I had no idea what this movie was about when I first hear about it. Upon purchase, I read the back of the DVD box, but had the feeling there was nothing useful written on it; I assumed it was probably written by someone who hadn't seen the movie; a correct assumption. I long ago decided that a film is a film, whether its live-action or animated doesn't matter, all that matters is that the film is good. That decision was made after watching a few Ghibli films, so I trusted that despite the vague packaging and rather hokey English title ("Whisper of the Heart", not a direct translation), this Ghibli film would not disappoint. It didn't; this film is quite good.
This is arguably the most realistic Studio Ghibli film to come to the US (because all the fantasy elements reside in the Shizuku's imagination), which is far from a bad thing. While I still hold Mononoke, Nausicaa, and Spirited Away firmly atop the highest echelons of animation and cinematic excellence, I don't hesitate to position this film very close, if not beside those gems, despite its lack of giant insects, flying cities, apprentice witches, wolf-girls, magic forests, spirit bathhouses or moving castles.
So what IS in this film? Plenty to keep me interested, and I loved those other movies. I have nothing but high praise for it, I know (unless you hate Ghibli films, of course) but it deserves it. Essentially a teen coming-of-age and love story, this film has a relatively simple plot. But it is still endearing to me because the way it is presented so genuine and sincere. The interaction of characters - be it between junior high friends, between the young and the elderly, between family, or between two teenagers gradually falling in love feels very honest and real, whether it's interaction important to the story or merely incidental scenes. The protagonist, Shizuku Tsugishima, is a very likable and quirky, and she has a very expressive face and mannerisms. For the duration of the film I really cared about Shizuku, her life, her feelings, and what happens to her.
This realism of the characters and their feelings and behavior is enhanced by the gorgeous setting: the painstakingly detailed outskirts of 1994 Tokyo. There are expansive urban vistas and scenes of contemporary life every bit as beautiful and awe-inspiring as the best Ghibli work. We see the haughty upper-class neighborhoods and life in a cramped apartment. The scenes of Shizuku's imagination visualized are also original and very nicely done. I also love how Ghibli so authentically depicts cat behavior, in both this film and its sequel.
The orchestral score of this film is magnificent; everything you want in a film score. After watching the film I wouldn't want anyone other than Yuji Nomi composing its score. The grand, lush crescendos are the perfect accompaniment to Shizuku's story, both in moments of melancholy and elation, as her feelings bounce back and forth between these much like in any teenager. The music also makes the well-placed moments of serene silence all the more powerful, and gives the film on the whole a very complete and vital presence. Both American (surprisingly) and Japanese voice casting are also excellent this is among the best dubbed Japanese I've ever seen.
It's just a hands-down superb, engrossing, life-affirming film. 10 out of 10. Sometimes makes me wish it were still the mid-nineties. Watch it, and more than twice. I've written 650 words about it, after all.
This is arguably the most realistic Studio Ghibli film to come to the US (because all the fantasy elements reside in the Shizuku's imagination), which is far from a bad thing. While I still hold Mononoke, Nausicaa, and Spirited Away firmly atop the highest echelons of animation and cinematic excellence, I don't hesitate to position this film very close, if not beside those gems, despite its lack of giant insects, flying cities, apprentice witches, wolf-girls, magic forests, spirit bathhouses or moving castles.
So what IS in this film? Plenty to keep me interested, and I loved those other movies. I have nothing but high praise for it, I know (unless you hate Ghibli films, of course) but it deserves it. Essentially a teen coming-of-age and love story, this film has a relatively simple plot. But it is still endearing to me because the way it is presented so genuine and sincere. The interaction of characters - be it between junior high friends, between the young and the elderly, between family, or between two teenagers gradually falling in love feels very honest and real, whether it's interaction important to the story or merely incidental scenes. The protagonist, Shizuku Tsugishima, is a very likable and quirky, and she has a very expressive face and mannerisms. For the duration of the film I really cared about Shizuku, her life, her feelings, and what happens to her.
This realism of the characters and their feelings and behavior is enhanced by the gorgeous setting: the painstakingly detailed outskirts of 1994 Tokyo. There are expansive urban vistas and scenes of contemporary life every bit as beautiful and awe-inspiring as the best Ghibli work. We see the haughty upper-class neighborhoods and life in a cramped apartment. The scenes of Shizuku's imagination visualized are also original and very nicely done. I also love how Ghibli so authentically depicts cat behavior, in both this film and its sequel.
The orchestral score of this film is magnificent; everything you want in a film score. After watching the film I wouldn't want anyone other than Yuji Nomi composing its score. The grand, lush crescendos are the perfect accompaniment to Shizuku's story, both in moments of melancholy and elation, as her feelings bounce back and forth between these much like in any teenager. The music also makes the well-placed moments of serene silence all the more powerful, and gives the film on the whole a very complete and vital presence. Both American (surprisingly) and Japanese voice casting are also excellent this is among the best dubbed Japanese I've ever seen.
It's just a hands-down superb, engrossing, life-affirming film. 10 out of 10. Sometimes makes me wish it were still the mid-nineties. Watch it, and more than twice. I've written 650 words about it, after all.