Your Name. (2016)
Somehow I feel like I should be too old for this whimsical romantic teen bodyswap movie, but I was really charmed by the style and lovely atmosphere. Half way in, the movie takes an unexpected turn into something different which I really appreciated. While it does the usual comedic elements of such a bodyswap concept type, I don’t think it goes overboard with it and keeps things graceful and has its focus more on the emotional development and themes rather than comedy. The tone is sweet and tender, but with some incredibly impactful scenes of grief and sadness. Needless to say, everything is absolutely beautiful animated. It is really one of the best looking anime I have ever seen. Even though it is mostly a whimsical coming of age type story, I think it has much more to offer than just that. There are interesting themes of personal and cultural identity, the importance of remembering the past and dealing with events that are larger that oneself. In some ways it reminded me of the Star Trek TNG episode Inner Light.
Rating: 4