Watching Miyazaki: A Short "Film-Review" Series

Ponyo

(2008)

“Ponyo loves Sosuke. I'll be a human, too!"

-Ponyo

You ever just look at something and you don't want to watch it, because it seems too childish for your taste; then you go watch it and end up liking it?

Yeah, that's Ponyo for you.

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (the film's full title is a mouthful, right?) is one of those rare movies that delve into childhood bliss and innocence.

It's also a retelling of the fairy tale, The Little Mermaid.

The story revolves around a magical goldfish named Brunhilde, who runs away from home to explore the human world. She gets lost and gets herself stuck in a glass jar. She is rescued by a young boy named Sosuke, who names his new goldfish, Ponyo. He quickly realizes that she's a special goldfish, and Ponyo yearns to become a human to be with her new friend.

I think this is the closest to a traditional fairy tale of all of Miyazaki's films. There's a princess, a goddess, a wizard, and a tale about love. But love in a pure sense. The two main characters develop a real love for each other, it could be considered a young romantic love, but certainly not full blown romantic love. This love is the type of love we forget exists when we grow up; sheer joy and pure innocent bliss. These two very young children have found it.

I really enjoyed this one, more than I thought I would. Although it's not hayao Miyazaki's most original, I really liked his take on the old fairy tale. Now I know for a fact that my College improv professor hates The Little Mermaid, because of one thing-- she gives up who she is for a guy. Ladies, you don't just change who you are for the sake of one guy; guys, we have to change, it sucks I know, but come on... you know we ain't gonna win this argument anyway. But I do think that those who don't like The Little Mermaid could forgive this film for that. 'Cause it's very heartwarming.

As always there's commentary on the environmental destruction caused by humans. There is also no real bad guy here, as the antagonist, Fujimoto, a wizard fighting to restore balance to the sea, and Ponyo's overprotective father isn't technically a villain, he just wants what's best for his daughter. And he's voiced by Liam Neeson, so yeah...as a wizard of the sea, you can say that he has a "particular set of skills". BADUM-Tsss...

As always animation is top notch, though I feel that this is the most colorful out of the Miyazaki Film collection. Every color is just vibrant, I think more vibrant than Spirited Away.

It's a very enjoyable watch. Check it out.

Ponyo (2008) Trailer