I Finally Watched "Tenki No Ko" or "Weathering With You" (my reaction/review)
At long last, I was able to watch the animated film by Makoto Shinkai which is entitled "Tenki no Ko" or "Weathering With You". I missed to watch this film when it was in the theater last year because I and my parents had some important things to do. But since it's now available on Netflix, I could finally watch it! yaaay I mean... I had other means to watch it but the quality was not good, so meh~
At first, I thought the English translation was a bit weird because if you translate the Japanese title literally, it would be "Child of the Weather" or "Weather Child". It actually made sense because as I saw in the movie trailer, the story would have something to do with the weather.
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Here's the trailer of the said anime. As you may have seen, Tokyo has been in constant rain. The weather has been strange for quite sometime until one day, a girl named Hina found a place basked in the sun. It was on top of a worn out building. She tried to check it out and discovered a shrine on top. Once she entered the red "torii", she discovered a brand new world and later on became a child of the weather. (Torii is the Japanese gate which you can usually see upon entering a shrine; it is believed that it is also a gate to the sacred world of gods and other supernatural things...)
A year later, Hina tried to live on normally with her brother, her only family. Despite her age, she looked for part-time jobs to provide for both of them. At one point, she met a guy who actually run away from his family in the countryside.
They ended up becoming friends and when Hina was in dire need of funds, they decided to use her powers gifted by the weather.
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Hodaka (the male protagonist) discovered that Hina is a "hare onna". In Japan, "hare onna" means a woman who attracts the sun, so whenever that woman is around, it won't rain.
In order to make some cash, they decided to use her being "hare onna" to call the sun. People who asked for their help were doubtful at first, but contacted them anyway since there was no harm.
Hodaka created some "teru teru bozu" and hang them on Hina's yellow umbrella. Hina's younger brother Nagi, also wears a "teru teru bozu" outfit as seen in the picture above. In Japan, teru teru bozu" is a doll originally made by farmers and placed outside their windows to call for the sun.
When their first mission was proven successful, they then were contacted by a lot of people. However, all good things also have consequences. And that's for you to find out.
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After watching the movie, I realized that the title "Weathering with you" made sense. The term "weathering" can also mean "face/withstand something with courage". Due to the consequences or perhaps destiny of being a "hare onna" and other situation and complications, the three of them (Hodaka, Hina and Nagi) were separated.
However, they all were given choices which could affect not only themselves but everyone. I personally think that sometimes, we have to be selfish and think of ourselves first. Of course, it's good to be of help to others, but we shouldn't give everything and leave at least something for ourselves. Good thing for the protagonists, they had each other to withstand their problems.
Things Not Really Related to the Main Story That I Enjoyed
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YES!!! It's grownup Taki and Mitsuha! <3 I felt really happy when I saw them in the film. I thought, "WOw... these "senpais" are very supportive of their "kouhais"." (senpai = senior; kouhai = junior)
I also enjoyed watching "Kimi no Na wa" and has watched it multiple times already, so I am so glad to see familiar faces in "Tenki no Ko".
Another thing that I like in this film are the Japanese culture and tradition elements that were introduced. The concept of "hare onna", "teru teru bozu", sending smoke to the sky to guide a dead loved one back to earth (Obon). In addition to that, I also noticed the eggplant and cucumber! I remember one of my students told me about this story. If I remember correctly, the cucumber is a horse. It will help the ancestor reach the earth from the afterlife faster. The eggplant is a cow, and it will help the ancestor go back to the afterlife. The reason why it's a cow is because of its sturdiness. It will help the ancestor carry the offerings their loved ones on earth prepared for them back to the afterlife.
I know these are just minor details, but for someone who's into Japanese culture and related stuff, I really felt happy to see it being portrayed in the film. My student would probably call me a "Japan culture maniac" for this.. lol
In the end, I and mama really enjoyed watching it. There are a lot of things to learn and to ponder on. It's another great movie by Makoto Shinkai. The soundtrack was amazing, too! It made the movie more dramatic and intense.
If you get the chance, I hope you watch it, too! Thanks for checking out this post! I'll be reviewing more anime movie/series and other stuff... so stay tuned! Have a great one! <3
It was only until recently that I saw the film as well. The concept is indeed very interesting but as always, the cinematography of the animations by Makoto never disappoints.
I am quite new to the intricacies and complexities of anime. No wonder a lot of people adore them! I wish I was exposed to it much sooner. You are one of the few people I know in the block chain who enjoy anime and Japanese culture. That being said, I look forward to your future anime recommendations.
By the way, are you a fan of Shingeki no Kyojin? lol
Don't mind me haha I am just passing through. I am thinking of making a comeback here in HIVE. It's nice to know a few familiar faces are still making good progress in the crypto blogging world. See you around!
Hey! I remember you!! @maimaimaichan's bro! The nurse from CNU, right!? Welcome back! :)
Yes, I'm a fan of Shingeki no Kyojin, though I haven't updated myself with the manga. Heard it's coming to an end, so I'd better read again. :)