5 Centimeters Per Second

Three vignettes come together to tell one of the most honest depictions of young love in media.

Among all of Makoto Shinkai's films, "5 Centimeters Per Second" remains my favorite for its uncommonly grounded and realistic love story. Unlike most of his other repertoire, there is no supernatural element, and in its place are the simple realities of growing up. Although the character art is not as refined as in his later works, Makoto's signature environmental art in this movie has not lost its luster with age. I consider this required viewing for all fans of his other movie "Your Name", and highly recommend it for everyone who recalls yearning for love in their youth.