12/16/2023
Last night, I finally took myself to see what might be the last Miyazaki movie. These films have had such a profound effect on who I am, and who I have become. Watching this movie what I took away from it was Miyazaki must’ve read the story and related to the boy or saw something in this character similar to how he felt as a boy. The entire film feels like a gift to those who have loved and followed his art. It was well thought out gift to fans and every still or scene was fresh and new with a mesh of his water color style and some really really colorful cells layered over making scenes of clouds or nature look vibrant and mobile. There are so many memories of past films, and characters that have a really important impact or role in the development on the movie. The symbolism feels up to personal representation which is why his films feel so personal to all of those who fall in love with them. The fire scenes reminded me so much of howls moving castle. The mother’s sister Natsuko reminded me of other strong female roles such as Nausicaä from valley of the wind or even the pregnant woman Osono who took care of kiki in Kiki’s delivery service. The old women reminded me of the ladies from the nursing home in ponyo. The boy reminded me of the Seita the older brother from grave of the fireflies and for such a beautiful colorful film the dark undertones are that of a serious more adult look on life that maybe more cultural than anything. Ok one last thing because I could go on forever but the Warawara are the cutest little fluffy bubble sprites. I am obsessed with the Kodama (tree spirts) and Susuwatari (Soot Sprites) so this new element was emotionally fulfilling. The only comparative feeling I could give you is when a new droid is introduced in Star Wars. Please go see this film. It is for a more mature child or teenager. It does have parental loss and war. 10/10 I honestly didn’t think anything could be better than Mary and the witches flower. This really was beautiful and I’d love to see it win all th awards possible especially especially when it comes to the music composed. Thank you