What is it: Byousoku 5 Centimeter (5 Centimeters per Second)
Byousoku 5 Centimeter (5 Centimeters per Second) is a Japanese animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai, released in 2007. This feature film is known for its emotionally engaging and visually stunning narrative, characteristics that have become trademarks of Shinkai's work. The story is divided into three interconnected segments, each exploring different stages in the lives of the main characters, Takaki Tōno and Akari Shinohara. The title “5 Centimeters per Second” refers to the speed at which cherry blossom petals fall, symbolizing the slowness and inevitability of separation between people over time. The work is widely acclaimed for its ability to capture the beauty and sadness of human relationships, becoming a landmark in the romantic and dramatic anime genre.
The first part of the film, titled “Cherry Blossom,” focuses on the childhood of Takaki and Akari, who become close friends during elementary school. However, due to family circumstances, Akari moves to another city, and the two begin communicating through letters. The narrative details Takaki's journey to visit Akari one last time before moving even further away. This segment is particularly notable for its realistic depiction of the difficulties and frustrations associated with physical and emotional distance. The meticulous animation of the landscapes and attention to details, such as falling snow and moving trains, contribute to the film's melancholy and introspective atmosphere.
The second segment, “Cosmonaut,” follows Takaki during his high school years in Tanegashima, where he meets Kanae Sumida, a classmate who develops feelings for him. Despite her efforts to get closer to Takaki, Kanae realizes that he is emotionally distant, trapped in his memories of Akari. This segment explores themes of unrequited love and the difficulty of moving forward when stuck in the past. The setting on Tanegashima, an island known for its rocket launch center, serves as a metaphor for dreams and aspirations that seem unattainable. The animation continues to impress with its detailed representations of the natural and urban environment, creating a sense of immersion and realism.
The third and final segment, “5 Centimeters per Second,” shows Takaki and Akari as adults, living separate lives. Takaki works in Tokyo, but continues to be haunted by memories of Akari as she is about to marry someone else. This segment is the shortest of the three, but it is perhaps the most impactful in terms of its message about the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The narrative culminates in a scene in which Takaki and Akari briefly cross paths at a train station but go their separate ways, symbolizing acceptance that some connections are not destined to last forever. The animation and soundtrack work together to create an emotionally resonant ending, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
Byousoku 5 Centimeter is often praised for its ability to evoke deep emotions and its realistic and poetic approach to human relationships. Makoto Shinkai's work is known for his meticulous attention to visual detail and his ability to capture the ephemeral beauty of everyday life. The film utilizes a vibrant color palette and fluid animation to create scenes that are both visually stunning and emotionally charged. The soundtrack, composed by Tenmon, perfectly complements the film's melancholic and introspective atmosphere, reinforcing the themes of love, loss and the passage of time.
In addition to its emotional impact, Byousoku 5 Centimeter is also notable for its influence on the romantic and dramatic anime genre. Shinkai's work paved the way for a new generation of filmmakers seeking to explore similar themes with the same depth and sensitivity. The film has also spawned a number of adaptations, including a novelization and a manga, which further expand the story and characters. The enduring popularity of Byousoku 5 Centimeter is a testament to its ability to resonate with viewers of all ages, offering a sincere and poetic reflection on the nature of human relationships and the inevitability of change.
