The Day Love Conquered the Mundane: An Expanded Look at The Garden of Words
In the ephemeral moments of life, love sometimes finds a way to blossom amidst the most unlikely circumstances. The year it happened, on a day drenched in rain, societal norms and expectations dissolved in the face of a burgeoning connection. This is the heart of Makoto Shinkai’s The Garden of Words, a 2013 animated masterpiece that explores an unconventional romance with breathtaking visual artistry and emotional depth.
One rainy morning, Takao Akizuki, a young student with dreams of becoming a shoemaker, seeks refuge in a park gazebo, his routine unaltered by the downpour. There, he encounters Yukino Yukari, a woman a decade older, savoring chocolate and beer – a peculiar combination revealing an inner turmoil. This chance encounter marks the beginning of their improbable love story, a forbidden romance that delicately treads the line between student and teacher, innocence and experience.
A Concise and Beautiful Shinkai Vision
Right from the opening scene, bathed in the silvery light of rain-streaked skies, Shinkai’s signature visual style captivates the viewer. The film, a mere 46 minutes in length, is a masterclass in narrative efficiency, its plot as meticulously crafted as its stunning visuals. Every frame is a work of art, meticulously detailed and brimming with emotion.
Intricate Plotting and Subtle Nuances
The Garden of Words boasts an ingeniously conceived plot, intricately weaving together the emotional journeys of its two protagonists through the use of Man’yōshū poems. These ancient verses act as subtle links, connecting their feelings and foreshadowing the unfolding events.
Each scene is handled with exquisite care and precision. The initial meeting in the rain-soaked gazebo appears accidental on the surface, yet a series of coincidences orchestrates their encounter. Takao, skipping class to design shoes, and Yukino, absent from work due to personal struggles, find themselves drawn together at a time when their paths would normally never cross. Takao, with his keen eye for detail, is immediately drawn to Yukino’s feet, symbolizing his creative aspirations and perhaps a deeper, unspoken yearning.
The dialogue, sparse yet poignant, is filled with unspoken emotions and gentle hints. When Takao finally musters the courage to ask Yukino if they have met before, her knowing smile reveals her awareness of their teacher-student relationship. However, she refrains from directly confirming it, perhaps sensing that it would alter their connection and deter Takao from returning to the gazebo – a gesture of considerate understanding from one “later comer” in life, according to her opinion.
Instead of a direct answer, Yukino offers a veiled clue, reciting the opening lines of a Man’yōshū poem: “A faint clap of thunder, Clouded skies, Perhaps rain comes, If so, will you stay here with me?” This subtle reference, likely lost on the truant Takao, adds another layer of depth to their burgeoning relationship.
As the rainy season unfolds, their encounters in the park become a cherished routine, a sanctuary from the burdens of their lives.
A Connection Takes Root
With each meeting, the distance between Takao and Yukino diminishes, a bond forming in the shared quiet of the gazebo. Yukino’s shift from beer to coffee signals a subtle change within her.
The sorrow that once compelled her to drink alcohol daily begins to subside, replaced by a nascent sense of hope and motivation. In Takao’s company, she momentarily escapes her troubles and finds the strength to move forward, bit by bit.
When Yukino discovers Takao’s sketches of shoe designs, she expresses genuine interest and praise for his dream of becoming a shoemaker. Her validation of his “childish” ambition, as an “adult,” unlocks Takao’s innermost thoughts and desires. He confesses his longing to make her his model, leading to one of the film’s most iconic scenes.
After a moment of hesitation, Yukino removes her shoes and places her feet on the bench, offering herself as a canvas for Takao’s artistic vision.
Complexities of the Heart
The nature of love between adults is touched on, and for Yukino at 27, becomes rather complicated. However, When entangled with an unspoiled child, that adds to the complexity. Takao hesitates with his hand in the air – like a boy of innocence when love is this complex. So he is cautious as he analyzes the lines and shape of the piece of artwork. After that, he takes measurements, and logs the details.
The rainy season gives way to sunshine, marking the end of their routine meetings. Takao returns to high school, balancing his studies with part-time work to support his shoemaking ambitions and contribute to the household finances due to his live-in mother dating someone 12 years younger.
Unlike Takao, who resumes his normal routines, Yukino continues returns to the park as is illustrated by going to the gazebo still. Both the surroundings and her are unusual, with the weather. And she also switches from coffee to beer and hopes it will rain, though the 15-year-old self probably makes her do it. The world suddenly has Yukino longing for Takao.
At the same, Takao longs and wonders for the woman he once saw at the park. It seemed to be only in the books that he read when thinking abou their time apart.
Their inevitable but a destiny reunion happens one day when Takao stops by the principal when Yukino leaves. Though shocking to both, it’s even more than shocking for Takao. Then he learns that she has been fired about spreading rumors by a boy’s girlfriend. The school made what they took as steps to solve this but in return had someone fired. She took the blame in order to set an example and take the blame.
An upset Takao went to address her in front of the group; which gave a slap as a result. Getting himself beaten up as well, from those peers along the way.
Rain falls and it is back to the Gazebo where he goes, where he encounters… You guessed who by now I am sure. It is Yukino so they run to her home
When he tells Yukino he loves her, this stuns her. Though those who are 27 know those different levels of reasons that get ahold of your heart. The reason? that age to close is crucial. Thus making it a tough road and the odds not favorable.
Overcome by Love
Later, Yukino does go to Kagoshima and Takao later goes to a sunny park. This takes a shoe he made for Yukino.
Though apart, the long time they are apart comes with letters that they’ve sent; that is something they embrace as they know that they will make it though they are able to walk.
There’s no saying either way, if you have appeared for the better in each other lives, you appeared even with it is only for a short time; than never and you would trade it any day.
