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Trailer

The Garden of Words

2013Movie46 minPG-13

AnimationDrama
77
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.4Rotten Tomatoes–84%

A deeply romantic, profoundly sad animated movie about growing up and everyday modern life, with standout cinematography and score.

Good for date night · friends night · teens

Skip it if you want fast pacing

Where to watch

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Not for laughs, scares or brutality.

Movies with

Story

Takao, who is training to become a shoemaker, skipped school and is sketching shoes in a Japanese-style garden. He meets a mysterious woman, Yukino, who is older than him. Then, without arranging the times, the two start to see each other again and again, but only on rainy days. They deepen their relationship and open up to each other. But the end of the rainy season soon approaches.

Feels like

  • Melancholic Romance
  • Coming-of-Age
  • Visually Stunning
  • Emotional Resonance
  • Introspective
  • Thoughtful Dialogue
  • Rainy Day Aesthetic
  • Japanese Animation
  • Slow-Burn
  • Bittersweet

Cast

16 of 16

Crew

Directed by
Makoto Shinkai
Written by
Makoto Shinkai
Produced by
Noritaka Kawaguchi
Music by
Daisuke Kashiwa

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

May 31, 2013 · 46 min · PG-13

Released
May 31, 2013
Runtime
46 min
Age rating
PG-13
Genres
Animation, Drama, Romance
Original language
Japanese
Made in
Japan
Box office
$820,165
Available in
21 countries

Tropes

I Will Find You, "Where Are They Now?" Epilogue, Flyaway Shot +9

  • I Will Find You
  • "Where Are They Now?" Epilogue
  • Flyaway Shot
  • Real-Place Background
  • Internal Homage
  • Bittersweet Ending
  • Time-Compression Montage
  • Maybe Ever After
  • False Camera Effects
  • Hair Color Dissonance
  • The Stinger
  • They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!

12 of 45 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

7 questions, like "Where can I stream The Garden of Words?"

Questions about The Garden of Words

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Garden of Words?

KanopyHiDive

In the United States, The Garden of Words streams on HiDive, and it is free with ads on Kanopy. It also streams in 9 other countries.

Is The Garden of Words worth watching?

77
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77 (IMDb 7.4).

Is The Garden of Words okay for kids?

PG-13

Not for young kids: it's rated PG-13 in the United States, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Is The Garden of Words good for date night?

and 2 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing Safe

Yes: romance is 9 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.

Is The Garden of Words plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on character depth (8 of 10) and pathos (8 of 10) more than on its plot.

Is The Garden of Words in English?

Japanese

No, it was made in Japanese.

What tropes does The Garden of Words use?

I Will Find You"Where Are They Now?" EpilogueFlyaway ShotReal-Place BackgroundInternal HomageBittersweet EndingTime-Compression MontageMaybe Ever AfterFalse Camera EffectsHair Color DissonanceThe StingerThey Call Me MISTER Tibbs!and 33 more

TV Tropes lists 45 tropes for it, including I Will Find You, "Where Are They Now?" Epilogue, and Flyaway Shot.