Your Name (2016)
Your Name is a film about walking in one another's shoes and how this can cultivate not just a mutual understanding, but deep affection.
The first seconds are immediately visually stunning, setting a trend that continues throughout the movie, as we see beautiful landscape shots. But they are not just ornamental; they detail the distance between our duo, which is key to their situation. They are not just changing bodies; they are traveling a very long way in order to do so.
We start when the switching has just begun, with Taki and Mitsuha feeling the effects of losing time and having to account for actions that are not their own. This leads to a delightful sequence of rapid switching as the characters yell at each other through notes. They are being forced into the arrangement of seeing life through one another's point of view, but they still cannot yet see eye to eye.
A particular braid is seen throughout the film, and this braid is key in a number of ways. First, "Musubi," as Mitsuha's grandmother puts it, is "the tying of thread" as well as "the flow of time". She notably mentions that the connection of people is Musubi and details the movements of the threads of the braids and time, "They twist, tangle, sometimes unravel, break, then connect again. Musubi - knotting."
Additionally the braid has significance as the one physical object shared between our duo. Beyond that, it is a visual indicator. When the braid is worn neatly in Mitsuha's hair, she is herself. When the braid is worn by Taki as a bracelet, he is himself. On the days when they are switched, both the hair and the bracelet are neglected.
The braid is also a nice example of Japanese culture being on display, which is a welcome choice. As an interesting visual, Mitsuha is seen passing through the temple's torii gate immediately before a switch is depicted. Also a ritual involving kuchikamisake is featured and proves pivotal in the film's plot. It is only through having lived out some of Mitsuha's days that Taki realizes he can use the kuchikamisake to switch again.
The distance between our duo, physical and otherwise, creates a deep sense of longing. The fickleness of their memory likened to that of a dream is highly compelling; they know each other perfectly and in great detail. And then, in a matter of moments, it all begins to fade. But somewhere deep in their minds, thoughts still remain, as Taki asks, "Why does the scenery of a town that no longer exists wring my heart so?"
Twilight arrives; kataware-doki, when the world bleeds into the otherworld. At long last our characters are allowed to meet, resulting in an extreme high that is dashed to pieces when twilight abruptly comes to an end. The realization that Mitsuha didn't have a chance to write her name and that Taki had instead written "I love you" is heartbreaking and will elicit tears from all but the coldest viewers.
Something interesting happens as the film progresses. Mitsuha becomes invested in Taki's romantic life as if it is her own. Taki begins referring to Mitsuha's sister and grandmother as if they are his own family. They never once learn to imitate one another. But far more importantly: they learn to identify with one another.
Visuals play a key role in conveying the emotional journey our pair takes. The comet, rendered in vibrant color, is seen in a variety of states throughout the film, all of them gorgeous. The ensuing catastrophe is particularly well captured, deepening the tragedy felt by Taki.
The film masterfully ties a thread around our hearts and connects it to Taki and Mitsuha. We share this journey with them and that is Musubi. Our protagonists walk a mile in one another's shoes, and when they are finally reunited they simply ask, "Wouldn't you rather continue on together?"
Wonderfully animated and standing head and shoulders above most anime, Your Name's success exceeds both genre and medium expectations.