Just finished Suzume and I'm torn over it. I'll try to best express my thoughts on it.

On one hand, this is probably the impressive animated movie I've ever seen on a technical level. There are almost no flaws from its animation, its music & mixing, editing, and cinematography. Makoto Shinkai has utterly perfected his style, a blend of hyperrealism, CGI, and traditional animation. This movie is an absolute pleasure to watch, with the most captivating still shots depicting everything from nature to cities. The music is damn near perfect, fitting and adapting to whatever scene is being shown. The soundtrack is a joy to listen to on its own, with a mix of loud, vibrant, energetic tracks to relaxed, temperate, thoughtful melodies. Shinkai has always had great characters, this film is no exception. A wide-ranging cast, each playing their own minor part, each feeling incredibly realistic and having true-to-life dialogue. I genuinely have no criticisms for any of these aspects.

Yet, if it fulfills and excels at all these things, why do I still feel a nagging feeling? Why is there a disappointment in my chest, like there is still something missing?

The problem I feel lies in the story. In my opinion, Shinkai's weakness has always been his plot, story, and theming from 5cm Per Second, Garden of Words, Weathering With You to now Suzume (I am a Your Name defender to the death though, I think it is his best work) Suzume's plot is kind of a mess. I can logically follow through and understand the story but the pacing is simply all over the pace. The biggest problem, personally, might be that the execution of story events does not really build to the thematic conclusion Shinkai wanted. The ending, while beautiful, falls flat because it is utterly and completely disjointed from the rest of the movie's supposed themes. I am not sure if there is any message to be gleamed from the movie. Suzume does not go through any self-sacrifice. I would also say she does not really have any character development. She wanted something, and through sheer "love" and power of friendship, she accomplished it. "Isn't that good enough for some people?" Sure, but not for me. It's just... shallow and ultimately forgettable.

Let's not even talk about the romance. Possibly the weakest thus far. Honestly could have gotten ridden of it completely and probably would've been better off for it.

So... is it good? Yes. I recommend it. A beautiful showcase to just how far animation has come. Any person who sees this movie and still thinks "animation is only for kids!" would have to be an utter fool. If this movie is remembered in the future though, it will certainly not be for its story and hard-hitting themes.