This film is pretty darn good. For reference, I have never fully watched or enjoyed a romance film or anime. But this one is a definite exception. The director - Makoto Shinkai is known for being a master of his craft, and it shows in his biggest blockbuster yet. The film utilizes beautiful animation, an energetic soundtrack, and a fantastic direction to provide an experience akin to the hype it accrued.

The two main characters Taki and Mitsuha may be run-of-the-mill high-schoolers (cliché but hey) but the emotions they convey are grounded and realistic. They tend to remind me of the time when I was in high school, which warrants a certain relatability to them. Although, they are not as fleshed out as I would have hoped. If there was another scene or two relating to their hobbies or aspirations it would have helped in establishing both characters.

The characterization that did occur was cleverly done –

This limits the amount of pure exposition needed for their development. There is some romance between the two, but it forms quite subtly and has less to do with the characters’ actions and more with the expectations that the viewer has gone into it.

"It is a romance film, so they have to fall in love!”.

Additionally, the bonds between the main characters and the side/support characters could have been explored a little more. This would emphasize how the characters are acting out of the ordinary when around each other. As for the premise of the story, it may be simplistic; but it leaves room for the complications that evolve throughout. The story itself was woven together in such a way that it made it feel natural and easy to follow while watching.

In terms of Your Name’s visual and artistic merit, it passes with flying colors. The composition of every shot is clearly outlined. The effects used (blur, lens flair etc.) draw out and emphasize the emotion of the scene while not being overused to the point of it becoming a gimmick. The artwork consists of clean linework and vibrant yet natural colors. Furthermore, the animation quality is superb, richly flowing from scene to scene.

Although I do not know Japanese and watched the subbed variant I could still feel the intensity of their voices. The lines are not overacted, fit the context of each scene, and have a certain warmness to them. The music features the Japanese indie rock band: RADWIMPS. The rock tone gives a sense of teenage rebellion which mirrors that of the main protagonists and the world they perceive. This makes it a perfect fit for the film. As for the sound design, I did not notice anything particularly special, but it was generally well made and mastered. Overall, this film is delightful to listen to.

Your Name was released in 2016. Has it survived the hype?

Four years later, in 2020, it is still worth the praise. The artwork is still incredible, the music is great and youth-esque, and the art/animation is still a joy to look at. I am sure it will become a classic in the years to come.
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Deductions

Starting Score: 95/100

-4 for the lack of support character development
-2 for the minor lack of main character development
-1 for the minor lack of romantic ‘foreshadowing’