Anime Reign Magazine | Page 47

www.worldanimeclub.com I don’t think I’ve ever seen anywhere before. There are times when watching a Shinkai film when I wonder how it’s even possible that a human being can create animation of such surpassing beauty, and Kotonoha no Niwa is certainly no exception. The Garden of Words is probably the most beautiful animated film I’ve ever seen. In terms of background detail, fluid animation, exquisite and seamless use of CGI and sheer style, it sets a new standard even for this director. From the beginning to the end, I found myself catching my breath from time to time, from the sheer beauty of this work. The film is entirely atmospheric and full of ambient sounds of nature. But above all there is the sound of rain. This film is absolutely drenched in water. Rain is the true star of the film. Rain is the “code” that enables the two to meet. Rain is what transforms the garden from a tourist trap to an isolated space in which two kindred souls find themselves meeting. Rain is undiscriminating in where it falls, and who it falls upon. And rain, of course, provides the opportunity for some of the most stunning and detailed imagery yet. Anime Reign | Issue 2 | 2013 At times, we even find rain taking the place of words. Indeed, Th Rv&FV