Your Name

I didn't think the anime genre would be able to pull me back in so soon. The movies they release fit into so many areas such as sci-fi, fantasy, romantic comedies, coming of age, etc. I'm a casual anime fan and my history with it has ranged from Studio Ghibli Miyazaki films and a couples of shows such as Yu-gi-oh!, Pokemon, Naruto, and Yu Yu Hakusho. So while I'm aware of some current popular Japanese anime series, I have also grown accustomed to American anime inspired content such as The Avatar Series (The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra) and Samurai Jack. One thing rings truth about anime: If you look close enough for one that you find fascinating as well as creative (and if it doesn't suck), you might be able to gain a beautiful experience as you dig deep until the very end. This past month I have heard some buzz on my social media about a recent hit anime film, Your Name, and just how amazing it is. This time I avoided looking up the trailers to avoid spoilers and I chose the original Japanese dub with English subtitles since I wouldn't want to risk the English dubbing of Funimation to ruin the emotional intent the film provides. I went into the theater ready to see how great it is as well as battling against the Monday blues and I left it very emotionally satisfied.

Plot: The story follows two high school teenagers who find themselves body swapping at random times and the bond they build with each other through that experience. However, because this is an anime film, there are surprise twists involved in the story that adds new layers to the situation at hand. Paying attention to details mentioned throughout the movie helps point out why certain events are happening. There are a few quirky Japanese anime tropes that show up here that most anime fans would recognize but it's kept at a tame level (to those of you who have seen it, you already know what I'm referring to). The story is aware of when to make nice comedic moments and good emotional scenes at the best effective times. It knows how to use character building to help bolster the stakes at hand later in the second and third acts. What's also worth noting is the different environments both characters live in and how they contrast with each other. (Similar to my review of Colossal, I know this isn't much to go on but talking about it further will risk spoiling the film's surprises and depth). Overall the story of Your Name takes the body swapping concept into deep emotional depths with a surprise twist while injecting some quirky Japanese anime tropes.

Characters: The characters to focus on are Taki (Ryunosuke Kamiki) and Mitsuha (Mone Kamishiraishi). Taki is a kind but short-tempered high school student living a peaceful life with his friends and part time job whose life is altered when he unexpectedly starts body swapping with Mitsuha. Ryunosuke does a great job portraying the well meaning nature his character possesses along with some of the coming of age quirks you would expect from a teenager. The actors range of emotions is shown, whether it's when Taki's body being possessed by Mitsuha (leading to some comedic moments) or the journey he undertakes later in the story. Mitsuha is a high school student student living a stressful life under the circumstances she undergoes with her family issues such as a controlling father and her responsibilities in regards to her family's shrine. Mone also does a great job depicting her characters irritation with her own life, yearning to move to the city life, while dealing with the oddities of body swapping. The actress shouldn't be underestimated in showcasing her vocal talent in her own comedic moments as well as her struggle with an ordeal that shows up later in the story. Both actors are excellent in representing the growth their characters endure while also having a believable chemistry that can hit the audience in the feels (mine included). Overall the main actors in Your Name give great performances for their well-developed characters while knowing how to show their range in comedic and emotional moments that matter to the story at hand.

Overall Consensus: Your Name is simple but effective anime film that uses a familiar concept with a surprise twist, which is strengthened by well-developed main characters, gorgeous visuals, great emotional moments, and some fun anime quirky tropes. ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑🍿

Reasons to watch it: You are a casual or hardcore anime fan. You like romantic comedies with a tragic twist involved. You want to see the beautiful visuals. You want to take a break from big blockbuster films. You like anime films that show Japanese culture environment. You don't mind and/or like Japanese anime quirky tropes in anime films. You want to see how this movie can mess with your emotions. You like anime films that show environments of Japanese culture.

Reasons to avoid it: You don't like anime films. You don't like romantic comedies. You prefer blockbuster films over smaller lesser known movies.

Coming up next: April has been an interesting month. I thought it was going to be a short month filled with only blockbusters that were good and fine on their own. But thankfully I was able to break away from those to the lesser known flicks, whether it was an unknown fantastic zombie thriller on Netflix or two strange but effective movies that take risks with new or familiar concepts. However, as much fun as April has been, the bountiful amount of blockbusters for the summer is right at the doorstep. Next time I will return to the beginning of what will be referred to as May Madness!! Next month will contain a few blockbusters I have my eye on and they will get pretty insane with their premises!! Part 1 of the Superhero Summer Slamfest trilogy will be coming next time as I return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for some cosmic madness with the galaxies favorite misfits!!!