YOUR NAME
The animation was absolutely beautiful with an equally beautiful story and just as beautiful soundtrack. I have watched this film many times in both English and Japanese, and had become hooked onto RADWIMP's music (the main composers of the songs featured in the movie). The characters felt multi-dimensional and alive instead of flat with polished personalities, designs, and backgrounds. The world felt lively with recognizable brands, locations, and diverse background characters featured. I was absolutely hooked and have cried every watch.
SUZUME
I first watched this movie on a plane ride to Japan as part of the free films they offered on the little screen. Directed by the same director of Your Name, the art was breathtakingly beautiful. There are far less characters featured in this because of its rural/countryside setting, but their individual personalities make up for it. The music added intensity during the conflicts, and it was thoroughly entertaining seeing the main character meet and run through different small towns chasing after a yellow chair.
VIOLET EVERGARDEN: THE MOVIE
I cried my eyes out watching this movie. Originally there was supposed to be a season 2 to the original show but because key animators had died during the tragic fire incident, season 2 was ultimately scrapped and years later came out with a movie to end the series. It was heartwarming to see Violet finally settle in with the town after losing her arms during her years as a child soldier, and even more satisfying when she finally reunites with the man that she thought was dead and brought humanity back into her.
TEEN TITANS: TROUBLE IN TOKYO
Other than this style of Teen Titans being the best version of the entire animated franchise, the movie was just a fan favorite of mine as a kid.
ROBIN HOOD
I love the humor and the old style animation. I also loved the little tunes they all sang throughout the movie.
PRINCESS AND THE FROG
This movie is an absolute childhood favorite of mine. I love the characters, especially Lottie, and the music. I still play the songs occasionally because the songs are just that good. The characters have fantastic chemistry with each other and despite the whole frog and voodoo plot, the movie felt realistic because of its depiction of Tiana working long, tiring shifts to start her own business and the overall time-accurate clothing.
WHISPER OF THE HEART
A childhood favorite of mine. I liked the chemistry between the characters and the overall light-hearted story. This movie is like a fresh of breath air because of its slice-of-life themes that make you appreciate the simplicity in life.
PONYO
I cannot get the theme song out of my head to the point that even my friends are hooked onto it. Just like Whisper of the Heart, the story is very light-hearted with a little bit of fantasy and magic that make you appreciate life and the gifts they bring.
HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE
The movie is magical with a motif about war and no matter what side you are on, it will always bring some form of destruction. The music is catchy and adds to the fantasy. The characters are memorable and loveable, with Turnip Head being one of my favorite characters despite his lack of screen time and significance to the plot.
THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY
A childhood favorite of mine that follows the life of Arrietty as a "Borrower", a creature that is similar to humans but are very, very tiny. I loved how the movie visualized the scenes and how something as small like a thumbtack or a bottle cap acts like a table. My favorite part is that a simple clothes pin clip is Arrietty's hair clip.
BIG FISH & BEGONIA
Another childhood favorite of mine despite its pretty upsetting ending. The music is a gem with a very lullaby-like, ethereal sound. The animation is beautiful and the depiction of Chinese mythical creatures are intriguing. I have a bit of disdain for this movie because the character who I thought deserved the whole world and more sacrifices his life for his best friend who favors a mythical creature that she just met. My friends and I bawled our eyes out during this scene.
JOSEE, THE TIGER AND THE FISH
This movie is a bit more comforting and relateable than the others because of its topics of uncertainty and not quite knowing what you want to do with your life. Josee, who is unable to walk and is coddled because of it, is confused as to what she can do with her life other than dream about the ocean that feels so out of reach. Tsuneo shares this same passion for sea life like Josee and becomes a trusted friend of her. Together, they develop a romance while helping Josee out of her shell and pursuing her passions.