Goro Miyazaki has improved a lot as a director as can be seen in this 2011 film. Much like many other Studio Ghibli films, this story is engaging and warming. It is a fine family film set in the early 60s in Japan just prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
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This is a good film with a good message -- and it has some lovely moments. The onlly reason it's not "better than expected" is that I have high expectations for Studio Ghibli. The themes for this film are high-school themes, well-rooted in that milieu: Hayao Miyazaki transcends that sort of theme, producing work that resonates with all ages. This one almost gets there: the themes are very strong for a lot of young people, and those who can remember being young and not who our parents expect (or want) us to be. In the end, though, it's about the choices of youth, rather thant he choices of adults. Contrasted with Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, or Spirited Away: this film fails to transcend its main characters, where they all succeed in doing so. Watch it anyway. The translation to DVD is excellent, and I would recommend it very highly for that. My htree stars is for the average film-goer: it's five star for people who don't know just how much Hayo Miyazaki can do. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I was wary when first renting this movie from the local library because of Goro Miyazaki's last move Earthsea. He does a fantastic job though, probably made much easier by his father, Hayao Miyazaki, doing the writing. If you liked The Wind Rises or Whisper of the Heart then this is an easy recommendation. The Blu Ray looks superb and the locations are gorgeous. Voice actors do a great job and I couldnt be happier with my purchase.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a very modern world, yet adorably Ghibli take on a teenager story built on the drive for them to prove themselves as sophisticated, politically driven, adults. It is perfect for pre-teens on up thru adults. I give it a solid 4 stars out of 5 for engagement and riveting character driven drama.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
My personal favorite from Studio Ghibli. It's not going to be to everyone's liking as it's not as flashy and fast paced as some other Studio Ghibli productions. But it's a sweet story full of independant characters with heart.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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