Comments on: Review : Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

By: jedimoonshyne

jedimoonshyne — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:12:13 +0000

You! I haven’t seen you around on RT recently, I thought perhaps that you had left in disgust at the new forum layout.

I wouldn’t call Ponyo unambitious, but it’s certainly created with a specific age group in mind – both the plot and the script – and I think it can be rewarding enough if you’re willing to accept this fact early on. As I was saying to Justin before, Miyazaki’s usual traits are somewhat simplified and come off as slightly pandering as a result.

I’m very jealous that you’re going to be in the presence of Miyazaki-San! He’s never struck me as the kind of filmmaker who enjoys the public eye but then I’m sure he loved a) to travel and b) to pass on his knowledge to younger people. Make sure you get yourself a photo and post it up on RT!

By: Max

Max — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:21:03 +0000

I heard similar things from a couple friends who were in Japan last year when it first came out — it’s not a good or ambitious plot. But the animation of the sea, from what I saw in the trailer, looks stunning.

The U.S. premier of Ponyo (outside L.A.) is this Friday, in Berkeley. And Miyazaki is giving a talk on Saturday. I have tickets to both events and am really looking forward to attending them.

(By the way, this is mbird from RT, haha.)

By: justin

justin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:34:05 +0000

i didn’t think they felt forced here, but maybe i need to give it another watch.

i haven’t gotten around to seeing NIMH yet, but i plan on seeing it eventually.

By: jedimoonshyne

jedimoonshyne — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:04:03 +0000

Of course “environmentalism for kids” isn’t a bad aim. I’ve always admired Miyazaki for the honesty with which he approaches his work; there’s always some underlying and ultimately good theme in his films, whether it be environmentalism, strong anti-War traits, or simply the idea of good versus evil. I do believe however that there’s a correct way to implement such themes, and subtlety is an important factor. Have you ever watched Don Bluth’s The Secret of NIMH? There are so many underlying themes in that movie, including environmentalism, but never once do they feel forced.

By: justin

justin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:16:46 +0000

hmm… i didn’t find it disappointing at all. it’s not mononoke or spirited away but it’s still a solid film. i never found it contrived or tactless, i could’ve missed it, but i was never bored. i found his characters as fully realized as ever, and even if it is “environmentalism for kids” is that such a bad aim?