Makoto Shinkai, a renowned figure in the anime industry, directed the film Suzume. His films are widely recognized for their breathtaking visuals and incorporation of supernatural elements, seamlessly intertwining contemporary Japan with cherished folktales. This distinctive blend has propelled Makoto Shinkai to become one of the most accomplished and adored directors of anime films.
Suzume, one of Shinkai's notable works, also achieved remarkable success at the global box office. With the film's popularity, enthusiasts from the anime and manga community often ponder, "What should I watch before Suzume?" The answer is simply nothing, as Suzume stands as an independent piece among Shinkai's creations.
Do fans need to watch anything before the Suzume film? Exploring Makoto Shinkai’s works and common themes
Fans do not need to watch any of Makoto Shinkai's previous films before viewing the Suzume film. However, it is beneficial for fans to watch some of his works to gain an understanding of what to expect in the aforementioned film. While each of his works is unique, there are several common elements that define a Makoto Shinkai film.
One prominent theme is the incorporation of folklore and supernatural elements. In Suzume, the film delves into the concept of earthquakes. According to Japanese mythology, creatures called Namazu reside in the Underworld and are responsible for causing earthquakes. To counter this, Gods would use special stones called Kaname-ishi.
Suzume was inspired by Makoto Shinkai's film Your Name, a must-watch for any anime fan. Like the aforementioned example, this movie incorporates mythological elements and combines them with a love story that transcends time and space. It skillfully entwines Japanese mythology with time travel, resulting in a surreal and breathtaking experience.
The theme of natural calamity is a recurring motif in the works of Shinkai. Suzume delves into earthquakes, Your Name explores a meteor crash, and Weathering With You centers around storms. By incorporating these natural disasters, Makoto Shinkai brings the characters together and evokes their positive emotions towards one another.
The exploration of natural calamities can be seen in Suzume, Weathering With You, and Your Name (Image via Makoto Shinkai/CoMix Wave Films)
Where to watch the Suzume film
Frequently, this motif is employed in situations where the protagonist harbors romantic feelings for another character. It serves to deepen the viewers' emotions by reinforcing the characters' amorous sentiments. Considering the prevalence of this theme in the artist's well-received works, now is an opportune moment to delve into the streaming particulars of the movie.
Crunchyroll has obtained exclusive streaming rights to the Suzume film, allowing fans to enjoy it on their platform. However, to access the movie, fans will need to subscribe to the streaming platform's paid services. Additionally, in certain locations, fans have the option to purchase the Blu-Ray disc of the film, which was released in September 2023.
Stay tuned for more anime and manga news as 2023 progresses.
Editor's P/S
As an anime fan, I am always excited to see new films from Makoto Shinkai. His films are always visually stunning, and they often explore complex themes in a thought-provoking way. Suzume is no exception. The film is a beautiful and moving story about a young girl who must save Japan from a series of natural disasters. The film's visuals are breathtaking, and the story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves anime or Japanese cinema.
In addition to being a great film, Suzume is also a great introduction to the work of Makoto Shinkai. If you've never seen any of his films before, Suzume is a great place to start. The film is standalone, so you don't need to have seen any of Shinkai's other films to understand it. However, if you enjoy Suzume, I highly recommend checking out his other films, such as Your Name and Weathering With You. These films are all visually stunning and explore complex themes in a thought-provoking way.
