It is hard to believe that The Girl Who Leapt Through Time was originally written by Yasutaka Tsutsui, the same guy that created Paprika. They have different themes and atmosphere, connected only by their genre

I initially discovered The Girl Who Leapt Through Time many years ago but not until recently got the chance to actually watch it. By the time I watched it, it has passed its 10th birthday. Because it is not the first of Honda's works that I watched, which is Wolf Children, I was really struck by its familiarity.

Details

• Directed by: Mamoru Hosoda
• Produced by: Takashi Watanabe, Yuichiro Saito
• Screenplay by: Satoko Okudera
• Based on: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time by Yasutaka Tsutsui
• Music by: Kiyoshi Yoshida
• Cinematography: Yoshihiro Tomita
• Edited by: Shigeru Nishiyama
• Production company: Madhouse
• Distributed by: Kadokawa Herald Pictures
• Release date: July 15, 2006
• Running time: 98 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Language: Japanese

Synopsis

From MyAnimeList:

Makoto Konno is in her last year of high school, but is having a hard time deciding what to do with her future. In between enduring the pressure of her teachers and killing time with her best friends, Makoto's life suddenly changes when she accidentally discovers that she is capable of literally leaping through time.

Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo follows Makoto as she plays around with her newfound power. However, she soon learns the hard way that every choice has a consequence, and time is a lot more complicated than it may seem.

Story

This is clearly not an adaptation, rather a completely different film that was set in the same universe with the original novel. However, the differences are the ones that make this film rather shining. There are also differences with the manga adaptation, but somehow they are all related. Apparently, the protagonist in the book is the aunt of the film protagonist.

First of all, the time leap theme or should I say time travel, is one of those genres that has been used too many times that it's easy to spot the correct usage or the wrong one, judging by how the story is weaved alone. I am really impressed with how the theme was delivered and presented, considering so many films used it incorrectly, producing a tangled story and confusing plot. The power of time travel is exposed as minimum as possible. Rather, Hasoda really wants to focus on the other side of time travel: its consequences and effects. That's why there are so many previously undeveloped or never seen before areas that are explored in this film in a way that is mind-boggling and thought-provoking. There will be no paradoxical nonsenses or mind-bending contradicting events. It is so simple that it can be watched by everyone from all age.

I love how Hasoda can really transform the existing novel into something bigger. It's quite rare to see a science fiction film that can blend heart-moving drama and comedy really well. The idea is also refreshing, using time travel not to "save the world from catastrophe" but only to "do flippant things". I have to admit, I had a blast watching the film. The comedy isn't forced at all and the scenes flowed out naturally. It's like a having a carefully mixed cold milk tea. There are absolutely no complaints from me regarding its scene progression.

The pacing is really great, no time "wasted". It smoothly runs along its course. The plot development is also have to be commended because there are no jump or gaps. However, the climax wasn't at its full potential. A little bit vague for my taste, satisfying nonetheless. Like I said, no mysteries left unsolved or plot holes, because the time travel plot device is really basic and used correctly. Great job Hasoda!

Visual

Although it do gives the sense of familiarity with Hasoda's style, I am confused to give my opinions. I guess to compare its animation with current state of the art technology will do it no justice, but I don't really know how to compare it with its contemporaries. I guess if you ask me, I don't "hate" the visual. The fluid motion of characters give a sense of unusual liveliness that I've never seen before.

It's like really watching daily documentary the lives of high school students, something that I can relate to considering my being one. However, I felt like the color, lighting, and tone don't really strike me as "overwhelmingly good". The color especially. It doesn't really give a depth to the characters, at least not as much as I want it to be and quite bland too. But, thank god for it not being another one of those animes that is selling because of its moe characters or waifu materials. Fortunately, the backdrops are quite breath-taking when combined with the soundtrack.

Audio

It has many heart-moving pieces. Especially, the score used in the climax scene sounds very distant and faint, just like the mood. There are comedic scores that really fit the circumstances.  I however don't like the pop-styled song meant to be used to make it more dramatic near the ending because its lyrics are so cheesy and sulky. Nevertheless, it's doing its job properly.

Characters

Mamoru Hasoda seems so brilliant when bringing characters to life. Combined with the feels, the characters are very vibrant and lively. I was very entertained and had a good laugh from watching Makoto's antics and acts. She is very amusing and funny! But, that doesn't mean she can be both endearing and lovable. In the climax scene, she looks just like any other teenagers out there, bursting into tears because of being heartbroken. The voice acting really is superb. Makoto's cries are very sympathetic yet also adorable. Kosuke and Chiaki are also have to be commended, they really are interesting characters with Kosuke being a gentle giant and Chiaki masking his true feelings for the sake of his own agenda. This is by far one the best characterization I've ever seen in such a long time.

Conclusion

I must praise Hasoda for his style of presenting a well-known genre in a different manner than his predecessors. I really enjoyed watching this film. Shinkai can really learn how to blend comedy and drama from this guy. There are no traces of the merging, because it plays as an amalgam of both and really turns out to be different than other films.

This is a must watch for any kind of science fiction fans. Some of you may be a little bit discouraged because how it looks like a shoujo-styled film from the cover and premise. I assure you, you'll have a different opinion after watching it.