Makoto Shinkai’s highly acclaimed animated film “Suzume” is making a comeback in theaters across North America today. The film, which has received overwhelming praise from both critics and audiences, has already grossed over $300 million at the global box office and is being recognized as an early contender for awards.
Initially premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2023, “Suzume” became the first anime feature film to be screened in the competition section in over two decades. It garnered critical acclaim and went on to become the fourth highest-grossing anime film of all time. With a 96% critics score and 98% audience score on RottenTomatoes.com, the film has been certified fresh. Additionally, “Suzume” has been nominated for the World Soundtrack Awards’ “Discovery of the Year” and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards’ “Best Animated Feature Film.” It has also won the Outstanding Achievement in Music award at the Japan Academy Awards.
The story of “Suzume” revolves around a young girl named Suzume and her talking chair companion as they race to protect the world from an impending disaster, guided by a mischievous cat. Inspired by Shinkai’s observations after the devastating 2011 earthquake in Japan, the film combines hand-drawn and CGI animation.
This film is the latest masterpiece from Makoto Shinkai, who has been a visionary in the animation industry for years. His previous films, “Your Name.” (2016) and “Weathering With You” (2019), have gained international recognition and acclaim. “Weathering With You” was even selected as Japan’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2020 Academy Awards and received multiple nominations at the Annie Awards.
“Suzume” takes viewers on a coming-of-age journey with Suzume, a 17-year-old protagonist, as she encounters various doors causing devastation across disaster-stricken locations in Japan. Suzume must close these doors to prevent further destruction.
The film promises never-before-seen scenery, encounters, and farewells as Suzume faces numerous challenges on her journey. Despite the obstacles, her adventure shines a ray of hope, resonating with audiences facing their own struggles. The story explores closing doors that connect the past, present, and future, leaving a lasting impression.
Directed by Makoto Shinkai and featuring character design by Masayoshi Tanaka, animation direction by Kenichi Tsuchiya, and art direction by Takumi Tanji, “Suzume” is produced by CoMix Wave Films Inc. and distributed by STORY inc.
CoMix Wave Films is a Japanese animation studio responsible for producing all of Makoto Shinkai’s films. The studio aims to create works that display the creators’ abilities while standing the test of time.
STORY inc. is a film production company founded by Yoshihiro Furusawa and Genki Kawamura, the producers of the acclaimed animated feature “Your Name.” The company collaborates with Makoto Shinkai and CoMix Wave Films Inc. to develop and produce films with compelling stories.
For those eager to experience the magic of “Suzume,” the film is now showing in over 200 theaters across the United States and select cities in Canada.
Tickets are now on sale at suzume-movie.com.