“Suzume” Delights the Senses – Interview

The US premiere of Makoto Shinkai‘s Suzume hit Hollywood and we talked to the stars of the English dub.

Starring Nichole Sakura (who you might know from Superstore or Ghosts) as the titular Suzume, the film is a beautiful ode to the people of Japan.

In this unconventional road trip saga, Suzume follows Suzume and Sota (Josh Keaton) as they travel around Japan, closing and locking rapidly opening doors to the otherworlds. The doors are keeping a nefarious force at bay that only Suzume and Sota can see. Along the way, she befriends a special chair from her childhood (trust me, it makes sense in the movie), and a mischievous cat either helps or hinders her progress.

Suzume realizes her power and her purpose as she gets stronger with each mounting challenge. Throughout, she fights to save the city from the universe-eating worm, but she also is forced to confront her past with a mother that seemingly abandoned her and a longsuffering aunt who’s just trying her best.

What’s not said in the synopsis is that Shinkai wrote the film almost as an ode to Japan. 12 years ago, the country suffered huge earthquakes and devastating tsunamis that left many areas destroyed and abandoned. Mixed with a bit of magical realism, Shinkai pays homage to those who endured and presents a way to restore peace, all through a young girl and her three-legged chair.

The cast includes:

• Suzume – Nichole Sakura
• Sota – Josh Keaton
• Tamaki – Jennifer Sun Bell
• Rumi – Amanda C. Miller
• Chika – Rosalie Chiang
• Daijin – Lena Josephine Marano
• Miki – Mela Lee

Overall the film is gorgeously written, beautifully acted, and an absolute sight to behold. The attention to detail is evident, and every frame is a masterpiece.

I had the pleasure of interviewing the cast of the film. I also included some highlights from the post-screening Q&A. Come check it out!

Author: StickyKeys

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