In the world of Japanese cinema, Makoto Shinkai stands out as a visionary filmmaker, known for his visually stunning animation and emotionally charged narratives. His films are immersive experiences that transport audiences to worlds where reality and fantasy seamlessly intertwine. In this article, we embark on a journey through Shinkai’s filmography, ranking his films from the lesser-known gems to the universally acclaimed masterpieces. Each film is a testament to Shinkai’s evolving artistry, exploring themes of love, loss, and the human connection with a sensitivity that resonates with viewers across the globe. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best Makoto Shinkai films.
7. The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004)
In “The Place Promised in Our Early Days,” Shinkai masterfully explores a parallel universe where Japan is divided, creating a compelling setting for a tale of ambition and emotional depth. The story focuses on two friends, Hiroki and Takuya, each with their own unique personalities and dreams, who vow to build a plane to reach a mysterious tower that stretches into the sky. This tower, both mysterious and alluring, stands as a monumental testament to the boys’ shared ambition and unspoken emotions, and it beckons them with its mysterious allure.
Shinkai’s direction shines in the handling of the characters’ inner worlds, bringing to life their hopes, fears, and the uncharted territories of their young hearts. The animation, blending realism with a dreamlike quality, captures the essence of youthful longing and the complexities of growing up, filling each scene with a sense of nostalgia and wonder. The narrative, while exploring themes of separation and connection, maintains a focus on the individual journeys of Hiroki, Takuya, and Sayuri, creating an impressive display of emotional and visual storytelling. The film’s score complements the visual storytelling, enhancing the atmosphere of wonder and introspection.
6. Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
“Children Who Chase Lost Voices” is an enchanting journey into a mythical realm hidden beneath the Earth’s surface. The protagonist, Asuna, a curious and resilient young girl, discovers a mysterious crystal radio, a remnant left behind by her late father, which becomes her gateway to the unknown. This intriguing device leads her to a fateful encounter with a strange boy named Shun, whose origins are as mystical as the radio itself. Their meeting ignites a spark of adventure in Asuna, propelling her on an expedition to Agartha, a legendary land steeped in ancient lore. Here, she embarks on a quest not just for answers, but for a deeper understanding of loss and her place in the world.
Makoto Shinkai’s craftsmanship is on full display in the film’s elaborate world-building. The mythical Agartha is not just a setting but a character in its own right, portrayed with a breathtaking sense of wonder and awe, its landscapes rich in color and imagination, tempting viewers to explore its mysterious nooks and crannies. Asuna’s character development is central to the story, reflecting her resilience and growth through her extraordinary experiences, transforming her from a naive girl into a courageous and determined protagonist. The film’s visual narrative is powerful, with each scene carefully crafted to draw the audience deeper into its enchanting and sometimes perilous world, ensuring its place as one of the best Makoto Shinkai films.
5. The Garden of Words (2013)
“The Garden of Words” takes place in a rain-soaked Tokyo, a city transformed by the monsoon, where Takao, an aspiring shoemaker with dreams bigger than his current reality, meets Yukari, a mysterious older woman with a hidden past. Their chance encounters, happening exclusively in a lush garden during the rainy season, form the core of this narrative, creating a world that is both isolated and intimate. As their bond deepens with each rainfall, a unique relationship blossoms, exploring themes of isolation and connection in an urban setting, where the rain acts as a curtain, separating them from the bustling city life and its many distractions.
Makoto Shinkai’s artistry is evident in the lush, detailed animation that brings the garden and rain to life, creating a serene and introspective space. The subtle development of Takao and Yukari’s relationship is portrayed with sensitivity, highlighting Takao’s aspirations and Yukari’s mysterious melancholy, and the solace they find in each other’s presence. Their interactions, though limited in words, are full of unspoken understanding and empathy, offering a glimpse into their evolving emotions. The film’s pacing allows viewers to immerse themselves in the quiet intensity of the characters’ interactions, crafting a narrative that is as much about the unspoken as it is about the spoken.
4. 5 Centimeters per Second (2007)
“5 Centimeters per Second” is a deeply moving story of love and distance, portrayed in three beautifully interconnected segments. This narrative elegantly chronicles the evolving relationship between Takaki and Akari, who start as close childhood friends and gradually blossom into love interests, only to find their paths diverging as they grapple with the realities of growing up and the inevitable drift that life often brings. The film’s title, referring to the speed at which cherry blossoms fall, serves as a metaphor for the transient nature of life and relationships, symbolizing the slow yet inevitable progression of time and change. Each of the three segments captures a distinct phase in Takaki’s life, depicting his enduring feelings for Akari and the profound impact their gradual separation has on him.
Makoto Shinkai’s direction in this film is characterized by a profound focus on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of human connections. The film’s animation is nothing short of spectacular, with impressive attention to detail present in every frame, beautifully capturing the evolving landscapes, seasons, and the subtle changes in the characters’ expressions and surroundings. The narrative structure, with its slow yet deliberate pacing, allows viewers to fully engage with Takaki’s inner world, offering an intimate window into his thoughts and feelings, helping to make this one of the best Makoto Shinkai films.
3. Weathering with You (2019)
In “Weathering with You,” Makoto Shinkai presents a captivating story set in a rain-drenched Tokyo, where the constant downpour mirrors the turmoil and uncertainty of the characters. The protagonist, Hodaka, is a high school runaway, struggling to carve out a place for himself in the indifferent metropolis. His life undergoes a dramatic turn upon meeting Hina, a girl who has the extraordinary ability to part the clouds and bring forth the sun merely by praying. As they embark on a journey together, the narrative explores the problems they face, ranging from personal struggles and emotional conflicts to grappling with the broader, more complex consequences of Hina’s extraordinary power.
Makoto Shinkai’s mastery in storytelling and visual artistry is evident in the film’s portrayal of a Tokyo grappling with endless rain, a city that pulsates with life and energy even under the grey, overcast sky. The animation paints a picture of a world where the boundary between the ordinary and the extraordinary blurs, with each raindrop and sunbeam enhancing the emotional resonance of the story. The bond between Hodaka and Hina is developed with a genuine sense of care and depth, brilliantly capturing their youthful optimism and determination. The film’s animation is exceptional, with stunning representations of weather phenomena and urban landscapes that transform the familiar cityscape into a world of wonder and possibility.
2. Suzume (2022)
“Suzume” invites viewers on a mesmerizing journey across the diverse terrains of Japan, telling a tale that combines the mystical with the mundane. The story centers around a spirited young girl named Suzume, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with a mysterious young man on a peculiar mission. He is in search of a unique door, an enigmatic object that serves as the catalyst to a series of supernatural occurrences, unravelling the fabric of reality as they know it. As Suzume becomes increasingly entangled in this quest, she embarks on a path of self-discovery, uncovering her own hidden strengths and realizing the pivotal role she plays in these strange events. The narrative integrates elements of Japanese folklore, filling the story with a sense of timelessness and wonder, while also anchoring it firmly in the present.
Shinkai’s exceptional talent is evident in his ability to seamlessly blend myth with reality, creating a narrative that captivates and inspires deep thought. The mystical elements central to the plot are brought to life with vivid imagination, immersing viewers in a world where the extraordinary feels tantalizingly within reach. The development of Suzume’s character is handled with remarkable sensitivity, charting her transformation from a naive and unassuming girl into a strong-willed, courageous protagonist. Her evolution is depicted with a nuanced understanding of human emotions, capturing the complexity of her inner journey as she navigates the challenges and revelations presented by her extraordinary adventure, making this one of the best Makoto Shinkai films ever.
1. Your Name. (2016)
“Your Name.” tells a captivating tale that about the lives of two teenagers, Mitsuha and Taki, who find themselves caught in a mysterious and inexplicable phenomenon of body swapping. Living in starkly different environments, with Mitsuha residing in a serene rural village and Taki navigating the fast-paced urban landscape of Tokyo, they start experiencing each other’s lives in the most intimate way possible without ever having met in person. As they navigate this bizarre occurrence, they strive not only to understand their unusual situation but also to explore and appreciate the complexities of each other’s worlds. Their journey of discovery leads them to form a deep connection, growing closer with each passing day, even as they remain physically apart.
Makoto Shinkai’s masterpiece is renowned for its breathtaking animation that captures the contrasting landscapes of Japan, from the tranquil, picturesque scenes of Mitsuha’s rural town, to the vibrant, pulsating energy of Taki’s Tokyo. The story is carefully crafted, bringing together complex narrative threads with a depth of emotion and a clarity that touches the heart and soul. The film’s portrayal of the characters’ experiences and emotions is both relatable and mesmerizing, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The narrative is a journey through their hopes, dreams, fears, and longing, ensuring its place as one of the best Makoto Shinkai films.
Summary
To summarise, here are all of Makoto Shinkai’s films ranked:
- The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004)
- Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
- The Garden of Words (2013)
- 5 Centimeters per Second (2007)
- Weathering with You (2019)
- Suzume (2022)
- Your Name. (2016)
