SPOILER ALERT:This interview includes details about CrunchyrollsSuzume.
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Can you tell me more about the symbolism behind showcasing these destinations and your resonance with them?
Suzume (2023)Crunchyroll/CoMix Wave Films
MAKOTO SHINKAI:WithSuzume, the different towns she travels to are all disaster-stricken areas.
But for me, thats OK. And then she goes to Kobe, where in 1995, there was a massive earthquake.
And then Tokyo, where in 1923, a hundred years ago, again, another massive earthquake.
Sōta (Hokuto Matsumura) inSuzumeCrunchyroll/CoMix Wave Films
SHINKAI:Japan is a very earthquake-prone region in the world.
DEADLINE: Your prior films have broken many box office records in Japan and are critically acclaimed globally.
Suzume was the first Japanese animated film shown in 20 years at the Berlin Film Festival.
What do you think audiences are responding to in your movies, especially that ofSuzume?
But personally, Im not really sure myself why the audience reacts to my films [laughs].
DEADLINE: Aside from the screenplay, the incredible vocal performances carry a lot of the films weight.
What about them stood out to you in the audition process to cast them?
And we had a range of plus/minus a few years from 18, which was Suzumes age.
And we recorded this film, the voice acting, last summer for two months straight.
I was in the recording booth with both of them, going through each scene by scene.
Which was the most challenging storyline or theme to get across for your film?
And how did you overcome that challenge?
But I would say one of the other big challenges and personal interests of mine was Tamakis character.
The relationship and dynamic between Suzume and Tamaki is one that I havent really explored before.
Theres a scene where Tamaki just shouts out, Give me back my life!
But at some level, that choice means certain sacrifices will come with it.
But I know its something that was a challenge as well.
DEADLINE: Daijin is a challenging character to understand at times.
Hes so mischievous and a little mean.
But were supposed to feel bad for him, right?
Because he wants to be free and live a normal life as a cat.
In developing his character, where do you want audiences to land?
What do you want audiences to think about?
But at the same time, hes this trickster character.
He also metaphorically represents nature because Suzume is facing, is nature itself.
And to me, nature can be quite whimsical.
Take the ocean, for example.
One moment, it’s possible for you to look at it.
Its this beautiful body of water.
But the next, it could turn into a tsunami and attack you.
Daijin never really has his own resolution or cathartic moment.
What was the most difficult and fun aspect for you in working with the animation team for his transformation?
SHINKAI:One of the funniest challenges of design definitely comes from the chair.
I didnt want to make Suzume having a partner [be the sole focus of the movie].
Having depicted that in a very straightforward fashion, the movie wouldve been very serious and very heavy.
So, adjusting that mood was a large reason why we settled on a chair for Sotas character.
With regards to animating the chair, there were definitely its own set of challenges.
Initially, after designing the chair, we attempted to animate it using 2D hand-drawn techniques.
And that alone gets this huge reaction out of the audience, and theres cheer and clamor around that.
How did you land on that idea?
Im sure it was tough back then, but things will get better as you grow up.
This is something I do when I recall certain memories.
Im sure it was tough back then, but things will get better as you grow up.
This is something that I do when I recall certain memories.
you might catchSuzumenow playing in theaters.
