With less than two weeks left and the hype for Suzume no Tojimari reaching new heights, we have decided to look back and dive into the magical world of Makoto Shinkai which has led to his critical acclaim.
Who is Makoto Shinkai?
Makoto Shinkai is a visionary anime filmmaker, writer, and producer who’s best known for directing Kimi No Na Wa (Your Name), which had become the highest-grossing anime movie of all time, propelling him to stardom.
Shinkai's unique style blends stunning visuals with complex characters and heartfelt storytelling, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of his hometown.
His films often explore themes of love, loss, and the human experience, drawing on his own personal experiences and emotions to create deeply moving works of art.
He has made a name for himself as a master of beautifully crafted stories that are universally understood and reciprocated.
Best Makoto Shinkai Movies
Here are 5 Makoto Shinkai Movies to check out before experiencing Suzume.
The Place Promised in Our Early Days
The Place Promised in Our Early Days takes place in a world divided by a massive tower that stretches towards the heavens.
The story follows two childhood friends, Hiroki and Takuya, who share a dream of flying to the top of the tower.
Despite being separated by distance and a growing threat of war, the two boys remain determined to make their dream a reality.
This film is an ode to childhood and a well-deserved debut by Makoto Shinkai.
Weathering with You
Hodaka, a young boy runs away to Tokyo and finds himself caught up in a world of rain and sunshine.
He meets Hina, a girl who has the power to control the weather. Together they set out to bring sunshine to the rainy city.
Their bond grows stronger, but they soon discover that Hina's power comes with a heavy price.
Weathering with You is about love and sacrifice – a romance with a supernatural twist.
5 centimetres per second
Childhood friends Takaki and Akari are separated when Akari moves away to a new town.
Despite their distance, the two remain connected through letters and memories, but as time passes, they struggle to maintain their relationship.
The film explores themes of distance, longing, and the pain of growing apart, as Takaki and Akari try to navigate their feelings for each other in the face of their changing lives.
5 Centimeters Per Second explores the complexities of love through breathtaking visuals.
The Garden of Words
The Garden of Words revolves around Takao, a high school student who dreams of becoming a shoemaker, and Yukino, a mysterious woman who frequents a beautiful garden in the middle of the city.
As they meet in the garden on rainy mornings, they share their stories and form a bond that is both beautiful and complex.
Children Who Chase Lost Voices
In the mood for an adventure to the world of the dead?
A young girl Asuna discovers a mysterious crystal radio that allows her to communicate with a boy from another world.
Asuna embarks on a dangerous journey to this world with the help of a mysterious stranger named Shun, who is searching for a way to bring back someone he lost.
Along the way, they encounter a variety of strange creatures and face many challenges that test their courage and resolve.
Kimi no Na Wa
"Kimi no Na wa" (Your Name) is an anime film that takes the audience on a captivating journey through time and space.
Two teenagers, Mitsuha, a village girl, and Taki, a city boy, are connected by a strange phenomenon that allows them to switch bodies intermittently.
As they learn to navigate each other's lives, they begin to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and each other, until a catastrophic event threatens to tear them apart.
Kimi No Na Wa is arguably the most visually stunning work of Shinkai. It’s also the anime that’s supposedly tied to the world of Suzume. So make sure you watch it!
