Suzume Review: Elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary with Makoto Shinkai 

An early fan screening of Makoto Shinkai’s latest piece plunged a handful of lucky otakus headfirst into the breathtaking world of Suzume (and walked away with signed posters by the legendary director himself).

The Japanese auteur has established himself as a prominent figure in the anime industry - best known for his stunning visuals, intricate storytelling, and deep emotional resonance in 2016’s Kimi no Nawa (Your Name) and 2019’s Tenki no Ko (Weathering With You).

His latest work tells the tale of the titular Suzume - a precocious and solitary teen who resides with her aunt following the untimely passing of her mother. The narrative unfolds in Kyushu, a locale that was recently struck by a 5.6 magnitude earthquake, lending an added poignancy to the film's release. 

Despite her aunt granting her a level of independence that allows Suzume to vanish for a day or two without arousing suspicion, she is captivated by an attractive young man whom she chances upon during her morning bike ride to school. 

As a Shinkai trademark, time slows to capture the romantic spark between them. The widest of frames to encapsulate this moment makes the downhill bike ride churn stomachs the same way a rollercoaster would at its crest; the sun-kissed horizon of the seaside town more almost hypnotic in its authenticity. 

Shinkai's films are renowned for their striking visuals (the house full of eager weebs at the screening stands testament to the same). He uses a meticulous approach to create intricate and finely-detailed environments that capture the essence of his subjects. Whether it is a bustling cityscape, a serene countryside, or a quiet suburban neighborhood, Shinkai's portrayal of the setting is nothing short of breathtaking. 

He has a keen eye for capturing the nuances of the environment, from the subtle play of light and shadow to the intricate interplay of colors and textures. From the fine movements of the wind blowing through the trees to the way light filters through a rain-soaked window, each wide-angled frame is a work of art in its own right  with a palette that is rich and vibrant, yet never overwhelming.

From traditional hand-drawn animation to advanced computer-generated imagery, Shinkai employs a range of methods to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in his scenes. His animation is incredibly fluid, with the movement of his characters and environments appearing effortless and natural. This fluidity and realism bring his creations to life, creating an immersive experience for the viewer.
 
Compelled by the stranger and his odd mission, Suzume embarks on a journey to follow him, which leads her to dilapidated ruins and an anomalous door situated in the middle of nowhere. In an Alice-meets-Pandora moment, she opens it, inadvertently unleashing formidable cosmic forces and earthquakes. 

Souta, the young man she is chasing, had intended to seal these catastrophic portals as part of his mission as a "Closer," for which he requires a "Keystone." However, fate plays a cruel joke on him, transforming him into a decrepit child's chair that speaks in his voice. The keystone takes the form of a talking feline that Twitter is quick to dub Daijin, and a hilarious chase sequence through the town, set to some fast-paced bebop, marks the beginning of their adventure.

A master of magic-realism, Shinkai is widely recognized for his ability to transform the mundane everyday humdrum into the most captivating scenes. Through his films, he transcends the boundaries of reality and transports his audience into a world of wonder and enchantment.

While the prospects of a girl falling in love with a chair, on a quest to stop a cat from releasing an earth shattering worm doesn’t sound as outrageous for conventional anime standards (yeah, otakus are weird. But that’s what makes them so cool); for Shinkai’s narratives, there is always more to them than meets the eye.

Shinkai's films tend to explore the nature of human connection and the ways in which we are all interconnected. In his films, characters often struggle to form meaningful relationships, but ultimately find solace in their connections with others. This theme is particularly evident in Your Name, where the two main characters are connected by a supernatural bond that transcends time and space, and in Weathering With You, where the characters are united by their shared desire to save the world from environmental disaster.

A hallmark of his work is his ability to create a sense of intimacy between his characters, despite the physical distance that often separates them. His films are filled with moments of quiet reflection and introspection, as his characters grapple with their emotions and their place in the world.

Structured as a road movie, Suzume also offers a tour of Japan, eschewing typical landmarks such as Mount Fuji in favor of places that exemplify the nation's vulnerable cultural heritage. The film also employs a range of visual motifs, including trains, rain, and quintessentially Shinkai skies, which serve as recurring symbols throughout his work, conveying a sense of longing and nostalgia.

From ambient noise to carefully selected musical tracks, to create a mood and atmosphere that perfectly complements the visuals, Shinkai’s long-standing collaboration with RADWIMPS employs a range of sounds and musical ideas that tug at our heartstrings at multiple turns in the narrative. 

A wholesome touch to Suzume’s adventure was how her journey across Japan seemed to be punctuated with the most endearing women, who in the spirit of typical Japanese hospitality and empathising with a girl not quite different from what they once were, aid her on her soul-searching quest in the throes of her womanhood.

Although the film may appear to be a series of confrontations involving slammed doors, it culminates with a profound realization for Suzume. Ultimately, she imparts an emotional message to her younger self, marking the culmination of a personal quest in which learning to cope is pivotal.

Shinkai uses his storytelling to explore themes that resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it's the pain of lost love, the fear of change, or the joy of finding one's place in the world, his films have a way of speaking directly to our hearts. 

While the film explores gods' efforts to contain a monster and protect humanity, it also examines the layers of ourselves that we conceal beneath our pain. Suzume may have fallen in love with Souta, but her journey was about accepting who she is.

Shinkai often focuses on the simple moments and experiences that define our existence, such as the beauty of a sunset, the sound of falling rain, or the feeling of a cool breeze on a warm summer day. He has a particular talent for using color to evoke emotion, whether it's the warm hues of a sunset or the cold blues of a winter's night.

And it's in the tiny details, the painstaking effort that goes into each frame, where the essence of the film lies - in the little things. Suzume is a feast for the eyes and the soul that proves beyond all doubt, Shinkai is a master of elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary. 

We are going with 5 out of 5 stars for Suzume.

Suzume hits Indian theatres on April 21. DON'T miss out on it.