'Suzume' locks in anime stereotypes

May 11, 2023

Makoto Shinkai’s “Suzume” tries to use dazzling shots and brilliant colors to make up for a silly story but ends up conveluted and full of cliches.

Diehard anime fans might enjoy this adventure story for its dedication to anime stereotypes but casual anime-watchers will likely be unimpressed.

This animated Japanese fantasy film follows a 17-year-old girl who’s roped into battling a life-threatening magical phenomenon. Suzume, voiced by Nanoka Hara and Akari Miura, encounters a mysterious, yet charming man named Sōta (Hokuto Matsumura) on her way to school one day. Soon after their...

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