Comments on: Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea – Review

By: Matthew

Matthew — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:02:27 +0000

The story was a little too simple for my taste. Kiki’s Delivery Service was also very simple, but I think it did a much better job at it.

By: Top 10 Studio Ghibli Films of All Time | Japan Cinema

Top 10 Studio Ghibli Films of All Time | Japan Cinema — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:40:58 +0000

[...] http://japancinema.net/2009/08/07/ponyo-on-the-cliff-by-the-sea-review/ [...]

By: bluedrakon

bluedrakon — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:18:09 +0000

This will be another addition to our family collection, that’s for sure

By: KellyGreen17

KellyGreen17 — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:42:07 +0000

Great review! I love this line: “With Ponyo, it becomes clear that not only does Miyazaki appear incapable of making a film that is anything less than revelatory”. I felt Ponyo was so magical and I just can’t get it out of my mind. It is like Miyazaki’s work imprints on your soul!!

By: xou422

xou422 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:18:26 +0000

I like your blog. Really creative. I shall subscribe.

By: lastmidnight

lastmidnight — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:20:26 +0000

I watched this a couple weeks ago, and I have to say it let me down. I agree the film itself was absolutel breathtaking as all Miyazaki films are, but a 5 year-old boy at the center of a love story was just too much for me to handle. I have to agree with Bartleby that the whole love thing seemed weak.

By: glothelegend

glothelegend — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:14:21 +0000

I just recently watched this, and I must say that, even though it is aimed at a younger crowd, and I am 21, I thought it was awesome. Miyazaki is just amazing. The animation was stunning. I wish that Miyazaki could live forever. Every movie he makes proves to be awesome.

By: Phear

Phear — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:36:56 +0000

I’m honestly incredibly excited for this film, but unfortunately, it’s taking a back seat this week for me as District-9 is being released the same week! Ouch!

I definitely plan on seeing it as Miyazaki’s work is beyond brilliant and he knows how to inspire even the faintest of emotional responses amongst his viewers, no matter what age bracket.

By: inkcaravan

inkcaravan — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:50:47 +0000

Sounds fantastic, I’m there.

I have to admit I do have a soft spot for animation. Having spent years working in the industry, I guess that’s no surprise! And Miyazaki is one of my favs.

BUT, the man is such an inspiration to anyone who worries they’ve left their career run too late. His work is heart felt and exuberant and this one looks like it has all of his wonderful trademarks in spades. Breathtaking!

Great post Marcello!

~ Alisa

By: Bartleby

Bartleby — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:03:20 +0000

You beat me to reviewing this one. I’ve got a review in the works for tomorrow. I really liked it, but it didn’t quite amaze me like some of his other work has.

The animation is beautiful and well-detailed. Most of it is very imaginative, but for the first time I just really didn’t connect with the story. I know, I know. Totorro has little more than an outline for a story, but it connects with us emotionally; the girls are worried for their mother and they are cared for and comforted by these strange, exotic forest critters. It works because it is simple.

I think the extreme youth of the characters in Ponyo hurts the ‘love story’. That and Ponyo is barely a character. Not alot of actual love there, just two kids hanging out and what not. Even platonically, that angle seems weak.

Everything else is lovely, and the whole thing feels like a storybook. There’s tons and tons to love, and I agree, Miyazaki is as talented and wise in his artistry as he ever was.

To think, the man announced retirment after Mononoke and has gone on to make Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and now Ponyo in that time. He has yet to miss.