[This review might contain spoilers continue at your own risk!]
Overall Rating:8
It’s easy enough to wax on and on about how good the art and animation in 5 Centimetres Per Second is, and while it is an achievement worthy of a massive amount of acclaim, what ultimately defines a film is its story. And while I was left in awe at the artistic component of 5 Centimetres Per Second, the story-telling isn't quite on the same level as the visuals.
5 Centimetres Per Second is divided into three chapters, each analysing the relationship between the two leads at different points of their lives. The problem is that the latter two chapters simply aren't as absorbing and touching as the first, which shows a heart-warming and tender display of love almost guaranteed to move almost anyone inclined towards anime romances. The second chapter lacks the emotional impact of the first, even though it does provide some intriguing character analyses, but the third chapter is uncharacteristically cynical and pessimistic from the creator (Shinkai)
While the change in tone is jarring, this I'm not opposed to in itself, since it avoids the cliches of the “Pure Love” genre. What I didn't approve of was the fact that the ending offered no real resolution. There’s simply no solid denouement; the film shows a montage (which is, in my opinion, one of the laziest story-telling techniques in cinema) and then cuts to the credits.
5 Centimetres Per Second is worth watching for the art alone. But, to add a bit of cake to the icing, the first chapter is also outstanding, presenting a touching and innocent romance filled with powerful gestures and heart-warming moments. Unrtunately, the highlight of the film is over after twenty-five minutes, and the story slowly becomes less and less emotionally engaging, ultimately leading to a disappointing non-ending. This is still better than most other anime you’ll from that year.
Story: 7
Animation: 10
Characters: 8
Entertainment: 8