YOUr name
Star-crossed lovers
released OUT NOW! 2016 | 12 | Blu-ray/dVd
Director Makoto shinkai Cast Kana Hanazawa, etsuko Ichihara, ryûnosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi
The body swap is a classic set-up, one that’s often played for slapstick and laughs. Think Freaky Friday or It’s A Boy Girl Thing. This anime has the potential to be just as frothy, but director Makoto Shinkai subverts expectations, using the body-swap template to create a story that brims with longing and dreamy imagery.
Following a mysterious meteor shower, two teenagers – smalltown girl Mitsuha and city boy Taki – start swapping bodies three times a week. There are moments played for laughs, and it’s easy to giggle along as Mitsuha and Taki get to grips with becoming the opposite gender while reluctantly getting to know each other. But Shinkai also explores the heartache of being so young. Mitsuha and Taki’s gangly awkwardness will ring true for many viewers, and so will their acute yearning to belong.
At times the charm can judder to a halt – the soundtrack has a tendency to spill over into blaring indie pop, and a few under-theskirt panty shots feel a bit icky. But it’s a film that’ll make you laugh, then make you ache – and that’s quite an achievement.
Extras A Japanese TV piece promoting the film, including snippets of interviews with the director and cast (22 minutes); a look at Makoto Shinkai’s previous films (11 minutes); trailers and Japanese promos.
Your Name is the highest-grossing anime film of all time, even surpassing Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away.