Movie Review: Your Name

Animation is for kids.

Historically, that was once true. And while it is no longer the case that all works using the animation medium are targeted towards children, entrenched attitudes are hard to shake. This is slowly changing as those who grew up with Japanese anime come of age and as writers for animated shows create more complex characters and plots lines. Yet for many, anything animated is still assumed to be infantile. The true shame in this is how many beautifully crafted stories they are missing out on, and Your Name is right up there with the best.



Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) released in Japan in 2016. The film follows two teenagers who suddenly and inexplicably find themselves swapping bodies on a regular basis: Mitsuha, a girl who lives in a remote mountain village, and Taki, a boy who lives in Tokyo. Much of the first act is comedic, focusing on the complications they cause for themselves and each other in the course of trying to live another person's life without letting on that they're actually someone else. But when Taki suddenly stops switching with Mitsuha and can't get in contact with her, the film becomes a race to save not just Mitsuha's life, but her whole village.

The commerical success of Your Name is hard to overstate. Not only was it the top-selling movie in Japan for 2016, it more than doubly out-sold Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the second-place film. It is the second-highest-grossing film for a domestic Japanese film (behind Spirited Away) and the seventh-highest traditionally animated film of all time. Not to mention a 97% critic score and 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are currently plans in the works for a US-based live action remake of the film. And I hope it's well-done, I really do. But... why? Dubbing with English voice actors, I understand. Not everyone wants to read while watching a movie. But visually... After seeing art like this, I can't imagine any cinematography that could be nearly as beautiful.





Go see the remake when it comes out if you want, I won't judge. But do see the original as well. Gorgeous visuals, beautiful music, and a touching story line - you won't be sorry you did.