journalofserviceclimatology.org – Weathering with You (Tenki no Ko), directed by Makoto Shinkai, is a stunning follow-up to his 2016 global hit Your Name. Released in 2019, Weathering with You continues Shinkai’s exploration of themes like love, fate, and the passage of time, while also introducing a fresh narrative that grapples with environmental concerns, the unpredictability of nature, and the consequences of human choices. With breathtaking animation, a compelling story, and an emotionally charged soundtrack, Weathering with You solidified Shinkai’s reputation as one of the leading directors in contemporary anime.
The film combines elements of romance, fantasy, and environmental commentary, all while remaining deeply personal and heartfelt. Weathering with You tells the story of a runaway boy who meets a girl with the extraordinary ability to control the weather, leading to a romantic adventure that tests the characters’ limits, explores the complexities of sacrifice, and ultimately raises questions about the impact of human actions on the world.
Plot Overview
Set in a rainy, near-future Tokyo, Weathering with You follows Hodaka Morishima (voiced by Kotaro Daigo), a 16-year-old boy who runs away from his rural home in search of a new life in the city. Upon arriving in Tokyo, he struggles to find his footing, getting involved in a series of odd jobs. His life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Hina Amano (voiced by Nana Mori), a young girl who possesses a mysterious ability—she can make the weather clear up just by praying.
Hodaka and Hina soon team up, turning her unique ability into a business where she uses her powers to bring sunshine to people who need it for events or special occasions. However, as they grow closer, they begin to realize that Hina’s power comes with grave consequences: every time she uses her ability, the weather becomes increasingly unstable, and her powers are linked to a supernatural, otherworldly force.
As the stakes grow higher, Hodaka must decide whether to continue helping Hina, knowing that each use of her power is contributing to a larger, irreversible shift in the world’s natural balance. The story takes a dramatic and emotional turn as the characters are forced to confront the true cost of their choices and the consequences of their love.
Themes: Love, Sacrifice, and the Environment
Love and Sacrifice
At the heart of Weathering with You is a love story that tests the boundaries of fate and selflessness. Hodaka and Hina share a deep bond, forged through their shared struggles and their efforts to protect each other. Their relationship evolves from an unlikely partnership to a profound romantic connection, and the sacrifices they make for each other are at the film’s emotional core.
Hodaka’s love for Hina drives many of his decisions throughout the film, and as he becomes more aware of the consequences of Hina’s powers, he faces an agonizing choice: whether to preserve the world’s natural order or sacrifice it for the sake of his love. His ultimate decision highlights the powerful tension between love and responsibility, as well as the selflessness that comes with true affection.
Hina, too, faces her own internal conflict. Though she loves Hodaka, she knows that her powers are tied to something greater than herself and that continuing to use them could have catastrophic effects. Her willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of the world, and for Hodaka, reflects the depth of her character and the complexities of the choices they both face.
The Power of Nature and Climate Change
Weathering with You is not just a love story—it also functions as a subtle commentary on the environment and climate change. The relentless rain that plagues Tokyo serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable and uncontrollable forces of nature. As the weather becomes more erratic and the city suffers from floods and storms, the film highlights the tension between human actions and the natural world.
Hina’s ability to control the weather reflects a yearning to control nature, but the film also shows that meddling with the environment comes with consequences. The more Hina uses her power to stop the rain and bring sunshine, the more destructive the weather becomes. This dynamic draws attention to humanity’s tendency to exploit nature, believing that we can control it without considering the long-term effects.
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that nature cannot be controlled indefinitely. The film suggests that the natural world has its own rhythms and forces, and that human attempts to control or change these forces can lead to unintended consequences. The environmental message in Weathering with You serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked human intervention in the natural world, with global climate issues subtly woven into the narrative.
Fate and Free Will
Like Your Name, Weathering with You explores the theme of fate and how human choices intersect with the forces of destiny. The characters grapple with the idea that their lives are guided by something larger than themselves, but they also have the power to shape their own futures through their decisions.
Hodaka’s journey is marked by his struggle against the constraints of fate. As he tries to change the course of his life, he learns that some things are beyond his control. Yet, his willingness to make choices for the people he loves—particularly Hina—demonstrates his agency within a world that often seems dictated by forces outside of his influence. The conflict between fate and free will is central to the film, as the characters must navigate the tension between destiny’s pull and their own desires.
In Hina’s case, her powers represent a kind of predetermined fate that she cannot escape. Despite her agency in choosing how and when to use her powers, the consequences of her actions are tied to an unalterable cosmic balance. As Hodaka and Hina struggle to find a way to be together, they must confront the reality that their choices have profound consequences, and that fate is not easily defied.
The City and Urban Isolation
Weathering with You is set in a densely populated Tokyo, and the film uses the cityscape as a backdrop for its exploration of loneliness and connection. Tokyo’s sprawling urban environment, with its towering buildings and busy streets, is depicted as both a place of opportunity and a place of isolation.
Hodaka’s journey is marked by his sense of disconnection from the world around him. Arriving in Tokyo as a runaway, he finds himself struggling to find a sense of belonging. The city’s vastness reflects his inner turmoil, as he tries to carve out a place for himself in a world that feels indifferent to his existence. The film juxtaposes the bustling city with the quiet, intimate moments between Hodaka and Hina, highlighting the way the characters find solace in each other despite the overwhelming scale of their surroundings.
The city itself becomes a character in the film, with its moods and weather reflecting the emotional states of the protagonists. The persistent rain and shifting skies mirror the uncertainty and longing that both characters feel as they navigate their personal struggles and their burgeoning relationship.
Animation and Visual Style
As with Your Name, Weathering with You is visually stunning, with Shinkai’s signature style of beautifully rendered landscapes and breathtaking attention to detail. The animation is vibrant and filled with light, especially in the depiction of Tokyo, which comes alive with rich colors and textures. The film’s use of weather as a central motif is masterfully executed, with the dynamic shifts in weather adding both visual flair and thematic weight to the story.
The film’s portrayal of rain, in particular, is spectacular, with each drop and puddle meticulously animated to convey the weight and texture of the environment. The scenes of sunshine breaking through the clouds are equally beautiful, symbolizing hope and renewal. Shinkai’s use of light and color in Weathering with You enhances the emotional depth of the story, with the visuals complementing the characters’ emotional arcs.
The soundtrack, composed by Radwimps, is another standout feature of the film. The music perfectly captures the emotional highs and lows of the story, from the tender moments of romance to the intense moments of conflict. The score adds a layer of poignancy and urgency to the narrative, intensifying the film’s exploration of love, sacrifice, and the environment.
Legacy and Reception
Weathering with You received widespread acclaim upon its release, with praise directed at its animation, emotional depth, and the complexity of its themes. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $180 million worldwide, and was well-received by audiences both in Japan and abroad. It was nominated for numerous awards, including the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, further cementing Makoto Shinkai’s status as a master of contemporary animation.
Critics and audiences have noted that while Weathering with You shares thematic similarities with Your Name, it is a more mature and nuanced film, with a deeper exploration of environmental issues and the moral implications of human actions. The film’s focus on the consequences of intervening in nature, as well as its complex take on love and sacrifice, has made it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work.
Conclusion
Weathering with You (2019) is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that blends romance, fantasy, and environmental commentary into a unique cinematic experience. Makoto Shinkai’s masterful direction and animation, combined with a thoughtful exploration of love, fate, and the natural world, make it a standout work in contemporary anime. The film’s poignant story, grounded in the complexities of human relationships and the power of choice, resonates deeply with audiences, continuing Shinkai’s legacy as a filmmaker who excels at capturing the beauty and fragility of the human experience.
