Introduction
Weathering With You Manic Pixie Dream Girl : Makoto Shinkai’s 2019 animated film, Weathering With You (Tenki no Ko), captivated audiences worldwide with its breathtaking animation, emotional storytelling, and mystical themes. However, one of the most debated aspects of the film is whether its female protagonist, Hina Amano, falls into the Manic Pixie Dream Girl (MPDG) trope.
This article explores the concept of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, how it applies (or doesn’t) to Hina Amano, and what this means for storytelling in modern anime.
1. What is the Manic Pixie Dream Girl Trope?
Definition and Origins
The term Manic Pixie Dream Girl (MPDG) was coined by film critic Nathan Rabin in 2007. It describes a quirky, free-spirited female character who exists primarily to inspire the male protagonist and help him grow emotionally—without having significant depth or agency of her own.
Common Characteristics of an MPDG
- Unconventional and whimsical personality
- Serves as a catalyst for the male protagonist’s development
- Often mysterious, with little character growth of her own
- Exists primarily as a romantic or emotional crutch
Some classic examples of MPDG characters in Western media include Summer (500 Days of Summer) and Sam (Garden State).
2. Overview of “Weathering With You”
Plot Summary
The film follows Hodaka Morishima, a runaway teenager who arrives in Tokyo during an unusual period of continuous rain. He meets Hina Amano, a girl with the supernatural ability to manipulate the weather and bring sunlight by praying.
As they develop a bond, Hodaka learns that Hina’s gift comes at a price—the more she uses it, the closer she gets to disappearing completely. The film ultimately explores themes of sacrifice, love, and defying fate.
3. Does Hina Amano Fit the MPDG Trope?
Hina as a Quirky, Magical Female Character
Hina displays several characteristics of a Manic Pixie Dream Girl:
✔ She is bright, optimistic, and full of energy, even in bleak circumstances.
✔ She introduces Hodaka to a magical world, quite literally altering his reality.
✔ She exists in contrast to Hodaka’s serious, troubled nature, bringing light into his life.
Is She Just a Tool for Hodaka’s Growth?
Unlike a traditional MPDG, Hina does not solely exist for Hodaka’s emotional development. She has agency and a compelling backstory—her struggles with taking care of her younger brother and surviving alone make her a well-rounded character.
4. The Role of Sacrifice in Hina’s Arc
Hina’s Burden
Hina is not just a love interest—she is a “Weather Maiden” bearing the responsibility of controlling Tokyo’s climate. She makes a conscious decision to sacrifice herself to stop the endless rain.
Does This Reinforce or Subvert the MPDG Trope?
✔ MPDG Reinforcement – Her self-sacrifice could be interpreted as her existing solely to serve Hodaka’s story.
✔ MPDG Subversion – Hina actively chooses her path, rather than just reacting to the male lead’s needs.
5. Hina vs. Other Manic Pixie Dream Girls in Anime
Similar Characters in Anime
Many anime feature female leads who exhibit MPDG traits, such as:
- Nagisa Furukawa (Clannad) – Soft-spoken and angelic, aiding Tomoya’s growth.
- Tsubaki Sawabe (Your Lie in April) – A vibrant girl who helps a withdrawn pianist.
How Hina Differs
Unlike these characters, Hina is not just a passive muse. She:
✔ Has a tangible role in the plot beyond the protagonist’s emotions.
✔ Faces real struggles and makes independent decisions.
6. The Male Protagonist’s Role in the Trope
Hodaka’s Dependence on Hina
Hodaka deeply relies on Hina, both emotionally and physically. His world falls apart when she disappears, suggesting a dependency dynamic commonly seen in MPDG narratives.
Does Hodaka Objectify Hina?
While he idealizes her, the film ultimately acknowledges his flaws. Unlike many MPDG stories, where the male lead moves on stronger, Hodaka actively fights for Hina’s agency, refusing to accept her predetermined fate.
7. The Theme of Weather and Control
Hina’s Power as a Metaphor
Hina’s ability to control the weather mirrors her emotional state and societal burdens. The metaphor is crucial—her role in the story is deeply tied to the world around her, not just to Hodaka.
How This Defies the MPDG Trope
✔ Hina is not just “quirky”; her magic has serious consequences.
✔ She takes control of her fate, challenging the idea of an MPDG being passive.
8. The Romanticization of Female Suffering
Does Hina Exist to Suffer for Hodaka’s Growth?
One common MPDG critique is that these characters endure pain to make the male protagonist stronger. While Hina does suffer, Weathering With You challenges this by making Hodaka choose her over societal expectations.
Breaking the MPDG Mold
Hodaka refuses to let Hina disappear, breaking the idea that she must suffer for his emotional growth.
9. The Film’s Ending: A Departure from the Trope
The Unexpected Choice
Most MPDG narratives end with:
- The female character disappearing after “fixing” the protagonist.
- The male lead moving on with “lessons learned.”
However, Weathering With You subverts this by having Hodaka reject society’s expectations and reunite with Hina.
10. How Makoto Shinkai’s Films Treat Female Characters
Shinkai’s Evolving Female Leads
Compared to his earlier works (Your Name, 5 Centimeters Per Second), Shinkai crafts stronger, more autonomous heroines in Weathering With You.
Does Shinkai Rely on the MPDG Trope?
While some elements remain, his storytelling has evolved to give female characters more depth and choice.
11. Fan and Critical Reception
Critics’ Views on Hina
Some reviewers praise Hina’s complexity, while others argue she still serves as an emotional vehicle for Hodaka’s growth.
What Fans Say
Many fans appreciate the film’s romantic idealism, even if it includes MPDG traits.
12. Conclusion: Does Hina Amano Fit the MPDG Trope?
Final Verdict: Hina Amano both fits and defies the Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope.
✔ She has quirky, magical elements and uplifts Hodaka like an MPDG.
✔ However, she also has agency, depth, and struggles independent of the protagonist.
By the end of the film, Hina is not just a dream girl—she is a person who chooses her fate.
FAQs
1. What is the Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope?
It’s a character type where a quirky, free-spirited female exists mainly to help the male protagonist grow emotionally.
2. Is Hina from Weathering With You an MPDG?
She has some MPDG traits but ultimately defies the trope by having personal struggles and agency.
3. How does Weathering With You subvert the MPDG trope?
Unlike traditional MPDG stories, Hodaka fights for Hina’s agency instead of learning a lesson from her suffering.
4. How does Hina compare to Mitsuha from Your Name?
Both are strong female leads, but Hina has more agency in choosing her fate.
5. What other anime feature MPDG characters?
Examples include Tsubaki (Your Lie in April) and Nagisa (Clannad).
