Takaki is living in Tokyo; Akari is preparing to get married; and Kanae, we conclude, has moved on with her life.

Takaki continues to think of Akari and it is having a negative effect on his work and his relationships. Meanwhile, Akari uncovers an old letter she wrote to Takaki but did not send. It sparks memories of her childhood friendship with Takaki.

5 Centimeters Per Second is a bittersweet tale of growing up and ultimately letting go and moving on with life.  Something that anyone can relate to.  Makoto Shinkai’s other works follow very similiar themes albeit with a sci-fi slant.  Lots of people would never guess that there are animated dramas (sans talking animals),   so this film may not be for everyone.  But I enjoyed it in the same way that a good indie film is a welcomed break from countless popcorn flicks.

Studio: CoMix Wave Inc.
U.S. Distributor: ADV Films
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Composer: Tenmon
Release: 2007
Rating: Unrated
Length: 65 minutes
Genre: drama, romance
Official Site: The ADV Films Site