"Time waits for no one" - a significant statement in this intriguing and entertaining movie. Another significant statement is "Every action has consequences". Somewhat like the movie "Groundhog Day" but with a lot more elegance and less slapstick comedy, Makoto manages to re-insert herself back into time to replay or avoid an event. This movie is another one (like 5 centimetres per second) that explores a simple concept and weaves around an engaging story with likeable main characters. Makoto comes across initially as well-meaning and earnest (a bit of a tom-boy), but becomes abrasive and off-putting when she regularly takes advantage of her newfound ability. Thinking that her life and everything is wonderful because she can replay and re-insert herself back into events shows how inconsiderate she can be.  This change becomes one of the deeper themes that comes through and she tries to reconcile further the consequences of her earlier actions as she gradually realises that each action she takes (or re-takes) has ongoing consequences for herself and others. The other characters are also likeable: Chiaki is brash, physical and obstinate (and has a secret). Kosuke is studious, reliable, and doesn't put up with crap. The interaction between the three main cast members shows a bit of a triangle — not a "love triangle" — but I get the impression that both Chiaki and Kosuke like Makoto as a little sister; and she has feelings for them both but has problems expressing them. The story and characters are deep, meaningful, and entirely enjoyable.

 

Visually, there is nothing to complain about as the Blu-Ray version looks very nice. Character designs are rather plain, but that helps reinforce the gravitas and realism of the story (no big-breasted bimbos in this movie, sorry). The scenery is very nicely detailed and invariably has subtle references to time passing (e.g. distant vehicles moving, sunsets, flowing water). On the technical side, the Blu-Ray release does look very nice in its full-HD presentation; and, as expected, is a big step up from an upscaled DVD in terms of the clarity of the detail and images. A quick comparison to the earlier DVD release showed some softness on that format as the player upscales it to a HD presentation. On the Blu-Ray version, the whole visual presentation is crisp, gorgeously detailed and is a good movie to watch on a big screen as one can easily become absorbed in it.

 

On the audio front, there is a good Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack for both English and Japanese dialogue. Most of the focus is on the dialogue which takes the front speakers. There are some sequences where the dialogue heads off to the surround channels, one particular case being a conversation between Makoto and Chiaki in a time-frozen segment. Surround is often for music or effects and is used sparingly. My preference was to listen to the dialogue in the original Japanese, and I got a convincing performance. Makoto brings across a brashness and cockiness that is tempered by uncertainty as the movie progresses. One thing I did notice at times was the absence of some subtitles, more often than not when the dialogue went to the surround channels or there was ancillary background talking. While this was not a fatal flaw, there were some parts of the original dialogue that were omitted — just something to watch for if you're listening to the original Japanese track. Interestingly, they were present on the earlier DVD release (again, a quick comparison verified this). The music is simple with a classical focus, often a solo piano, which again reinforces a seriousness to the whole story. Wholly appropriate, the music does a very good job to support the mood which can change pace quickly from contemplative and light to grim and urgent.

 

This movie comes with a bonus Blu-Ray disc which re-shows the movie using the original storyboards - an interesting insight to what the producers and director were thinking originally. Other extras include an interview with the director, music video clip of the closing theme (which is great in its own right), trailers, teasers and promos. Highly recommended for a change of pace that blends a bit of fantasy (time travel) into a meaningful and enjoyable story with wholesome themes and a very nice HD presentation on Blu-Ray. This movie isn't what I'd call a "classic", but I have definitely enjoyed watching it several times - and getting little extra nuances out each time.  You may come away thinking about one other theme, as I did: "Make the most of what you have". Definitely worth 4 stars for a fairly innovative story, plenty of drama and a very nice visual presentation.

 

Review by David Hewetson

 

Review gear: Sony XBR 46" LCD TV, Sony Playstation3 Slim, Pioneer VSX-1019 AH AV receiver, all connections using HDMI.