Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Stars: Riisa Naka, Takuya Ishida, Mitsutaka Itakura, Ayami Kakiuchi
Makoto (Naka) is a teenage girl who finds that she can leap through time. At first she tries to use it to her advantage but soon discovers that what she changes can have unforeseen consequences.
Time travel is a well-worn path in fiction so at times it can seem tired. I don’t know what it is, but The Girl Who Leapt Through Time feels fresh. Perhaps it’s just because it’s animated, but it was a pleasant story with some good humor thrown in. I liked the protagonist and felt invested in her as she tried to change certain things. I also liked how even though she goes through time she’s not all-knowing, and there are still things that take her by surprise. Many of the situations are funny and whimsical while others have serious consequences and I liked the balance struck between the two.
The plot was structured well and I enjoyed the resolution, which seemed fitting and heartfelt. I also liked how the source of the time travel was revealed and explained. The visuals were gorgeous and I absolutely loved the animation when Makoto time traveled. I really enjoyed The Girl Who Leapt Through Time so it’s one that I definitely recommend.
