Movie Primer: Ponyo
A Look at Miyazaki's Next Great Film
The Plot: Ponyo is the name given to a fish by a boy named Sosuke. But this is no ordinary fish because this fish has the desire to be a human girl and has fallen in love with the boy. It seems at first that this love is not meant to be when Ponyo is taken back to the sea by her father but she escapes. She gets her wish of being a human girl but in doing so has put the entire world out of balance. Now Ponyo and Sosuke must go on a quest to set things right.
Star Power: Disney has a long standing partnership with Miyazaki movies and have a history of gathering some impressive voice talent for the American imports of the Japanese film makers movies. This time around they might have the biggest ensemble cast of the summer. Matt Damon, Liam Neeson, Tina Fey, Kate Blanchett and even one of the Jonas Brothers all lend their vocal talents to this animated epic. The voice behind Ponyo is none other than Noah Cyrus, younger brother to rising star Miley Cyrus.
Behind the Screen: Hayao Miyazaki is untouched in his field when it comes to making amazing animated movies for kids. His movies are often surreal and filled with magic, but at their core are driven by emotional stories where children are often real heroes. If you have seen some of his works (Howls Moving Castle, Spirited Away and Kiki's Delivery Service to name a few) trust me when I say he has a most impressive history when it comes to this type of movie. Also unlike many imported movies there is a great deal of effort put into making the voices match the original animation so that you can hardly tell this movie has been out in Japan for months.
What to expect: To put it simply expect to be taken away to a world unlike any you have seen. The best thing about a Miyazaki film is that each work is its own world for you to discover totally unlike the last one he charmed you with. The visuals for the movie look amazing, perhaps the directors best yet. The voice talent is simply awesome. Do not make the mistake of only letting your kids witness this movie, you will regret it.
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Published by Grant Bracken
Over the years I have done many things from run a college TV station, start a fraternity and work at a mental hospital. Now I am trying to make it as a writer of plays and fiction. View profile
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