Someone's Gaze (2013) User Reviews

Nice little tale on coming of age

[Horst_In_Translation · 6/10 · 30 March 2016]

"Dareka no Manazashi" or "Proud Future Theater" or "Someone's Gaze" is a 7-minute Japanese anime short film from 3 years ago. This one was made by Makoto Shinkai, one of the most lauded filmmakers in terms of Japanese animation these days. And here he brings us a nice little tale of a young woman and her family and how things have changed over the years. Despite the death of a "family member", it is a pretty uplifting and positive movie, especially with the ending. I enjoyed it and I definitely prefer these over science fiction animation, which is really popular in Japan too right now. This one does not necessarily deliver in telling a great dramatic story, but it is a very atmospheric take on growing up and everything that changes and comes with it. I recommend it. Thumbs up.

Gorgeous, touching and adorable

[schanzaysohail · 7/10 · 1 April 2021]

Like always Mokoto Shinkai never disappoints with his movies, this man can make you cry in less than 10 minutes. This movie would easily be along side Your name if it was longer was truly heart touching people who have moved out of their parents house will be sure to cry. It crazy how much you an do in just 2 minutes and the animation and art style was like always beautiful.

This gaze's a maze.

[Jeremy_Urquhart · 6/10 · 27 April 2024]

I admire the attempt at squeezing a good deal of emotion and storytelling into just seven minutes, but I think Someone's Gaze would've benefitted from having a little more time to breathe. It just feels like it's in a rush, and while on paper it would sound tremendously emotional, the execution left a good deal to be desired.

But not everything disappointed, because Someone's Gaze does have a pleasant and distinct feel to it, and the style of animation used looks pretty great. It's hard to feel like it's a waste of time, given how brisk and short it is, but I do come away feeling like I may have connected more had it just been a little longer, plus a touch less breathless in its pacing.

Simple short story of life

[nukecx · 10/10 · 1 November 2014]

Simple short story that tells us how fast things move in life, and connection between family when you grow up.

Makoto tried to show us the true emotions between family after we grow up, we lack more and more time for our family, and only respond in some rare important situations, which can actually be last chance to make a contact.

Would be really nice story if full movie, which would practically change the main topic of Makotos movies, but still deep emotions involved. I am interested how will Makoto proceed with different topics in his career. Still the best work until this date 5 Centimeters per Second has no competition and I am really keen to see new works.

A young adult realistic story about life

[yougiitanaka · 10/10 · 10 December 2018]

The meaning is about growing up-been lonely and losing touch with parents /family....

Shinkai goes back to the style of his earlier, lesser works

[cherold · 5/10 · 3 October 2019]

Someone's Gaze hearkens back to Makota Shinkai's earlier films like 5 Centimeters Per Second that were essentially illustrated radio plays. Over the years Shinkai had increasingly learned how to tell a story visually rather than entirely through dialogue, so I'm surprised he still likes to do something like this. For those who like a story told through dialogue and illustrated with animated visuals, well, you'll probably like this. But I'm just surprised he was making something like this the same year he made the lovely Garden of Words.