Is 5 Centimeters per Second Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, 5 Centimeters per Second is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies.
It features a runtime of 63 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
5 Centimeters per Second Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2007, 5 Centimeters per Second emerges as a significant entry in the Animation, Romance, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Three moments in Takaki's life: his relationship with Akari and their forced separation; his friendship with Kanae, who is secretly in love with him; the demands and disappointments of adulthood, an unhappy life in a cold city. Unlike standard genre fare, 5 Centimeters per Second attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and 5 Centimeters per Second features a noteworthy lineup led by Kenji Mizuhashi . Supported by the likes of Yoshimi Kondou and Satomi Hanamura , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of 5 Centimeters per Second (2007) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
5 Centimeters per Second Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: 5 Centimeters per Second is a Animation, Romance, Drama film that combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Three moments in Takaki's life: his relationship with Akari and their forced separation; his friendship with Kanae, who is secretly in love with him; the demands and disappointments of adulthood, an unhappy life in a cold city. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
5 Centimeters per Second Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: 5 Centimeters per Second resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to animation resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the animation themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of 5 Centimeters per Second reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch 5 Centimeters per Second?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
5 Centimeters per Second Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $548.2K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
5 Centimeters per Second Budget
The estimated production budget for 5 Centimeters per Second is $5.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of 5 Centimeters per Second
- Kenji Mizuhashi – Takaki Tohno (voice)
- Yoshimi Kondou – Young Akari Shinohara (voice)
- Satomi Hanamura – Kanae Sumida (voice)
- Risa Mizuno – Kanae's Sister (voice)
- Ayaka Onoue – Akari Shinohara (voice)
Top Highlights
Kenji MizuhashiTakaki Tohno (voice)
Yoshimi KondouYoung Akari Shinohara (voice)
Satomi HanamuraKanae Sumida (voice)
Risa MizunoKanae's Sister (voice)
Ayaka OnoueAkari Shinohara (voice)
Yuka Terasaki(voice)
Yuko Nakamura(voice)
Masami Iwasaki(voice)
Ryou Naitou(voice)
Hiroshi Shimozaki(voice)
Where to Watch 5 Centimeters per Second Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
5 Centimeters per Second is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, 5 Centimeters per Second stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2007 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 Centimeters per Second movie hit or flop?
5 Centimeters per Second is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Animation, Romance, Drama movies.
Is 5 Centimeters per Second worth watching?
Yes, 5 Centimeters per Second is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Animation, Romance, Drama cinema.
Where can I watch 5 Centimeters per Second online?
5 Centimeters per Second is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll. You can also check for it on platforms like Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for 5 Centimeters per Second
Beautiful story that had me tearing up at multiple points. I really think each individual story is fantastic, but I was not a huge fane of the second act. I did not enjoy adding a third character into the fold. It would have been better to keep the focus on the main two. Animation is great, but I can tell they were still honing their craft as it was not as sharp as his newer work. Overall, I still really enjoyed this, the short runtime really makes this a fun digestible short with film style quality. Score: 74% 👍 Verdict: Good
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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