Tokyo is currently experiencing rain showers that seem to disrupt the usual pace of everyone living there to no end. Amidst this seemingly eternal downpour arrives the runaway high school student Hodaka Morishima, who struggles to financially support himself—ending up with a job at a small-time publisher. At the same time, the orphaned Hina Amano also strives to find work to sustain herself and her younger brother.
Both fates intertwine when Hodaka attempts to rescue Hina from shady men, deciding to run away together. Subsequently, Hodaka discovers that Hina has a strange yet astounding power: the ability to call out the sun whenever she prays for it. With Tokyo's unusual weather in mind, Hodaka sees the potential of this ability. He suggests that Hina should become a "sunshine girl"—someone who will clear the sky for people when they need it the most.
Things begin looking up for them at first. However, it is common knowledge that power always comes with a hefty price…
Tenki no Ko (Weathering with You): A Storm of Emotional Brilliance
In the realm of romantic fantasy anime, Tenki no Ko, also known as Weathering with You, is a breathtaking addition with its surreal mix of teenage love, fantastical elements, and poignant social commentary. Set in a constantly rain-drenched Tokyo, the story revolves around Hodaka Morishima, a runaway high school student from a small isolated island, and Hina Amano, a charming girl possessing an extraordinary ability to control the weather. Desperate to find a purpose in life, Hodaka stumbles upon an employment opportunity with a dubious occult magazine, and amidst this chaos, he encounters Hina – the sunshine girl, thus setting the stage for a heart-tugging romance.
Hina, burdened with the responsibility of taking care of her younger brother after their mother’s death, is struggling to make ends meet when she discovers her special powers. As the story unfolds, the two young souls, alienated by society, find solace in each other’s company, and together they embark on an enchanting yet perilous adventure where they must confront their demons, both real and metaphorical, and make sacrifices to save their world from an unending deluge.
Storyline & Character Development
Tenki no Ko is nothing short of a breathtaking tale that effortlessly interweaves elements of love, sacrifice, and youthful rebellion, all against a backdrop of unrelenting rain that mirrors the furor of teenage emotions. A recurring theme prevalent throughout the narrative is isolation – not just the physical, but emotional isolation that arises amidst the sprawling cityscape. The film beautifully captures this emotional turmoil, with moments of raw vulnerability that tug at your heartstrings.
The characters are well fleshed-out with compelling backstories, making their journey even more immersive. Hodaka’s adolescent spirit and Hina’s steadfast resilience combine to form a duo that you can’t help but root for. The supporting characters ensure the plot remains on course, each with a significant role to play.
Art & Animation
The art and animation are nothing short of spectacular. Tinged with standout moments of detailed craftsmanship, CoMix Wave Films has outdone itself with Tenki no Ko. The rain-drenched pavements, gleaming city lights, and the breathtaking renditions of the sun-filled skies, all weave an enchantment that captivates you right from the first frame.
Music & Sound
In terms of scoring, RADWIMPS certainty hit the nail on the head, delivering a series of memorable tracks that blend seamlessly into the narrative, surging forth at critical moments to amplify the emotional impact and offering subtle undertones in quieter scenes. The voice acting complements the musical brilliance, lending an empathetic depth to each character.
Final Thoughts
Tenki no Ko is a remarkable story of love, friendship, and sacrifice, all wrapped under a meteorological phenomenon. It’s a heart-rending tale, emphasized by Girl-heavy truths about the human futility before the inexorable forces of nature. It is another testament to Shinkai’s ability to compose vibrant, emotive, and socially relevant narratives.
As The Anime Critic, I would strongly recommend you to buy or stream this intellectual soul-food. It’s a visual delight with immersive storytelling that will leave you breathless, yet asking for more. So brace yourselves as the Weathering with You sweeps over you, possibly leaving you drenched in a whirlpool of varying emotions.
Be the first to leave a review.
