Weathering With You, directed by Makoto Shinkai, is a Japanese animated romantic fantasy film that follows a 16-year-old high school boy, Hodaka Morishima, who runs away from his troubled rural home to Tokyo and later befriends Hina Amano, an orphaned girl who has the ability to control the weather. Released in 2019, the anime explores love, sacrifice, and the delicate balance between human emotions and nature. You can stream it on Amazon Prime and Netflix.
Plot Summary
The story follows Hodaka Morishima, a high school runaway who escapes his small island town for the bustling streets of Tokyo. Struggling to make ends meet, he finds work as an assistant at a small occult magazine that investigates urban legends.
Tokyo, however, is experiencing an unusual and seemingly endless rainfall, which has left the city in a state of gloom. Hodaka’s life takes a drastic turn when he meets Hina Amano, a bright and optimistic girl with a mysterious ability—she can control the weather. Known as the “sunshine girl,” Hina can summon sunlight in specific areas, clearing the rain for a short time.
Seeing a potential solution to Tokyo’s relentless downpours, Hodaka and Hina start a business offering sunshine services to those in need of clear skies for special events. As their bond deepens, Hodaka learns that Hina’s power comes with a price.
Her ability to manipulate the weather is tied to ancient beliefs about the “weather maiden”—a girl chosen by the sky to restore balance, but one who must eventually sacrifice herself to stop the continuous rain. Faced with this heartbreaking reality, Hodaka makes the difficult choice to defy fate and save Hina, even if it means risking the future of Tokyo itself.
Emotional Depth and Visual Mastery
Like Your Name, Weathering With You showcases Makoto Shinkai’s signature blend of stunning visuals and emotionally charged storytelling. Every frame is a masterpiece, from the vibrant rain-soaked streets of Tokyo to the awe-inspiring moments when Hina brings forth rays of sunlight to part the clouds.
The film’s use of weather as a metaphor for human emotions adds a layer of depth, making each scene feel rich with meaning. The relationship between Hodaka and Hina is the emotional core of the film. Their youthful innocence and deep connection drive the story forward, as they both struggle with the weight of their decisions.
The tension builds as Hodaka becomes increasingly desperate to protect Hina, while she grapples with her destiny. The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker sides of love and sacrifice, making their journey both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Makoto Shinkai once again demonstrates his mastery of visual storytelling, crafting a film that is both visually breathtaking and emotionally resonant. The film’s exploration of love, fate, and the environment makes it a compelling watch, while its heartwarming yet bittersweet story ensures it lingers long after the credits roll.
Themes of Nature, Fate, and Responsibility
One of the central themes of Weathering With You is the relationship between humanity and nature. The film draws attention to climate change and the impact of human activity on the environment, using Tokyo’s ceaseless rain as a reflection of the world’s growing environmental concerns.
As Hina gains more control over the weather, it becomes clear that her powers are not just magical but a reflection of the natural world’s imbalance. The concept of fate plays a crucial role as well. Hina’s destiny as the “sunshine girl” and the ancient rituals surrounding her power suggest that nature has its own rules, and breaking them comes at a cost.
Hodaka’s decision to prioritize his love for Hina over the fate of Tokyo raises thought-provoking questions about responsibility, sacrifice, and the lengths we go to for those we love.
Shinkai once again proves that he can craft unforgettable stories where love, sacrifice, and fate are inextricably linked, reminding us that even in a world filled with uncertainty, the human heart will always find a way to shine through.
Richly Developed Characters
The film offers a rich tapestry of character development, not just for the main duo but for the supporting cast as well. Hodaka’s journey from a scared runaway to someone willing to defy the world for love is compelling, while Hina’s quiet strength and internal struggle make her a character to root for.
Even side characters like Kei, Hodaka’s gruff yet kind-hearted employer, and Nagi, Hina’s charming younger brother, add depth and warmth to the narrative.
Shinkai’s portrayal of Tokyo itself is noteworthy. The city is a character in its own right, pulsating with life even under constant rain. Its detailed depiction—from the bustling streets to the small moments of everyday life—adds an immersive quality to the film, making viewers feel as though they are walking alongside the characters.
With a poignant narrative, rich character development, and some of the most beautiful animation seen in modern anime, Weathering With You is a standout film that solidifies Shinkai’s place as one of the most influential directors in the anime world.
Verdict
Weathering With You is an enchanting and thought-provoking anime film that seamlessly blends romance, fantasy, and social commentary. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the intricate ties between human emotions and the natural world. For fans of Your Name or anyone seeking a heartfelt and visually stunning experience, this is a film that should not be missed.