What Is 5 Cm Per Second About

Ever heard of 5 Centimeters Per Second? It's an anime movie, but trust me, it's not your typical giant-robot-fighting, magical-girl-transforming kind of anime. This one hits you right in the feels, like accidentally stubbing your toe on a lego… repeatedly.

So, what’s it actually about? Well, on the surface, it's a story about Takaki Tono and his childhood friend, Akari Shinohara.

These two are inseparable, bonded by shared interests and that awkward, adorable, pre-teen love we all secretly remember (or desperately try to forget!).

The Heart of the Matter: Distance

But here's the kicker: life throws them a curveball bigger than a toddler armed with a frosting-covered cake.

Akari's family moves away. Then Takaki's family moves away too! Suddenly, the distance between them becomes a HUGE, UNYIELDING, SUPER-ANNOYING obstacle.

This isn't just a “down the street” kind of move. We're talking hundreds of miles, folks. Imagine trying to order your favorite pizza if the pizza place was on another planet.

Why 5 Centimeters Per Second?

Now, about that title: 5 Centimeters Per Second. What does that even MEAN?!

Well, it refers to the speed at which cherry blossom petals fall. Beautiful, right? But also super fleeting and temporary.

Just like, you know, EVERYTHING IS IN LIFE! It's a metaphor! BAM! 🤯

It's about how life drifts us apart, slowly but surely, like those darn petals. It’s like trying to hold onto water; the tighter you grip, the more slips through your fingers. Deep stuff, I know.

Three Stories, One Overarching Theme

The movie is broken down into three short stories, each showcasing a different stage in Takaki's life and his (mostly unsuccessful) attempts to navigate love and longing.

The first part, "Cherry Blossom," is all about young love and the desperate measures taken to stay connected. Think heartfelt letters, painstakingly planned train journeys… basically, all the stuff you did before texting was a thing.

The second part, "Cosmonaut," introduces Kanae, a girl completely and hopelessly in love with Takaki. She attempts to confess her feelings, but our protagonist is too caught up in memories of Akari to notice her love.

The final part, "5 Centimeters Per Second," jumps ahead several years. Takaki is now an adult, grappling with the weight of his past and the realization that some connections just… fade.

Spoiler alert: No, they don’t end up together. I know, tragic! But the movie is so mesmerizing because it acknowledges how real-life first love often does.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

5 Centimeters Per Second is essentially a masterclass in melancholy. It explores themes of distance, longing, lost love, and the bittersweet passage of time.

It's less about plot twists and more about lingering shots of beautiful scenery, accompanied by a soul-crushingly beautiful soundtrack. The film will evoke the nostalgia for times you've never lived!

The animation is stunning, by the way. I watched it for the first time in 2007 and still go back to marvel at the art style. Every scene is so visually captivating that each frame is a work of art.

Think of it as a visual poem set to music. And yes, you WILL probably cry. Maybe even a lot.

But it's a good cry, the kind that makes you appreciate the people in your life and the memories you've made.

So, if you're looking for a movie that will make you think, feel, and maybe even shed a tear or two, give 5 Centimeters Per Second a try. Just be sure to have a box of tissues handy… and maybe a hug from a friend.

Or several hugs. You'll probably need them.