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INTRODUCTION
The scene where the little Suzume is with her mother playing and talking about the chair is directly based on reality. When Makoto Shinkai came back home after the shooting, his little daughter was always around him asking if he had “already finished the movie or not”. And he just always answered, “No, not yet!”.
Suzume( 2022) is a Japanese animated coming-of-age fantasy adventure film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai.
Let me tell you, if you’re itching to escape the everyday humdrum, then “Suzume” (2022) is your ticket to a whirlwind adventure! This animated masterpiece isn’t your average cartoon. It’s a heart-pounding ride filled with fantastical creatures, hidden doors, and a whole lot of self-discovery.
The main characters are Nanoka Hara, Matsumura, Eri Fukatsu, Shota Somotani, and Sari Ito. The film grossed over US$316 million worldwide, making it the fourth highest-grossing Japanese film of all time as well as the fourth highest-grossing film of 2022 in Japan.
Suzume had an advanced showing on IMAX, on November 7, 2022. It was released in Japan on November 11, 2022, in the US and UK on April 14, 2023.
It runs for 2 hours, and 2 minutes and it’s rated PG.
WHAT IS SUZAME ABOUT? PLOT / SYNOPSIS.
A 17-year-old named Suzume lives in Kyushu with her “cool” Aunt Tamaki, but her life feels a bit…well, ordinary. Souta Munakata, a mysterious stranger with an air of urgency. He’s on a mission to find and seal dangerous doors that threaten to unleash chaos upon Japan. As fate would have it, Suzume bumps into Souta, and a strange connection sparks between them.
Curiosity, that insatiable itch, gets the better of Suzume. She follows Souta to a creepy, abandoned place. There, amidst the crumbling walls and overgrown moss, she finds a door.
Now, this isn’t your everyday door. This door promises adventure and a strange sense of Deja vu washes over Suzume. Ignoring the warning bells ringing in her head, she reaches for the rusty knob.
With a screech that sends shivers down my spine, the door swings open. A rush of energy blasts through the ruins, and Suzume knows she’s messed up big time. A chilling premonition settles in her gut – that wasn’t just any door; it was a Pandora’s box of trouble. In her hand, a seemingly ordinary statue transforms into a mischievous cat with emerald eyes that sparkle with both amusement and a hint of something…foreboding.
Behind the door Suzume left opened, lies an impending danger to the lives of everyone in the country. She was left with no choice but to work with a stranger to solve this problem. Can these two unlikely companions bridge the gap? Suzume, brimming with youthful naiveté, and Souta, burdened by the weight of his responsibility, are an odd couple, to say the least. But hey, opposites attract, right? Can they learn to trust each other while battling unseen forces and the turmoil within themselves?
MY THOUGHTS ON SUZUME.
You hope for magic, Suzume bring you that… and some more.
CHARACTER PERFORMANCE.
In our exploration of “Suzume,” I will talk about the captivating story and stunning visuals but let’s first talk about the heart and soul of the film – the characters brought to life by a stellar cast of voice actors!
Nanoka Hara perfectly embodies Suzume’s youthful curiosity and yearning for adventure. Her voice captures Suzume’s naiveté as she stumbles into this extraordinary situation, but also her unwavering determination to do what’s right. We feel Suzume’s frustration when things get tough, and her moments of triumph resonate all the more because of Hara’s nuanced performance.
Hokuto Matsumura brings a quiet intensity to Souta. He’s burdened by his responsibility, and Matsumura’s voice conveys the weight of his mission. Yet, beneath the stoicism, there’s a flicker of warmth reserved for Suzume. The subtle changes in Matsumura’s delivery hint at Souta’s growing trust and dependence on his unlikely partner.
The brilliance of “Suzume” extends beyond the leads. Eri Fukatsu lends a comforting presence as Suzume’s Aunt Tamaki, offering a grounding voice amidst the chaos. Shota Somotani brings a touch of humor to the film with his portrayal of a quirky character Suzume meets on her journey. And let’s not forget the mischievous feline companion voiced by Sairi Ito – her playful purrs and occasional snide remarks add another layer of charm to the film.
The true magic of “Suzume’s” characters lies in the chemistry between them. Hara and Matsumura create a believable bond, their contrasting personalities sparking a dynamic that keeps you engaged. The supporting cast seamlessly integrates into the story, enriching the world of “Suzume” and adding depth to the story.
VISUAL DESIGN AND CINEMATOGRAPHY.
Suzume swept me off my feet with amazing animation. Lush landscapes with vibrant colors, each frame a testament to the meticulous artistry that pours life into this fantastical world. The fantastical creatures you encounter – some friendly, some harboring a disquieting aura – will leave you glued to the screen, eager to unravel the mysteries they hold.
WRITING STYLE AND STORY.
But “Suzume” is more than just eye candy. It’s an exploration of self-discovery. As Suzume embarks on this extraordinary journey, she battles with past traumas and the uncertainties of the future. The film delves into the complexities of human emotions, and tells tales of friendship, family bonds, and the bittersweet sting of loss. It reminds us of the importance of cherishing memories, both joyful and sorrowful, for they shape who we are.
The ending of “Suzume” is a masterfully made invitation to delve deeper. It leaves room for interpretation, making one ponder the film’s underlying messages about inner strength, overcoming past hurts, and embracing the unknown. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll, prompting introspection and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and complexities of life.
THEMES.
Throughout the film, I was subtly nudged to reflect on the world around me. It explores themes of national security, the delicate balance between order and chaos, and the power of collective action. But above all, “Suzume” celebrates the human spirit – our unwavering resilience in the face of adversity and the strength we find within ourselves and in the connections we forge with others.
CONCLUSION.
If you’re seeking an escape from the ordinary, a film that will ignite your imagination and stir your emotions, then “Suzume” is a must-watch. It’s a move through doors of destiny, a reminder that even the most ordinary life can hold extraordinary adventures, waiting to be unlocked. Just remember, curiosity might just be the key, but be prepared for the extraordinary journey that awaits on the other side.
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Images or videos used in this work belongs to the respective movie and its copyright holders. We do not claim any legal rights or ownership over this image, and we appreciate the movie’s creators for sharing such a captivating visual.
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