ryokofan21

5 Centimeters Per Second is Makoto Shinkai’s latest production to hit the English speaking market. Dubbed first by ADV Films and then by Bandai. This film touches on the harsh reality of first loves that are never truly forgotten. This film is divided into 3 interconnected chapters. The story centers around the two main characters. Akari Shinohara and Takaki Tohno. It begins with the lyrical image of Cherry Blossoms falling at 5 Centimeters Per Second. They meet for the first time in elementary school. Due to being small for their age, they both prefer spending time in the Library as opposed to the playground. Akari and Takaki grow close to each other throughout the school year. However, due to the nature of their families work, they are separated after graduation. They keep in touch over time, and six months later Takaki receives the first letter from Akari. The two continue to write each other and another six months pass by before they decide to meet up in a train station just outside of Akari’s home town. That day after school Takaki heads straight for the station in anticipation of meeting Akari for the first time in a year. Then as if the universe itself is against him, heavy snowfall delays his train multiple times. At one point the train is stopped for 2 hours, putting him far past the time they were to meet. But holding back his tears he continues to head towards the station. Eventually through heavy snow he arrives at the station where he finds Akari still waiting for him long after the agreed time. From then on they spend the whole night just talking and being with each other( they do have a very romantic moment but I won’t spoil it.). The next morning the trains are working again and once more the two find themselves getting further and further apart. And thus ends the first story, Cherry Blossoms.

The second story, Cosmonaut, centers around Takaki’s high school life as well Kanae Sumida. The young lady who falls in love with him. Kanae’s story is that of a love that may or may not be. Ever since she first laid eyes on him she has been head over heels in love with Takaki. Yet, Takaki…doesn’t notice this. And it pains Kanae everyday that she doesn’t tell him how she feels. And it shows, it affects Kanae’s education, after school activities, and other aspects of her life. However, Kanae is not the only one who is silently suffering. All throughout Cosmonaut one thing that never leaves Takaki’s mind is his constant subconscience longing for Akari. But he is not aware of this yet. It happens the same way every time. In his dreams. He dreams of walking in a field on a strange planet with a girl, always the same girl. No matter how many times he has the same dream, he can never see her face. His dreams bring him a sense of nostalgia, a feeling of happiness. Happiness, to combat the pain of loneliness. A pain all too familiar for Kanae. Yet through perserverence, she eventually works up the courage to finally tell Takaki how she really feels. And yet, on the walk home, when presented with the oppurtunity. She can’t seem to find the strength to make the words come out. At that moment she comes to a very cold realization that Takaki is not looking at her. Always beyond her. And so having not said anything they both quietly walk home, and eventually go their separate ways.