Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)

Reviewed by: Nick Evans

Score: 9/10

Recommendation: Full Price Ticket

Summary: Proof that Japanese animation can be elite even after the retirement of Hayao Miyazaki and the hiatus of Studio Ghibli.

Review:

Your Name follows a boy and a girl who magically wake up in one another's bodies. At first they write off the experience as just a dream; however, as these switches continue the two begin to get to know each other by living one another's life. Your Name was directed by Makoto Shinkai and gained a significant amount of buzz. Enough that I went out of my way to find it (not an easy task) and watch it. It currently is the second most financially successful animated movie to come out of Japan (behind only Spirited Away). Since it still is in theaters and is currently only $1 Million USD behind, it will undoubtedly be the most successful Anime movie of all time.

So what's all the buzz and excitement about? Let's start by talking about why Your Name works so well. The idea of body switching isn't new, but the way that Your Name approaches the idea is fresh and interesting. The interaction between the two leads, especially as they set ground rules for what the other is and isn't allowed to do while in the others body is amusing and entertaining. As the film builds towards a climax, it raises the stakes in a way that keeps the film interesting. The story answers many of the obvious questions that the audience may have and leave two believable characters if thrust into this situation. It may not be completely free of plot holes, as many films like this do, but the story is so focused on the inter-human relationships (not all of them are romantic) that the plot holes are pretty inconsequential. Is it a spoiler to say this is a romance? Oops. Well it is. I'm not super big into romance, being a typical male and all, but this one had me rooting for the two of them as well despite the #verybig obstacle that prevents them from being together. It is an emotional roller coaster that leaves the audience simultaneously satisfied and dying for more.

I'm a CGI animator, so I'm not going to elevate 2D animation over 3D, but I will say that we cannot afford to lose traditional cel animation. Your Name  is beautiful. The colors are particularly impressive. Just sit back and enjoy how beautiful each frame is, especially while dealing with light. Sunsets are pretty important and man are those shots beautiful.

I've heard it said that you need to be familiar with Japanese culture to enjoy it. I don't believe that's true. But you should be familiar with foreign (non-english) films in general before watching it because it doesn't follow normal Hollywood story conventions. Who will enjoy Your Name? Anyone who enjoys foreign animation, especially japanese animation. Anyone who enjoys heart-wrenching romances. Anyone who enjoys sci-fi films dealing with topics like teleportation, shared minds, time travel, or things like that. If you enjoy any of those, be on the look out for Your Name!