Ponyo

Ponyo, another film penned by the writer and director of Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, does not disappoint. The premise is an unusual one and fits the innovative style of the film. Upon finding a fish trapped in a bottle, a young boy, Sosuke (Doi), releases it and names it Ponyo. Ponyo (Nara) is no ordinary fish, however: her father is a powerful wizard who sends his wave spirits to capture her and bring her back. Ponyo manages to escape and use her father’s magic to turn herself into a girl. Unfortunately, the power required for this transformation creates an imbalance which will destroy the world. Sosuke and Ponyo must find a way to stop this and to make Ponyo’s transformation permanent.

Though aimed at a slightly younger age group than Studio Ghibli’s usual fare, Ponyo is still well worth watching. The visuals are as stunning and unconventional as you would expect, and the characters are unbelievably adorable. One of the most wonderful things about this film is the keen skill Studio Ghibli hold in infusing animated characters with life; subtle nuances (such as the care Sosuke takes in placing down his boat) really persuade you that these figures are real.

Ponyo is definitely another Ghibli gem. Stunning visuals, a sense of the weird and wonderful, topped off by delightful characters. The closeness between Ponyo and Sosuke is sweet without being saccharine. Well worth watching for any Miyazaki or anime fans or just anyone who fancies something that little bit out of the ordinary.

Natalie Tyldesley