For those of you who have watched “5 Centimeters Per Second” (also known as Byōsoku Go Senchimētoru), this should be a familiar title. If not, read on.

Also known by the english name “The Place Promised In Our Early Days”, it is an earlier work by Makoto Shinkai released in November 2004.

As per 5 Centimeters Per Second, it is an animation film with many themes embedded within it and not for those who are just looking for plain action. What I find most attractive with his works is the beautiful background design and animation. Not to mention the insert songs are a joy to listen too. I recommend this for those who are looking for something a little more soulful than just 24 min hack slash action episodes.

I have been starting to pick up Animation films/movies/whatever. So far, I have watched the following:-
-Brave Story
-5 Centimeters Per Second
-Hoshi no Koe
-The Girl who Leapt Through Time
-The Place Promised in Our Early Days

I have got a few more with me waiting to be watched. Do you have any recommendations? Nothing too old though.

If you enjoy Makoto Shinkai’s works, you can also try Hoshi no Koe. While the character animation is rather rough, it is an impressive work as the entire 25 min OVA was done by himself alone, with he and his wife as voice actors. From what I know, there are 2 versions. The directors cut is the original work while there is another one with proper voice actors.

Screenshots below.