Review of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (1997) by Nick B — 31 Mar 2012

For about an hour, this is a very charming, entertaining, funny film that's difficult to take your eyes off. Then, out of nowhere, it turns into a near-harrowing, emotionally draining drama that's IMPOSSIBLE to take your eyes off.

I cannot overstate how dramatic and how devastating that switch is. The funny thing is, you barely even notice it's happened; but when time stops, and the score drops out, and the film drops two devastating bombshells within two minutes, you suddenly realise you've been glued to the screen for 15 minutes and you can't wait to find out how the film will end. By just changing tack, the film drives home every strength and then some - you suddenly realise, for instance, how closely you've come to relate with Makoto, an awkward, excitable, socially uncomfortable schoolgirl that can't quite decide whether she's hero or anti-hero. You realise how those flaws are exactly what makes her so human, so easy to understand. You even begin to realise how you've entered the dynamic between the three main characters, all of whom conform to high school stereotypes and yet remain unquestionably three dimensional. It's only when the characters are in danger that this really comes to light.

Others are probably going to describe the last 40 minutes of this film as depressing (my fiancà (C)e certainly did, for one). As for me, the only thing I thought was depressing was the film had to end. I've haven't come across anything this compulsively watchable since Ponyo. I just can't find fault here - it's funny, it's charming, it's deeply affecting, it's complex without being obtuse, it's easy to understand despite its lofty concept, it's beautifully and realistically animated, and it doesn't resort to clichà (C) nor platitudes. Scoff all you like at the idea of a film about a time-travelling schoolgirl using her powers to pass tests, get to school on time, and fix people's relationships - The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is utterly flawless.