"Suzume": A girl, a cat, and doors you'd never want to open!

Suzume stumbles upon Sota, and lo and behold, a door that's anything but ordinary. What happens when your front door opens into another dimension? She's about to find out, and you're invited!

Just Closed Doors and Open Mysteries

So, there's Suzume, a 17-year-old living her tranquil life until she quite literally stumbles upon Sota. Yeah, this guy, a young man who’s way too serious with a job no one in their right mind would want: closing doors that should never be opened. Because, let’s face it, what lies behind those doors isn't paradise but rather a jumble of things you wouldn’t want to bump into, not even in a video game.

And so our adventure begins, as Suzume, driven by curiosity (and perhaps a bit of school boredom), decides to follow Sota. They discover a door that leads nowhere good, one of those doors that makes you think, "oh, I should have listened to my mother when she told me to mind my own business." But it's too late now, the door is open and what's behind it? Not the wardrobe to Narnia, but a starry field that looks like it's straight out of a low-budget film.

Between one door closing and the next, Suzume finds herself battling supernatural forces (yes, there are giant worms, because why not?) and uncovering pieces of her past that might have been better left buried. And while all this unfolds, you can’t help but wonder: "What mess have I gotten myself into this time?"

In this delightful chaos, Suzume not only learns to close physical doors but also metaphorical ones, dealing with the tragedies of her past and the strange, new friendship with a guy who has more issues than one could count. And all this while trying to not end the world as we know it. No big deal, just another day in the life of a girl who just wanted to go to school.

In summary, "Suzume's" plot drags you into a journey that's as absurd as it is enthralling, with a mix of "What on earth is happening?" and "Ah, now I get it!" moments that will keep you hooked until the last page, or better said, the last frame.

Suzume Deserves a Spot on Your Couch

f you thought your couch was just for unplanned naps and binge-watching TV series you’ll forget next week, prepare to make room for Suzume. This isn’t the typical cartoon you’d expect; it’s something that makes you say, "Wow, so originality still exists in cinema?"

Zooming in on the technical qualities, because if you’re going to watch a film, it might as well be a good-looking one, right? Here, "Suzume" does not disappoint: the animation is so detailed and vibrant you might feel guilty for not cleaning your TV screen since... well, since you bought it. Director Makoto Shinkai navigates through detailed urban landscapes and fantasy scenes that could make even the most fervent dreamer pale.

Moving on to the plot, because let’s face it, a pretty package is nothing without worthy content. Well, Suzume’s tale is a tangle of supernatural elements with a sprinkle of personal drama—the perfect mix for those who love stories that pull you in (sometimes literally, with that door story). Suzume isn’t just a passive spectator in her adventure, but an active protagonist who faces her fears, clashes with catastrophes, and... well, let’s not spoil too much.

And then there are the themes. Oh, the themes! If you like digging beneath the glossy surface of things, prepare for a journey that explores loss, trauma, and resilience with a delicacy that almost makes you forget you’re watching a movie with a magic cat. It’s one of those stories that leaves you with something, a little emotional souvenir that you find yourself turning over in your mind days after the viewing.

Final rating? Give "Suzume" a solid 8.5/10. Why not a full 10? Because, dear reader, perfection is overrated, and frankly, a bit of imperfection is what makes everything more interesting. So, pull out the popcorn, fluff up the cushions, and prepare to give Suzume the place of honor on your couch. It’s a journey you won’t want to miss, and who knows? You might even learn something about doors that are better left closed.

Why You Should Watch It

I recommend "Suzume" because Suzume and Sota aren't the heroes we expected, but they are the heroes we need. Through their journeys, the film explores human resilience in the face of adversities and how even mistakes can open doors to new understandings. Who doesn't need a reminder that sometimes it's okay to take the wrong path?

Why You Might Not

I wouldn't recommend it if you prefer your stories straightforward and free of supernatural frills. Here, there's more than one door opening into worlds that might confuse those just looking for a bit of light entertainment.