Name: It's a Makoto Shinkai movie and it's good.
Item: Suzume
Rating: 91
Author: Jaymp12

It's a Makoto Shinkai movie and it's good. · Waifora

You should really try to watch this movie. It's one of the best of 2023.

The plot is Suzume and Souta closing the doors that releases a worm that causes the earthquakes in Japan. It's a road trip plot. The main thing about the movie is her getting over her troubles caused by the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake. It's decently well-made though there are some parts that feel somewhat tropey. It also will take some time to build up. It'll take about an hour to really get the ball rolling here. Despite having a male and female duo as protagonists, there's barely any romance to speak of. A stark contrast to the previous 2 movies.

Suzume is pretty much the star of the movie. While I don't have really strong feelings to her (mainly due to the abundance of high school age leads), she's a well-made character with a clear arc. I get the feeling you'll like her especially if you're affected by that earthquake. (I know I'm referring that event twice now but looking at the movie, it's clearly inspired by the events of that and the dates in the movie line up quite well)

Souta's fine for how he's written, and the rest are okay. I think those minor characters don't stand out too much in the grand scheme of things except for the cat. Everyone loves cats.

Spoiler, click to view

There are two in the movie. Though the first one you'll see is the one I'm referring to. I kind of knew that he's a red herring and not some antagonist especially in a second viewing. He likes Suzume even though it's just one way and if he's the bad guy, wouldn't he try to hide from the public view and surprise them where the next door is opening? He's the mischievous type, AKA a cat.

There are a few nitpicks I'll say here.

I'm a bit annoyed on how they portray earthquake detection. It comes off as somewhat psychic. Correct me if I'm wrong but the worm should've landed once the earthquake detection system ticks off which isn't the case in the movie. Maybe I should sweep it aside because fantasy. Then, when they're at Tokyo (because of course they have to show it), there's a scene there that reminds me of the final act of Weathering with You in some ways.

Spoiler, click to view

Some disaster looming above Tokyo. While up there, there's action going on which ends with someone falling down the sky. I know they aren't the same.

The visuals are still one of the best in the industry with all those shots and art. It's a crime to watch it on a phone. Try watching this movie in a nice television. Almost every scene is screenshot worthy though the CGI isn't the best it could've been. Yes, there is CGI usage here though it isn't used too much that it puts a dent in the rating.

Spoiler, click to view

It's that scene again. The worm after Sky Over Tokyo starts playing is when the CGI is most obvious though I think the other portrayals of that worm is also CGI just masked better.

As for the music, Radwimps returns to do most of the soundtrack for the movie. Not everything if what Spotify says is true. Despite that, it's one of the most consistent of the three. It really raises up the tension in those action scenes throughout the movie. The ED is pretty good too.

It's great to see an original fully realized whether it's a TV series or a movie and this one is no exception. I highly recommend everyone to watch this someday. Better if it's in a TV.