Weathering with You isn't quite the incredible film that Your Name is, but it’s still a touching story featuring beautiful animation. I can see why some viewers have difficulty forming an emotional bond with this narrative, and while I get their perspective, I don’t entirely agree. It seemed to me that the movie did a good job of making me invested in the characters. Following them as they move from hardship to a degree of financial stability is charming, and it's easy to want the best for that close family. The story falters when looking at some specifics, particularly regarding why Kataro Daigo ran away from home initially. What hard experiences led him to this point, and what makes him so reluctant to go back? Addressing these questions could have strengthened the connection with his character. Despite its flaws, the core narrative is wonderful, and even though it shares similarities with Your Name, it manages to set itself apart. The characters are all distinct, and their feelings of being outsiders create a strong bond that amplifies the impact of every emotional scene. While the conclusion might not appeal to everyone, it genuinely affected me, bringing tears to my eyes. The animation is stunning, allowing the artists to showcase elaborate weather effects. There were so many rainy scenes with such incredible detail—reflections that seem almost too realistic for a 2D animated film. I do feel that the movie could have benefited from more varied settings; it largely focuses on Tokyo, whereas Your Name showed locations ranging from Tokyo to the countryside of Japan. Weathering with You is a welcome addition to Makoto Shinkai’s work. It's heartfelt, emotional, and an engaging story about dealing with adversity, family, and appreciating every moment. While not surpassing its predecessor, it remains one of the best anime films I’ve experienced. Score: 88% Verdict: Excellent

Source on TMDB