'Suzume' - A Critical Analysis and Review
Makoto Shinkai's 'Suzume' is a film that ambitiously attempts to achieve numerous objectives in its two-hour runtime. With stunning animation and a captivating background score, 'Suzume' presents itself as a uniquely above-average film, despite its convoluted plot and multiple metaphors.
Cinematic Experience:- Undoubtedly, the most striking aspect of this movie is its animation. The imagery is breathtakingly beautiful, with each frame worthy of being a work of art. Although the use of CGI in some parts of the film (notably the 'Worm') may be subject to debate, Shinkai has effectively concealed any potential drawbacks of the technology by employing smooth visual transitions whenever the 'Worm' disappears through the 'Doors.'
The background score is equally impressive, as it seamlessly integrates with the scenes. However, the decision to include both of the film's beautiful songs at the end feels somewhat rushed and underwhelming.
Plot:- Despite its highly imaginative premise, the plot is somewhat simplistic and repetitive. The primary driving force of the story - Suzume's unrequited crush on a young man - feels underdeveloped, and the ending lacks coherence.
Characterization:- Unfortunately, the character development in 'Suzume' falls short of expectations. Except the character of Suzume, no character has been given the slightest development. The motives of the characters Daijin and Sadaijin are extremely unclear and debatable.
Still, the characters do serve an important purpose. The people whom Suzume meets in her journey and their hospitable attitude stress on the fact that although people are motivated by selfish desires, selfless acts don't cease to exist.
Themes:- 'Suzume' is a movie rich in themes. The film deals with adolescence, loss, recovery, hope, selflessness, loneliness, and the significance of human bonds. While some of these themes are not fully fleshed out, they contribute to the film's overall appeal.
The Base:- The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami and its impact on Japan serve as the foundation of the film. Rather than focus solely on the disaster, 'Suzume' explores the efforts made to heal its scars. The film handles this sensitive issue in a highly uplifting manner, and Shinkai deserves commendation for his approach.
The Miyazaki Effect:- It is evident that Shinkai draws inspiration from the style of renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki. This influence is apparent in the film's imaginative plot, rich metaphors, cultural references, and personified creatures. For instance, the opening of the 'Doors' at random, deserted locations serves as a metaphor for the unpredictability of natural disasters and the destruction and isolation they cause. The three-legged chair symbolizes hope during difficult times.
Personal Interpretations:- i. Daijin:- One possible interpretation is that Daijin, the enigmatic cat, represents the lengths people will go to seek love and comfort from others.
Ii. The 'Worm':- The 'Worm,' a creature from the 'Ever-After' realm, may be a metaphor for the accumulated bitterness and grief within us, which manifests itself during times of loneliness and dejection.
Iii. The fight between the 'Worm' and 'Sadaijin' :- The fight between a cat and a snake-like creature might be a reference to the Egyptian myth of the Cat Goddess Bast battling the monstrous serpent Apophis for eternity. This could symbolize the constant inner struggle to keep our emotions from the past under control, preventing them from causing harm to those close to us.
Conclusion:- 'Suzume' has its strengths and weaknesses, with great animation and background score, but a confusing plot and undeveloped characters. It also touches upon important themes and uses metaphors effectively. Ultimately, the appreciation of the movie's qualities is subjective and depends on individual tastes and preferences.
Makoto Shinkai's 'Suzume' is a film that ambitiously attempts to achieve numerous objectives in its two-hour runtime. With stunning animation and a captivating background score, 'Suzume' presents itself as a uniquely above-average film, despite its convoluted plot and multiple metaphors.
Cinematic Experience:- Undoubtedly, the most striking aspect of this movie is its animation. The imagery is breathtakingly beautiful, with each frame worthy of being a work of art. Although the use of CGI in some parts of the film (notably the 'Worm') may be subject to debate, Shinkai has effectively concealed any potential drawbacks of the technology by employing smooth visual transitions whenever the 'Worm' disappears through the 'Doors.'
The background score is equally impressive, as it seamlessly integrates with the scenes. However, the decision to include both of the film's beautiful songs at the end feels somewhat rushed and underwhelming.
Plot:- Despite its highly imaginative premise, the plot is somewhat simplistic and repetitive. The primary driving force of the story - Suzume's unrequited crush on a young man - feels underdeveloped, and the ending lacks coherence.
Characterization:- Unfortunately, the character development in 'Suzume' falls short of expectations. Except the character of Suzume, no character has been given the slightest development. The motives of the characters Daijin and Sadaijin are extremely unclear and debatable.
Still, the characters do serve an important purpose. The people whom Suzume meets in her journey and their hospitable attitude stress on the fact that although people are motivated by selfish desires, selfless acts don't cease to exist.
Themes:- 'Suzume' is a movie rich in themes. The film deals with adolescence, loss, recovery, hope, selflessness, loneliness, and the significance of human bonds. While some of these themes are not fully fleshed out, they contribute to the film's overall appeal.
The Base:- The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami and its impact on Japan serve as the foundation of the film. Rather than focus solely on the disaster, 'Suzume' explores the efforts made to heal its scars. The film handles this sensitive issue in a highly uplifting manner, and Shinkai deserves commendation for his approach.
The Miyazaki Effect:- It is evident that Shinkai draws inspiration from the style of renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki. This influence is apparent in the film's imaginative plot, rich metaphors, cultural references, and personified creatures. For instance, the opening of the 'Doors' at random, deserted locations serves as a metaphor for the unpredictability of natural disasters and the destruction and isolation they cause. The three-legged chair symbolizes hope during difficult times.
Personal Interpretations:- i. Daijin:- One possible interpretation is that Daijin, the enigmatic cat, represents the lengths people will go to seek love and comfort from others.
Ii. The 'Worm':- The 'Worm,' a creature from the 'Ever-After' realm, may be a metaphor for the accumulated bitterness and grief within us, which manifests itself during times of loneliness and dejection.
Iii. The fight between the 'Worm' and 'Sadaijin' :- The fight between a cat and a snake-like creature might be a reference to the Egyptian myth of the Cat Goddess Bast battling the monstrous serpent Apophis for eternity. This could symbolize the constant inner struggle to keep our emotions from the past under control, preventing them from causing harm to those close to us.
Conclusion:- 'Suzume' has its strengths and weaknesses, with great animation and background score, but a confusing plot and undeveloped characters. It also touches upon important themes and uses metaphors effectively. Ultimately, the appreciation of the movie's qualities is subjective and depends on individual tastes and preferences.