"The speed at which the sakura blossom petals fall... they say it's five centimeters per second. At what speed must I live... to be able to see you again..?" - Akari & Takaki
5 Centimeters Per Second (Byousoku 5 Centimeter) is a slice of life, drama, and romance anime movie. It was originally released in March 2007 by CoMix Wave Films with 3 episodes combined into one movie. It does not have any continuing series.
General Rating: 7.9/10
My Rating: 10/10
5 Centimeters Per Second is one of the most emotional anime movies I have ever seen. It's a heart stabbing world of pain, overflowing emotion, and an absolutely beautiful anime. 5CPS is the anime that made me fall in love with Makoto Shinkai's work. He is the absolute master of romantic drama animes, and 5CPS is one of his greatest masterpieces. However as much of a master as Shinkai is known as today, this was before his smashing hits like Your Name, and I had not even heard his name mentioned before - at least not memorably. After hearing about the emotional overload and massive PAMDS (post anime/manga depression syndrome) a person very close to my heart had experienced from 5 Centimeters Per Second, I had immediately been inspired to see this anime that had caused such strong emotion. I soon became overwhelmed by the reality of this anime, the emotions and heartbreak flooding into my life. The theme of 5CPS is something I strongly relate too, which only made the pain worse. If God has blessed you to be able to hold the person you love whenever you wish, and to kiss their lips whenever you so desire, you have been truly blessed. Distance is a heart stabbing pain this realistic anime romance will bring to life in a way stronger than you could ever imagine.
5CPS is the beautiful romantic drama telling the story of two people who love each other but aren't meant to be together. Takaki and Akari were childhood friends who were tore apart by circumstances beyond their control. They promise to stay in contact, but through the progression of time, the distance between them widens, although the chain of memories remains ever-present. Takaki and Akari cling to the hope of seeing each other again, as they half-heartedly live their everyday lives hurting themselves and the people around them.
Story: The anime focuses on the harsh reality of long-distance relationships and the pain of being stuck in the past and unable to make new memories. The anime centers around the daily lives of Takaki and Akari as they deal with this throughout the story. The simplicity of Shinkai's stories always manage to have the strongest effect, especially for romance anime. He conveys the emotions beautifully making this story a masterpiece.
Characters: The characters in this anime is not what makes it special, but what those characters go through. Much like in his famous anime, Your Name, Takaki and Akari are pretty much normal characters with normal lives and normal looks. Not in the sense that they are boring, but that they are realistic, mundane people. This type of character suits Shinkai's storytelling and atmosphere so well.
Soundtrack: Shinkai is the master of emotional romance, so of course his animes have the most gorgeously emotional soundtracks. 5CPS is no exception. In fact, it is one of my favorite soundtracks of his movies... besides the fact that every time I listen to it, it brings tears to my eyes... but I suppose that is what emotional masterpiece soundtracks are supposed to be like.
Art: 5CPS has a simple, somewhat painted, style of art. Similar to that seen in animes such as Tsuki ga Kirei. It's a unique art style that isn't necessarily dark and depressing, but not bright and cheerful either. It suits the anime's realistic atmosphere very well and is absolutely gorgeous to look at.
This anime will suit anyone's needs for an emotional romantic masterpiece, that could stab your heart fairly hard, especially if the hand you want to hold is out of your reach. I especially recommend this anime for those of you who have also enjoyed animes like Hoshi no Ko, Tsuki ga Kirei, Rec, Garden of Words, Your Name, Kanon 2006, Clannad, Hotarubi no Mori E, Ef: A Tale of Memories, Rumbling Hearts, Air, Cross Road, or True Tears. This should be a must watch on every romance loving otaku's list - but do prepare yourself for a strong emotional overload.
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