Weathering With You Movie Review: This film with its intriguing plot and Makoto Shinkai’s skillful direction is a compelling watch

Story: Hodaka Morishima takes a bold step and leaves behind his home. Once in Tokyo, he manages to secure a job as a writer for an occult magazine. The city also introduces her to Hina, a remarkable young woman blessed with the extraordinary power to manipulate weather patterns. Together, they navigate a world where nature’s forces intertwine with their own desires.

Review: ‘Weathering with You’ is undeniably a visually stunning film, leaving viewers in awe of its breathtaking beauty. This fantasy film remains an intriguing watch, primarily due to its intriguing plot, arresting visuals, and Makoto Shinkai’s skillful direction. It is a testament to his talent and vision. Regrettably, the screenplay department falls short in developing the plot to its full potential. Had more attention and effort been dedicated in crafting its storyline, the film had the potential to be truly fabulous. Nevertheless, it still manages to offer an interesting viewing experience, albeit with missed opportunities.

The film revolves around Hodaka Morishima, who flees from his rural home to seek a new life in Tokyo. During his journey, he encounters Keisuke Suga, who kindly offers him his card, extending a helping hand if Hodaka ever finds himself in need. Struggling to secure employment, Hodaka turns to Suga, who hires him as a writer for his magazine. In Tokyo, Hodaka crosses paths with a young girl named Hina, and their friendship blossoms when she selflessly provides him with a meal. Not known to Hodaka, Hina possesses a remarkable ability to manipulate weather patterns. As they spend more time together, Hodaka proposes the idea of starting a business alongside Hina and her brother, using her powers to clear the weather for special events. But when Hodaka’s family reports him missing, the story takes an unexpected twist, adding a new layer of complexity to their journey. The film delves into the consequences and challenges they face as they navigate their unique abilities, their connection deepening amidst the tumultuous events unfolding around them.

‘Weathering with You’ presents an enchanting setting, enhanced by its stunning animation that truly adds to the visual splendour. The film brims with intense teenage emotions, and rain serves as a constant and evocative motif throughout its narrative. Shinkai once again demonstrates his unwavering ability to deliver captivating and emotionally resonant visuals, maintaining a high level of consistency.

Tokyo, portrayed in all its glory and rawness, becomes a character in itself, offering viewers a unique and immersive experience as seen through Shinkai’s eyes. While this animated masterpiece holds viewers spellbound, a hiccup arises from the absence of background information about the two lead characters. The lack of exploration into Hodaka’s rural island life and the circumstances that compelled him to leave, as well as the reasons behind Hina’s involvement in the sex trade, prevents the film from attaining greater depth. Introducing such past mentions to viewers would have added a layer of richness to the storytelling, enabling a deeper understanding and connection with the characters. Nevertheless, “Weathering with You” remains a visually stunning and emotionally charged experience, captivating audiences with its artistry and the world it creates.

This animation fantasy seamlessly showcases Shinkai’s distinct artistic style, and reinforces Makoto Shinkai’s reputation as a masterful storyteller, further solidifying his credibility in the world of cinema. ‘Weathering with You’ may not delve as deeply into complex emotions, but it compensates by delivering a compelling story and showcasing Shinkai’s unparalleled artistic vision. It is a testament to his ability to create memorable cinematic experiences that leave a lasting impact on the audience.