5 Centimeters Per Second (2007)

From a purely visual standpoint, 5 Centimeters Per Second is one of the most beautiful films ever made. The animation is incredibly smooth, so much so that it sometimes feels like you're watching a live action film set in a world where everything looks like a drawing. The backgrounds are stunning and gorgeously detailed. Even shots of the mundane feel heartbreakingly lovely, and every second is a joy to watch.

However, in spite of the fact that I deeply connect to the subject matter, the film's storyline has always left me feeling a little cold. There's something that keeps me from from rooting for the characters or feeling invested in their lives. This might be intentional, but it keeps the movie from being the masterpiece it could be. Instead, it's just a nice little movie with a dreamlike quality that can't be beat if you're in the mood for scenery porn.

3.5 falling sakura blossoms out of 5