[Review] “There Are Love Stories Like Cherry Blossoms Floating: 5 Centimeters Per Second”
“5 Centimeters Per Second” is a deeply emotional work by Shinkai Makoto that depicts the coming-of-age journey of the protagonist, Toono Takaki, from his school years to adulthood. The story is not just about love but also explores themes of growth, loss, and the distances that cannot be bridged.
The film begins with the image of cherry blossoms falling at a speed of 5 cm/s. This is not only a beautiful metaphor but also reflects the nature of the relationships in Takaki’s life. The cherry blossoms, with their fragile beauty, symbolize the fleeting yet beautiful moments in life. Takaki and Yukari, his first love, share a pure and innocent love akin to the cherry blossoms. However, geographical distance and time separate them, leaving Takaki with a profound sense of longing.
Takaki and Yukari’s first love is beautiful but unfulfilled. Despite its passion and freshness, it cannot last over time. Their love is severed by distance, and their connection gradually fades. The image of the cherry blossoms falling slowly represents the end of their relationship, serving as a reminder that some beautiful things cannot be preserved. This separation not only causes pain but also deeply affects Takaki, making it difficult for him to fully let go of the past and live completely in the present.
The second part of the story focuses on Sumida’s unrequited love, a classmate who secretly loves Takaki. This is a love that is never reciprocated, depicted as the persistent waves of the sea constantly hitting the shore. Sumida, with her silent and steadfast affection, loves Takaki but cannot enter his heart. This unrequited love highlights not only the pain and helplessness of one-sided love but also the bravery of youth in facing their emotions, even knowing that they may not be returned.
As Takaki grows up, he continues to love, but his relationships are all influenced by the painful memories of the past. He is unable to love fully, and this unintentionally harms the women who love him. The beautiful memories of his first love, instead of being a source of inspiration, become a burdensome weight. This emphasizes the difficulty of letting go of the past and living fully in the present.
“5 Centimeters Per Second” is not just a story about love but also a profound lesson on growth and the ability to let go. The book shows that allowing the past to become a burden not only hurts oneself but also those around them. However, the story also brings relief and tranquility as Takaki eventually accepts the past and lets the memories blend with the breeze, along with the cherry blossoms falling at a speed of 5 cm/s.
This film is a deep exploration of love, loss, and maturity. By reading “5 Centimeters Per Second,” you will find reflections of yourself within its pages and resonate with the character’s sorrows and contemplations. Even if you have experienced similar things, “5 Centimeters Per Second” reminds us that the past should not be a barrier to loving and enjoying the present.
