Your Name (君の名は。) - A review by /u/defan752

Your Name (君の名は。) - A review by /u/defan752
(DISCLAIMER: I have tried to keep this review as spoiler-free as possible, but I cannot guarantee a complete lack of them. Also, this review was composed on a second watch of the film. To see my less organized impressions of my first watch, please head here: https://pastebin.com/KdPhu2DJ)
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It's happened again. That enthralled, dazzled, and heartwarming feeling. Only this time, no more of the confusion that previously plagued me.

My second watch of Your Name only confirms my suspicions from last time that this film really shines when you see it again. The semi-nonlinear nature of this movie lends itself very well to a second watch, and it definitely helps that this time, I saw it with English subtitles. I have a much clearer idea of the film now, and I strongly recommend that anyone who plans to see Your Name to *definitely* watch it while it is in theaters (which is not for long, so act fast!) and to see it more than once if you can.

As promised, I will be reviewing Your Name in full, in the following categories: Story, Animation, Voice Acting, Soundtrack and Sound Design, and Direction. At the end, I will deliver my verdict.

== Story ==
The nature of Your Name's story is slightly complex, and therefore gradually presented to the viewer, trying to keep them on the same train of thought while simultaneously maintaining a valuable air of mystery. I do not wish to spoil this film in any capacity, so I am limited from talking explicitly about the plot. It is, in every aspect, a movie: it contains parts of high and low tension, comic relief, and poignancy, all handled with reasonable elegance. The story is never overly mysterious to the point of being annoying, and does manage to keep the audience hooked without throwing them off, as long as one keeps an open mind. The semi-nonlinear nature of the movie reflects a major theme, and I will refrain from saying outright what that is, but I will say that it is handled well.

As its title suggests, Your Name concerns two people and the happenings that occur between them. Various things, varying in nature, happen throughout, and consistently keep the viewer on edge. Sure, it may not be the most original story in the world, but it is definitely told and presented interestingly enough to maintain interest and focus. For this reason, the story may not even be Your Name's strong point, but it complements all other elements of the film quite well.

I rate Your Name's story an [8/10].

== Animation ==
If you are remotely familiar with Director Makoto Shinkai's work, you no doubt have heard endless tales of the stunning visuals he employs. Building and improving upon previous works, Your Name - in the visual aspect - embodies every single facet of the word "beautiful".

The animation is nothing short of stellar. With strong lines defining outlines and thin strokes shading in the details over picturesque backgrounds, this movie is a true spectacle to behold. The beauty of Japan, in addition to its people, are brought to life in jaw-dropping fashion. "Talented" does not begin to describe the animation team.

In all honesty, you would be doing yourself a disservice not to see this in theaters. Only a display of the magnitude of a movie screen - as large as possible - can truly portray Your Name in its full glory. In this regard, Your Name does not disappoint, not one bit.

I rate Your Name's animation a [10/10].

== Voice Acting ==
Your Name is helmed by the talent of Ryunosuke Kamiki (Taki Taichibana) and Mone Kamishirashi (Mitsuha Miyamizu). They are practically unknown to the world of anime and are mostly known for acting in live action movies, but they blend into Your Name seamlessly. Sure, they don't have the characteristic "anime" voice, but it is surprisingly fitting for a movie of this stature. Both actors bring the main characters to life magnificently. Other characters are also voiced well, but none steal the show like Kamiki and Kamishirashi, both delivering excellent performances.

The movie seems filled with roles like these, and I see absolutely no problem. I applaud the production team's choices of live action actors for Your Name. It has paid off.

I rate Your Name's voice acting a [9/10].

== Soundtrack and Sound Design ==
I have a soft spot for good soundtracks and sound design. They are often-overlooked aspects of media, but I believe they are invaluable to the enjoyment of a work. Your Name's soundtrack was handled almost entirely by a Japanese rock band named RADWIMPS, and I will be honest - I definitely had reservations upon learning this before I saw the film, but afterwards, my suspicions have been swiftly quelled.

RADWIMPS displays outstanding and unexpected versatility, composing pieces ranging from rock songs, to calm piano and violin duets, to poignant violin solos. There are several insert songs (with lyrics) in the movie, and after initial doubts, I am glad to report that they serve exceptionally well as main themes. Unexpectedly well. Usually, I am not a fan of insert songs (let alone rock songs) but RADWIMPS seems to have truly "gotten" their work. Well done. I'm still humming the soundtrack hours later.

The production committee also deserves special praise for excellent sound design. The amount of Foley sounds in this movie are staggering, and high-quality mixing makes sure I never miss a single line, and complements the movie perfectly. Expert work.

I rate Your Name's soundtrack and sound design a [10/10].

== Direction ==
If you've seen any of Makoto Shinkai's other works, you will notice his distinct style throughout this movie. Shinkai blends stunning, symbolic scenery with character drama, and although it may have seemed slightly heavy-handed and pseudo-philosophical in his previous works, Your Name seems to greatly improve in that regard. The subject matter is much more suited to his style, and although the film does slightly stumble from overly obvious scenery at times, and could definitely have used more subtlety, Shinkai succeeds with Your Name for the most part. It definitely represents a part of his growth, and a new era for him as a director.

I rate Your Name's direction a [8/10].

== Verdict ==
I'll admit that I was skeptical of Makoto Shinkai's previous work. His films tend to leave me rather confused and unconvinced, but I believe that his style has definitely matured with Your Name. It is a definite work of art, crafted with love and care, with never a dull moment. His old ways sometimes peek through the gaps, although those times are far and few in between.

I must take a moment to emphasize that this film really does lend itself well to a second watch. It clears up all of the lingering confusion, and I am much more accomodating of Shinkai's style now. Most of my enjoyment of Your Name comes from that second watch. I highly recommend you do the same.

Now, to Director Shinkai: I know you are hard on yourself about this movie, but honestly, it deserves its success. This was clearly a labor of love. You deserve it. I eagerly await your next work.

As always, in my verdict I rate works based on my enjoyment of them. In that regard, Your Name gets a well deserved, full [10/10]. It is one of the best movies I have ever seen, and I did not expect myself to be calling an anime movie that.

You owe to yourself to see this movie, in theaters. Go watch it. Twice. Seriously. It is that good.