Watch 5 Centimeters per Second

5 Centimeters per Second is an animated romantic drama film produced by CoMixWave Films and directed by Makoto Shinkai. The movie is divided into three parts - Cherry Blossom, Cosmonaut, and 5 Centimeters per Second, each representing a different stage of two young people's lives as they try to navigate the complicated terrain of love and relationships.

The story of the film revolves around Takaki Tōno and Akari Shinohara, two childhood friends who lose touch when Akari moves to a different city with her family. Takaki is left feeling lonely and disconnected, while Akari tries her best to adapt to her new surroundings. Despite the distance and lack of contact, both Takaki and Akari continue to think of each other and yearn for the past.

The first part of the movie, Cherry Blossom, takes place in the spring of 1990 when Takaki is in elementary school. The opening scenes show the cherry blossoms blooming in a gorgeous, idyllic landscape - reinforcing the idea of growth and change that the movie explores. It is in this section where we see the beginnings of Takaki and Akari's friendship, which reaches its peak when Akari has to move away to another city with her parents. The two exchange letters for a while, but eventually lose touch.

The second part of the film, Cosmonaut, takes place during Takaki's teenage years, when he is in high school. In this chapter of their lives, Takaki and Akari come across as more mature and responsible, but also more emotionally distant, with both of them struggling to come to terms with their feelings. This segment highlights the emotional turmoil of adolescence, the complexities of love, and the difficulties of growing up.

The final part of the film, 5 Centimeters per Second, takes place much further on from the previous two parts. In this section, Takaki has grown up and is going through a tough time in his life. He is drifting aimlessly, having abandoned his dreams of being a writer, and is unable to find peace or happiness. Despite the passage of time and wandering of their paths, Takaki still thinks of Akari and the unfulfilled potential they share.

Throughout the movie, the animation is breathtaking, with a lot of attention given to small details that heighten the romantic atmosphere. The music is hauntingly beautiful, capturing and expressing the each of the different moods of the film with great effectiveness.

Ultimately, 5 Centimeters per Second is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the struggles of life. It touches upon the themes of distance, communications, and the human condition, making it an emotionally rich and satisfying experience. The film may be slow in its pacing, but it is deliberately and beautifully so, with the deliberate pacing serving to emphasize the depth of the characters' emotions. The movie is a true masterpiece in animation that showcases the immense talent and vision of Makoto Shinkai.