5 Makato Shinkai Movies to Watch

Makoto Shinkai is an independent and talented animator, filmmaker, and writer who has taken the anime world by storm with his emotionally charged storytelling and visually stunning works. It is hard to imagine that he isn't associated with any studio and yet brings out extraordinary work. Often compared to Hayao Miyazaki (creator of Studio Ghibli and Ghibli comics), his works often explore themes of love, loss, and the power of human connections, and they are known for their breathtaking animation and unique visual style. As the release of one of his popular and box office hit movies, Suzume no Tojimari, is set to release in India, here are 5 anime love stories of Shinkai you need to consider watching if you enjoy surrealism, time-warped, interdimensional, and space-time differences in anime.

One of Shinkai's most popular and successful anime films is "Your Name," a touching and emotional story about two teenagers who swap bodies and fall in love. The movie explores the theme of interdimensional love and the power of connections that transcend space and time. It is a beautiful story that will make you laugh, cry, and feel a wide range of emotions. This movie was a part of the Japanese Film Festival 2022, held in India. I still remember the excitement amongst the audience to watch the movie that has rewritten the definition of love for me.

Another must-see anime film is "The Place Promised in Our Early Days," a science fiction movie that explores the theme of space-time difference. The movie tells the story of three childhood friends who are separated when one of them falls into a coma. As the two boys grow up, they become involved in a secret project that could reunite Japan and bring their friend back. This visually stunning movie showcases Shinkai's unique storytelling style and explores themes of love, loss, and sacrifice.

In "Voices of a Distant Star," Shinkai tells the story of a young girl named Mikako, who is recruited by the UN Space Army to fight aliens. As she travels further away from Earth, she starts to communicate with her childhood friend through text messages, and their connection becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. This romantic science fiction movie explores themes of loneliness, the power of memories, and the cost of sacrifice.

"Children Who Chase Lost Voices," is a surreal fantasy anime movie, which follows a young girl named Asuna as she discovers a mysterious gateway to the underworld. Asuna meets a young boy named Shun, who is from a different dimension, and they form a strong connection that is threatened by the forces of the underworld. This visually stunning movie explores themes of love, loss, and the power of human connections.

Finally, another love story that made me cry was "Weathering with You". It is a romantic fantasy anime movie that explores the theme of surrealism. The movie tells the story of a young boy named Hodaka who meets a girl named Hina, who has the power to control the weather. The two work together to make money by controlling the weather for people who need it, but their actions have unintended consequences that threaten to tear them apart. This movie explores themes of climate change, the power of human connection, and the cost of chasing your dreams.

Another factor that makes viewers connect with Shinkai's movies is his music. The songs in his movies are very soothing and peaceful. Also, they use classical Japanese music instruments and beats, which in itself is an experience for the listener. For starters, try listening to "Sparkle" and "Suzume" by RADWIMPS, which have now become common favorites of every Shinkai fan.

In conclusion, Makoto Shinkai is a master of storytelling and animation, and his works are must-sees for anime fans and anyone who appreciates beautiful and emotional storytelling. Whether exploring themes of interdimensional love, surrealism, or space-time difference, Shinkai's movies are sure to captivate and move audiences.

You can watch all of these movies on Crunchyroll and Funimation.