Dickens & Rumi
Cover of 5 Centimeters per Second

film

5 Centimeters per Second

2007

Three moments in Takaki's life: his relationship with Akari and their forced separation; his friendship with Kanae, who is secretly in love with him; the demands and disappointments of adulthood, an unhappy life in a cold city.

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Romance4/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5
  • Death of a character1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental appearance of real-world brands (trains, convenience stores).

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Death is not a central plot point; the focus is on emotional loss.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild language, reflecting typical daily speech.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

Romance and unrequited love drive the three-part story, including childhood attachment, longing, and relationships that grow apart.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

No scary sequences or jump scares.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Very subtle, minimal implications of adult relationships.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional smoking or drinking by adult characters in social settings.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

No violence is present in this introspective drama.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Courage is shown in the attempt to maintain connections across distances.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Its poetic visual storytelling, triptych structure, atmosphere, and imaginative use of distance and time strongly encourage reflection and imagination.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Reflects a Japanese cultural perspective with a local cast.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into Japanese school life and the emotional reality of moving away.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Characters often exhibit empathy toward one another, even in sad circumstances.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

It explores accepting change, the limits of holding onto the past, emotional honesty, and moving forward after disappointment.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters display realistic struggles and human complexity.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in 5 Centimeters per Second would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in 5 Centimeters per Second, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating