The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)


 
 
This review is part of the Japanorama feature started by Paragraph Film Reviews

Lately I’ve been trying to watch more movies which are about time travel, so I was interested in checking this one out. It’s about a schoolgirl, Makoto Konno, who is having a bad day. She has to hurry to get to school in time, gets an unexpected test and also has an accident during cooking class. When she has to put away some tests in the science lab she falls and discovers a strange subject. Later during the day she has a strange experience. Her aunt explains it as a time leap. She finds out that, if she wants to, can leap through time.

The fact that this movie looks at the life of a teenage girls makes it interesting. Her focus isn’t on her job or on big things, but on teenage issues, like boys and finding your own identity. As she uses her power to improve some things, it turns out that she isn’t in control of the consequences. Some of the changes have big impact on the lives of others and as time progresses she tries to use it to undo those changes.

The characters themselves might not be the most complex, but you care for Makoto’s journey . If you are into time travel movies then I really suggest you try to get your hands on this one and check it out. It tells a very cool story and uses the time travel concept with great effect.

13 thoughts on “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

  1. I love this movie, out of expectation. As you said, the angle is interesting because the girl’s a teenager and she’s still trying to find her identity. I love it too how she started to think as a woman, sees one of her male friends as possible love interest.

  2. Nostra, I also caught this movie when doing my time-travel marathon a few years ago. You make a good point about the story focusing on the elements of high-school life (school, boys, good friends) instead of just the time-travel device. I really enjoyed it and am glad you were able to see it.

      • That’s awesome that I played a small part in you seeing this movie. I’m pretty sure I got this as a recommendation from another blogger. It’s one of the best ways that I find out about lesser-known films.

        • Yeah, I note down movies you liked. It might take me some time to see them, but will try to do so eventually. Last week I finally watched The Station Agent, which you also suggested a while ago. Thought it was excellent.

  3. Thanks so much for putting this review (and the paragraph) together for the event. It’s been a great eye-opener in highlighting films I didn’t have on my list – and giving this a 9/10 has made me bump this on the LoveFilm list. I’ll hopefully catch it ASAP.

    On the subject of time-travel movies, just went back and ready your Primer / Timecrimes reviews. Both fantastic films, and such tight, well-written plots.

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