ABOUT THE FILM:

Mitsuha and Taki are two total strangers living completely different lives. But when Mitsuha makes a wish to leave her mountain town for the bustling city of Tokyo, they become connected in a bizarre way. She dreams she is a boy living in Tokyo while Taki dreams he is a girl from a rural town he?s never been to.

What does their newfound connection mean? And how will it bring them together?

FILM REVIEW :

The concept of this film is quite unique and fascinating. The idea of switching places with another person through dreams . As well as being able to live that other person’s life in random is quite intriguing. Well, I thought this was definitely a story to watch! 

Taki and Mitsuha are portrayed as regular teenagers growing up in the present time. Both have their own problems but live a totally different lifestyle. I l liked how the film showed the difference between Taki’s life in the main city of Tokyo and Mitsuha’s life living in the country side, Itomori. Although both are up to date with technology, having their smartphones. On another note, I also found it  very appealing that the film showed the evolution of the Japanese culture through sake and the now trending of social media. One of my favourite scenes were probably the traditional dance Mitsuha and her sister performed while making the rice sake. 

 I did however find the film too long and a bit dragging. There were scenes that could have been a good ending to the story  however for some reason it had to be prolonged. The occasional musical as well could have been lesser as it did not transcend any more additional drama as it was intending to. I guess, the editing was the downside to this film. 

Graphics wise, it was excellent. Great colors and very refine animation. Most of the frames were amazing with the details, most especially the meteor in the sky. 

In NZ cinemas December 1, 2016