"The Garden of Words": A thorough review of a moving film with beautiful visuals and profound themes

"The Garden of Words" - A beautiful story told in a rainy garden

"The Garden of Words" is a short animated film released in 2013 by director Makoto Shinkai. This work is a touching story about the heart-to-heart exchange between Takao, a high school student who meets a mysterious woman, Yukino, on a rainy day. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as recommended points.

Overview

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

May 31, 2013 - January 1, 0000

■Distribution company

Toho Video Division

■Frequencies

46 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Director

・Director: Makoto Shinkai

■ Production

Produced by: CoMix Wave Films Animation Production Cooperation: Answer Studio Produced and Written by: CoMix Wave Films, Shinkai Creative

■Works

©Makoto Shinkai/ CoMix Wave Films

story

Takao, a high school student, aims to be a shoemaker. On rainy days, he skips school and designs shoes at Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo. One day, Takao meets a woman named Yukino there. While drinking beer, Yukino stares at Takao's shoe designs. The two agree to meet every week at Shinjuku Gyoen, only on rainy days.

Takao and Yukino talk about their worries and dreams, and gradually become closer. However, Yukino has a secret, and Takao is also worried about his future. The story unfolds through the secrets that are gradually revealed as the distance between the two of them closes, and the special time they spend together on rainy days.

character

Takao

Takao is a high school student who aspires to be a shoemaker. On rainy days, he skips school and designs shoes at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. He is an introverted and sensitive person, but he grows as a person through his encounter with Yukino. Takao's character symbolizes the struggles of youth and the longing for dreams that are often seen in director Makoto Shinkai's works.

Yukino

A mysterious woman who meets Takao on a rainy day at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. She is seen drinking beer and staring at the design of Takao's shoes. Although Yukino has her own troubles, she treats Takao kindly and provides him with emotional support. Her character is deeply involved in the core of the story, and her secrets are revealed through her relationship with Takao.

Visuals and Music

Makoto Shinkai's works are characterized by beautiful images and music. "The Garden of Words" is no exception, with the rainy scenes and Shinjuku Gyoen scenery carefully depicted in detail. In particular, the way the raindrops fall and the leaves sway are depicted with a realism that makes them look like live-action images.

The music was composed by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS, and it played a role in further deepening the emotion of the story. In particular, the ending theme "Rain" moved many viewers with its beautiful melody that symbolizes the emotional distance between Takao and Yukino.

Recognition and Awards

"The Garden of Words" has received high praise both in Japan and overseas. In particular, director Makoto Shinkai's beautiful visual expression and delicate storytelling have been highly praised, winning awards at many film festivals. Below are some of the major awards it has received.

• 17th Japan Media Arts Festival Animation Division Excellence Award
• 18th Kobe Animation Award Best Work
• 26th Tokyo International Film Festival Japanese Film - Un Certain Regard Best Animation Award

The show has also been highly praised by viewers, with many people feeling touched and sympathetic towards it. In particular, the story, which depicts the struggles of youth and the longing for dreams, has resonated with many young people.

Recommended points

Beautiful images

Makoto Shinkai's works are characterized by beautiful visuals. "The Garden of Words" is no exception, with the rainy scenes and Shinjuku Gyoen scenery carefully depicted in detail. In particular, the way the raindrops fall and the leaves swaying on the trees are depicted with a realism that makes them look like live-action images. These beautiful visuals play a role in further deepening the emotional impact of the story.

Subtle storytelling

The story of "The Garden of Words" delicately depicts the emotional exchange between Takao and Yukino. It carefully depicts how the distance between the two of them closes during the special time they spend together on rainy days. In addition, the gradual unfolding of the story, in which Yukino's secret and Takao's worries are revealed, has the power to draw the viewer in. This delicate storytelling is one of the attractions of director Makoto Shinkai's work.

Inspirational Music

The music was composed by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS, and it plays a role in further deepening the emotion of the story. In particular, the ending theme "Rain" has a beautiful melody that symbolizes the emotional distance between Takao and Yukino, and has touched many viewers. This music is an important element that further enhances the emotion of the story.

Related Titles

Makoto Shinkai's other works are just as well-known for their beautiful visuals and delicate storytelling as The Garden of Words. Below are some of his most famous works.

• "5 Centimeters per Second"
• "Your Name."
• "Weathering with You"

Like "The Garden of Words," these works also depict the struggles of youth and the longing for dreams, and have touched viewers. If you want to enjoy the works of director Makoto Shinkai, be sure to check out these works as well.

summary

"The Garden of Words" is a short animated film by director Makoto Shinkai that features beautiful visuals and delicate storytelling. The touching story of the heart-to-heart exchange between Takao, a high school student, and Yukino, a mysterious woman, who meet on a rainy day, has touched and sympathized with many viewers. This work, which combines beautiful visuals, delicate storytelling, and moving music, is one that you should definitely see.

Makoto Shinkai's other works are also characterized by beautiful images and delicate storytelling, just like The Garden of Words. Be sure to check out these works that depict the struggles of youth and the longing for dreams. The Garden of Words will remain in the hearts of many people as a beautiful story woven in a rainy garden.