Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Japanese anime has taken over the globe with its creative and unique concepts in various projects. Over the years, several anime movies have shattered box office records, cementing their place as cinematic masterpieces.Your Nameis arguably one of the most successful anime films, introducing many Western fans to the little-known world of anime.
The fantasy drama film is a masterpiece of its director, Makoto Shinkai, that celebrates love, determination, and kindness. Owing to its immense popularity,Your Namebecame a box office smash hit and generated enormous revenue with its release in over 100 countries and regions. Unfortunately, the box-office hitYour Namemet a disappointing fate when adapted into a live-action movie that no anime fan was prepared for.
Director Explains WhyYour NameLive-Action Fell Short of the Anime’s Impact
Makoto Shinkai’sYour Nameis a brilliant and vibrant piece of art that leaves viewers yearning for more. It is the sixth anime movie that is directed by Shinkai, featuring the story of two high schoolers, Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu.
Interestingly,Twistersdirector Lee Isaac Chung recentlyexplained why his live-action adaptationofYour Namefell short, unable to avoid the unfortunate trend of anime struggling in live-action. He added:
I like the animated film, but what I didn’t realise is how hard it is to adapt a Japanese animated movie and to try to do that for America. That was the goal that Toho had put before us. But it’s really hard to do.
Chung was set to helm a live-action remake in 2020, but departed the project in 2021. Anime fans already understand how challenging it is for any director to adapt a popular anime into a live-action series.
“That isn’t something to aim for”: Your Name Director Makoto Shinkai on Being Called the Second Hayao Miyazaki That He Hates
Chung put his best effort into adapting Shinkai’s masterpiece to captivate the American audience, but he ultimately gave up after realizing the immense challenges involved. He revealed:
During the pandemic, I worked on that script for many months and ultimately came to a place where I realised I had written something I just couldn’t even shoot.
BesidesYour Name, Makoto Shinkai is famous for his other box office hit,Suzume, which became an instant hit in2023 because of its excellentvisuals.
The movie is a coming-of-age story that follows our eponymous heroine and the male protagonist on a journey acrossJapan to save the people from a series of catastrophic events.
Explore Makoto Shinkai’s Favorite Title BeyondYour NameandSuzume
Makoto Shinkai is globally recognized for his cinematic movies, which are also widely praised and loved by fans. Not to forget,Your Namebroke several recordsback in 2016, instantly becoming a global sensation and box office hit.
Your Name‘s success also brought back the director’s faith in the anime-movie industry. He was totallyawe-struck and inspiredby the film’s influence and how it became a global sensation within just three months of release.
‘Your Name’ Director Was Terrified of the $357 Million Success as It’d Overshadow the Film’s Important Aspect
Despite being the most popular Japanese movie,Shinkai once disclosedhis thoughts on all his films, with one being his most beloved creation.
In aninterview, he named ‘The Garden of Words‘ as his masterpiece, which sadly is underappreciated. Shinkai narrates the story of a lonely teenager who prefers sitting in a lovely garden and missing his morning lessons.
The Garden of Wordsfeatures Takao Akizuki, an aspiring 15-year-old shoemaker, and Yukari Yukino, a mysterious 27-year-old woman. Besides the two lovely characters, Shinkai’s masterful use of rain and intricate scenes drew fans in,making the movie’s aesthetics unforgettable.
Your Nameis currently available to stream on Crunchyroll, while the live-action movie can be watched on Netflix.
Mehul Rolta
Articles Published :510
Mehul Rolta is a seasoned journalist with over 3 years in esports and soccer journalism. Transitioning to anime writing at Fandom Wire, Mehul shares his lifelong passion for anime about integrates professionalism. Dedicated to connecting the world of anime globally, Mehul shares thoughts and insights, communicating personal passion with professional insight.
