Miyazaki's Latest Tale of Wonder

Title: Ponyo
Director: Hayao Miyzaki
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Noah Cyrus, Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Frankie Jonas, Cloris Leachman, Liam Neeson, Lily Tomlin, Betty White
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Genre(s): Family
Rated:

I'm not normally so blunt in my movie reviews, but I think to beat around the bush for a Hayao Miyazaki film is a futile attempt. So I'll put all of you out of your misery: "Ponyo" is another instant classic from Hayao Miyazaki! It has charm, imagination, and wonder to spare. If there is justice in the world it will make $100 million in America (though it's already a huge success in it's native Japan). So there you have it, Miyazaki does not disapoint. Well...he might for some people, but not for me. Now to get to the meat of the critique. While "Ponyo" is indeed a masterpiece and an instant classic it is not the directors best film.

In fact, the movie isn't even that deep at first glance. The story of a goldfish wanting to be a real girl is not an uncommon story for a kids film. Just dig out "The Little Mermaid" and "Shrek" for examples where the girl dreams of obtaining human desires in various aspects. And if you are a long time Miyazaki fan then the enviremental themes, human nature commentary, and strong female characters won't be much of a surprise to you either. In fact, by all accounts, the movie shouldn't do anything for me. It's a childrens film, plain and simple. I'm not even going to pretend there's an underlying adult message. If your not five years old, then you were not taken into account during the making of this film.

And yet...it works so profoundly that I just can't help myself. Sure it's a kids movie and sure it's not rocket science, but if childrens films are going to be made they should at least aspire to be like this. The movie is beautiful to look at. Miyazaki creates wonderful new images of sea wizards, ancient underwater creatures, and a goddess who has Cate Blanchettes voice and has the beauty to compliment earning that voice. It's innocence is pure and refreshing. When a young Sosuke (Frankie Jonas) says that his goldfish Ponyo (Noah Cyrus) has turned into a girl, his mother Lisa (Tina Fey) takes this information as fact without much thought about it. And why shouldn't she? This is a kids film after all, and kids hate to see parental figures doubting their own kids.

Then again, when you get chased by liquid fish during the rain storm from hell, then I guess a fish turning into a girl isn't that much of a stretch as it is. And though the storyline might not require it, it's always nice to see an atagonist with real human emotions rather then the simple need to be evil and, well, usually take over the world at that point (not that this one doesn't try, so maybe we just can't escape that cliche). Though it may seem like I'm won over by simply the visuals that is not true. Yes the visuals are a key part to why this movie works, but the story, simple as it is, also charms with ease. The characters are likable, therefor their plights are interesting. Will it all work out in the end? Most likely, but then that's besides the point. The point is the journey, and like his previous films, Miyazaki takes us on another unforgettable one.