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Ponyo on the cliff by the sea? This is actually the first film I watched from Hayao Miyazaki, and I have to say that the first thing that came to mind when I read the synopsis was “The Little Mermaid”. It was kind of loosely based on that story, but if you compare it closely, “Ponyo” is actually different in its own way. I’m a fan of both Disney and Studio Ghibli films. If you’ve seen both movies, you could probably see the stark contrast between the little mermaid and Ponyo, especially coming from the Western perspective (Disney) and that of the Eastern (Studio Ghibli).

The ... film starts off with a young boy named Sosuke rescuing a goldfish named Ponyo (who happens to be a girl). Their bond slowly develops into what seemed like an unusual friendship between a boy and a fish. However, Ponyo’s father, a powerful sorcerer, did whatever it takes to break that bond by forcing Ponyo to return to the sea. Little did he know that Ponyo’s desire to become a human caused an imbalance between nature and humanity, which results to a massive thunderstorm. It is only Ponyo’s mother, the beautiful sea goddess, who can restore the balance once again.

One thing that really stood out in this film is the animation. The very close attention to detail was seen all throughout the film, which contributed greatly to the element of magic and fantasy that was felt during the course of the story. I loved the way the artists and animators portrayed the ocean. It gives you a certain feeling that it isn’t just the regular ocean we see on TV or when we go to the beach. You could almost feel the waves, accompanied by a fitting musical score, transporting you to a world completely far from your own. You can’t deny the fact that Hayao Miyazaki really has a fertile imagination. It can even make you feel momentarily lost in a blank stretch between fantasy and reality.

Ponyo is probably the cutest character I’ve ever seen yet. The voice actor did a pretty good job to make her character believable and fun to watch. Other than that, Sosuke is the bravest 5-year-old I’ve seen yet. Rarely do you see characters like him in real life. He’s someone who is able to stand up in the midst of a storm despite his very young age. There were some parts in the movie that seemed out of reach, though. Let’s take for example the adults. Their characters weren’t believable enough. I mean, what kind of adult would leave a 5-year-old alone at home during a thunderstorm? What kind of adults would just nonchalantly wave at two kids riding a boat on their own? Well, that’s fiction for you.

Overall, the story of this film didn’t seem to work for me message-wise. It’s targeted for a younger audience, so I have to admit that it is indeed fun to watch. The characters were original, the art and animation were impeccably done, and the music was fitting, as well. The film gets a high score for that, but the story barely passes. Nonetheless, if you’re somebody who enjoys watching fantasy films that have the power to kindle the child-like heart within you, you might want to add this movie to your watch list.

(Written on 4/11/2013)

Have you ever experienced the time when you felt kind of lost in a blank stretch between fantasy and reality during and after watching a film? I felt the same way when I watched the Studio Ghibli film, “Howl’s Moving Castle”, which was directed by Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away & Ponyo). If you’re a fan of his works, you should probably add this film to your watch list. It was also based on a young adult fantasy novel of the same title by Diana Wynne Jones in 1986.

Ever since I first watched Studio Ghibli films, I couldn’t expect anything less. My fascination for ... fantasy films that have a tinge of reality in their concepts continuously grows through each movie I watch. Even with all of those fantastic and romantic elements that are seen during the course of the films, it will somehow help you become rooted to reality as well. A lot of people were raving about how good “Howl’s Moving Castle” was, so I managed to give it a shot. When I first read the synopsis, I didn’t see what the big deal really was. What’s so special about a girl who’s under some kind of eccentric sorcery? But when I finally watched the film, I never thought it could make such an impact on me. It became a fascinating and influential piece for me at the same time because I was somehow able to identify myself with Sophie, the protagonist.

Studio Ghibli films never fail to fascinate me with their art and animation. Every small detail was impeccably done in order to make the whole background stunning and realistic. I especially love the way the castle was animated. When you think of a castle, the first thing that would probably come to your mind is a grandiose and elegant design. Well, it’s the exact opposite when you visit a flying castle like that of Howl’s. They didn’t make the castle look like the mainstream and stereotypical kind of castle, and that’s what I like about it. The way Sophie was animated was commendable, as well; you can simply tell by the way she progresses and regresses at the same time. I have to say that the art and animation in “Howl’s Moving Castle” is, by far, the best.

The music was really beautiful and fitting, as well. From the background music at the beginning to the peaceful and melancholic song at the end, it suits the mood and story of the film quite well. It displayed a certain vibrancy that makes you feel at peace despite the melancholic sound. The voice acting was good, as well, although there were times when I just didn’t feel the emotion they’re trying to bring out.

The only element that was quite lacking in the film is the story. It left me a lot of questions in the end, especially about the war and what Madame Suliman’s true intention really was. The war scenes were kind of exaggerated, though. As a matter of fact, I didn’t quite understand why they were at war in the first place. I guess it really takes time for me to fully digest and absorb a film like this, especially coming from Studio Ghibli. It will really have you thinking in the end, which is one of the few things that constitutes a great film. Overall, “Howl’s Moving Castle” is definitely worth the watch. You won’t regret seeing it.

Have you ever been touched by the incredible depth of Hayao Miyazaki’s films? Then you might want to add Whisper of the Heart (Mimi wo Sumaseba, which literally means “If You Listen Closely”) to your watch list. It presents a lovely feeling of self-discovery and patient dedication to what you love doing the most. If you’re expecting the film to be the typical Studio Ghibli movie in which you’ll be whisked away into a fantasy world through the impeccable artistry, the use of imaginary characters and seemingly impossible occurrences, then you couldn’t be more wrong.

Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo and written by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, ... Whisper of the Heart (1995) is a film one would call a coming-of-age romance wherein the protagonist struggles to find out what she wants to do in her life. The story revolves around a junior high school student named Shizuku Tsukishima, an avid bookworm who dreams of becoming a writer. Although she would drown herself in the books she reads and borrows from the library, she was completely unsure about what she wanted to do during the first half of the movie. Upon meeting a young lad named Seiji Amasawa, she learns how to believe in herself and finds the resolve to be the best she could be.

If there was one thing that sets the film apart from the other Studio Ghibli movies I’ve seen, it would be its minimal use of fantastic elements. Although it displayed a rather playful use of magic during some parts of the film, it is actually the most realistic Ghibli film I’ve seen so far. It centers around the growth and ordinary lives of each character rather than throwing them into implausible and absurd situations. The plot was believable all throughout the film and the emotions of the characters were conveyed smoothly and gently. The art and animation wasn’t as grand and impeccable as the other Studio Ghibli films, but the simplicity of the visual and character designs fits the mood of the story well. The music didn’t really leave a lasting impression on me, but the introduction song was enough to capture my attention and engage me to continue watching.

One thing that I really like about this film is that it managed to accentuate the reality of youth and how they handle tough situations, whether it be in school, finding your passion and dream, or in relationships. It just seemed so true. The characters are very human and relatable. The ending kind of ticked me off a bit, though. I wasn’t really expecting it. The way they handled the love story was somewhat fast. That’s one aspect of the film that didn’t seem practical and realistic to me.

Overall, Whisper of the Heart delivers a heart-warming feeling that will appeal to those who are not waiting for the characters to endanger their lives by being caught up in unbelievable circumstances. If you want to see a picture of how adolescents slowly become open to the reality of life, Whisper of the Heart can give you that.

(I already wrote this review last year, just so you know. I just wasn't able to post it back then.)

Dealing with the loss of a loved one isn’t easy at all. We may not realize it at first, but there is this unquestionable beauty in death that in the long run would shape us into a better individual. Whether it is a friend or a family member, the death of the ones whom we hold most dear is just another steppingstone towards a new chapter. Their seeds become the fruit of those who come after them. However, there are some who look at death as ... an ordeal, a morbid perception. Everyone has his or her own ways of coping with their loss. Eventually, they change – sometimes for the better, but sometimes for the worse. We don’t understand the concept of death until it comes knocking at our door.

If there was one anime that shows how powerful the effect of death can have among the youth, it would be “Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai” or simply “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day”. It was written by Tatsuyuki Nagai.

The anime is about 5 childhood friends who drifted apart after losing one of their playmates, Meiko Honma or better known as “Menma”. Because of this, they became the kind of people whom they never really imagined to be now that they’re already teenagers. Jintan Yadomi, the de facto leader of the Super Peace Busters (the name of their group), decided to live his teenage life as a recluse. However, the spirit of an older-looking Menma came before him on a summer day, telling him that she wanted a wish granted. Thus, Jintan found the resolve to reunite the group once again.

I have to admit; Anohana is probably one of the most emotional animes out there. I was moved by how deep the message was and the bonds each character shares. I enjoyed watching every episode without getting bored. It was very riveting in its own unique way. The character development was consistent throughout the series. The animation is up to snuff, as well.

If there was one thing that I really appreciated about this series, it would be the soundtrack. I love how the music was in tune with the emotions and situations in the episodes. It displays a certain vibrancy in which you’ll find yourself at the edge of your seat. It was very powerful that it even brought tears to my eyes. The opening theme, “Aoi Shiori” by Galileo Galilei is a perfect fit to the mood of the series; the same goes for the ending theme, “Secret Base (10 Years Later)”, which was performed by Ai Kayano, Haruka Tomatsu, and Saori Hayami. The way the next episode preview blended into the credits was exceptionally unique. I haven’t seen other anime ending themes work that way.

On the other hand, what struck me the most in the series are the characters – the tight bond each of them shares. When we examine them individually, they portray the typical teenagers nowadays. However, there are times when they would have this serious knack for annoying me – the way they express their emotions and feelings and the constant “love polygon” that never ceases to frustrate me until the end. But I was glad that they were able to move on. That’s what this show is about anyway – being able to continue living your life to the fullest despite the obstacles that hinder your way. Being an original anime production, it somehow brought justice to the message. It made me think about the symbolic meaning behind it because, like I said, it has a very deep message.

Overall, Anohana was worth the watch. It is an epitome of an original anime with a solid plot line. I recommend it although I suggest you have a tissue paper by your side while watching.

(I already wrote this review last year, just so you know. I just wasn't able to post it back then.)

Normally, I don’t engage myself in these Josei types of animes and mangas. I mean, come on. Who would be interested in the story of a high school tomboy who plays an old Japanese card game for fun? So, what got me into it? It all started when I was watching an AMV (Animated Music Video) of Chihayafuru made by one of my favorite video-editors. I was enticed by the animation at first sight, so I looked at the synopsis.

“Chihayafuru” is about a typical high school ... girl who doesn’t know what she wants to do in life. Her name is Chihaya Ayase. She has always wanted to see her sister, Chitose, become the number one supermodel of Japan. Her perspective in life changed when she met Arata Wataya, her male classmate in Elementary who is superbly talented in the old Japanese card game called “Karuta”, which is based on Japanese poetry. He was able to convince her that a dream must concern oneself and that it’s something that she has to work hard for, as well. Thus, Chihaya discovered her passion in Karuta and felt the resolve to become the best female player in the country – and perhaps, even in the world.

At first, I wasn’t really interested in the story. I usually don’t get hyped with slice of life shows because they tend to be too predictable and unexciting. When I looked at several reviews about this anime, a lot of people were raving about how great it was and that it was, by far, the best slice of life anime. So, I managed to give it a shot and see if a show about a card game was really THAT endearing. And I have to tell you; it exceeded my expectations.

This anime is more than just about a card game. In order for you to achieve a dream, you can’t always rely on your talent and strength alone. What’s the point of having a skill when you’re not putting in a lot of sweat? You have to keep on honing that skill no matter how good you think you are. I was able to see this in the characters, especially Chihaya. It may seem like her only motivation is to be able to meet Arata again, but as time progressed, she’s not really doing it for him and herself.

If there’s one thing I absolutely love about this show, it would be the character development. The characters are unique in their own ways, and they have grown to be more three-dimensional over the course of the series. I have to admit; each character somehow mirrors the typical high school students nowadays and seemed fleshed out enough for you to be able to relate to them. Although they can be too exaggerated at times, they seem so real and human.

If you ask me, my favorite character would be Chihaya Ayase, not because she’s the main protagonist of the story or the most beautiful anime character I’ve seen yet. Although she may seem dense, there’s just something about her that makes her really admirable, from her ebullience and passion to her sheer determination to achieve her goals. She’s more than just a “tomboy trapped in a supermodel’s body”. Because of her, I learned to appreciate competing against strong opponents. In order for you to improve a particular skill, you need to step up your game by learning from the people who are better than you. She isn’t someone who quits when the going gets tough.

Arata Wataya, the one who taught Chihaya how to play karuta, is a likeable character as well. He didn’t receive that much screen time in the series, and he had to go back to Fukui, his hometown, for some unforeseen circumstances. He may have a somewhat dark personality, but that’s just what makes him stand out from the rest of the characters. I can even relate to him and what he is going through, especially when he was a kid. If I were in his shoes, I would feel the same way as he did when I would lose someone dear to me.

Another character that I absolutely admire would be Taichi Mashima, Chihaya’s childhood friend and the president of the Karuta club in their high school. Other than his leadership skills and strategic abilities, he has shown to be someone who doesn’t run away and never takes short cuts. He may be rather insecure and have this inferiority complex, but he seems down-to-earth.

I don’t know how else to put this. As for the action, I can feel the intensity and suspense in every karuta match. In fact, I somehow enjoyed watching these matches more than the “flyin’ punching, head-banging, kicking butts” type of fight scenes you see in most action animes. I love the animation, and the OST was in tune to the mood of the series.

I admit that it has its bad points, too. It somehow failed to have a solid plot and almost seemed like it was only a chain of events. But overall, Chihayafuru has landed a spot on the list of my favorite animes.

Every now and then, you come across several anime and manga that strike you with a certain emotional response, be it through the adrenaline-rushing fight scenes or the heartfelt drama that continually stirs up your deep, innermost emotions. The other side of anime and manga is when they start to make you ponder over reality, whether it be about the things that truly matter which we as humans fail to notice, or the fact that life can throw something very harsh and cruel at you that it makes you want to fight against it.

Though there are some anime and manga that only fit into either ... the entertainment category or the philosophical category, Angel Beats seems to fit in both, at least from my point of view. There were parts in the anime that had me at the edge of my seat through the action and fight scenes while there were parts that truly touched my heart to the point that I teared up. However, the message that the anime is trying to convey is actually deeper than I thought it would be. You can't really understand it if you look at it at face value. The characters were fighting against the cruel life they lived because they couldn't accept their fate and death. During the course of the series, they had to struggle with issues like fate, existence, self-worth, death, and finding fulfillment that, in the long run, would help them pass on from the afterlife. In the end, they learned to accept the life they had lived because they as human beings could never really change the things that already happened, no matter how hard they try to fight against it. It had me thinking and connecting the dots during and after I watched it.

Before watching, I daresay that my expectations for this show were high since it was highly recommended by some of my batch mates. It took me a long time before I got convinced to actually give it a shot. Prior to that, I watched some AMV's (Animated Music Videos) about this anime, and I can say that the art and animation is what got me enticed at first sight. At first, I thought that this was merely an anime about music, since I saw girls singing and playing the guitar, and the fact that this angel-looking girl was playing the piano in the opening. By the time I finally watched it, the anime is actually deeper than I thought.

I have to say that the story has great potential, but the packaging seemed to be lacking. It just felt kind of abrupt and rushed, especially the ending. There were still some loose ends that the writer/s failed to tie up. The sequencing was quite messy, and I have to admit that there were some parts in the anime wherein the characters were just wasting their time. And thus, it's quite lacking in character development, as well. I wish they gave focus to all the significant characters more (ex. their past) instead of using them to act like complete retards. The story had a lot of potential, and it has a beautiful message. It could've been fleshed out better, though.

The art and animation was impeccable. The music was in tune to the mood of the series, and that's one of the things that I really love about this anime. I especially loved Iwasawa's "My Song" and the ending theme. The ending theme encapsulates the whole meaning of the anime in a way I couldn't fully comprehend. It brings out a feeling of gentleness and peace after every episode. I also loved the fact that Otonashi, the protagonist, reflects on the things the battlefront went through before an episode ends. The anime gets a plus for that.

Overall, Angel Beats is enjoyable to watch. Though there are times when the comedy gets too exaggerated, the way they stir up your emotions is heartfelt. It's not overly-dramatic, per se. Nonetheless, it will entertain and make you think at the same time. It's quite a unique and thought-provoking experience.

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be suddenly whisked away into a world completely different from your own? A world wherein a variety of magic and fantasy awaits you around every corner. Well, I haven’t given a single thought about such things ever since I watched the 2002 Studio Ghibli film, “Spirited Away”. It was directed by Hayao Miyazaki (known for his other works, Howl’s Moving Castle & Ponyo).

When I heard that this was an Academy award-winning film, I couldn’t expect anything less. A lot of people were also raving about how good it was and it has the potential of ... becoming a classic animated feature. I got curious as to how a movie about a girl being whisked away to a spirit world was really that great. I didn’t know what the big deal was, so it took me several months before I actually got convinced to watch this. I spent that time to read some reviews and watch the trailer. When I’ve finally gotten the gumption to see the movie for myself, it somehow exceeded my expectations.

The story starts off with a girl on a road trip with her parents. The girl’s name is Chihiro. Upon finding out that they were lost in the middle of nowhere, she and her parents managed to go through a tunnel that unexpectedly lead them towards an uncanny and mysterious place. Unbeknownst to the spirits lurking around the town, her parents ate the food that was set before them without any hesitation. Little did they know that the food turned them into large and meaty pigs. In order to go back to their world, Chihiro must embark on a journey with her newly-found courage and friendships.

Matched by a lighthearted feel and mood, “Spirited Away” actually has a deep message when you watch the scenes carefully. I couldn’t point out everything because it takes me a very long time before I could take in and digest what the movie really has to offer. Behind all the magnificent and impeccable animation is a message deep enough to touch the hearts of different people. I couldn’t find the words express how much this film touched me in many ways. The beautiful combination of the art, animation, characters, and music morphed into such a wonderful animated feature. One thing that kind of ticked me off was the parents of Chihiro, though. They seemed kind of childish to actually eat something right off the bat without being wary of their surroundings. It’s a very small and minor thing, but still, I can’t ignore the details.

To sum up everything in a nutshell, I found myself at loss for words. One thing that I would take home from this film would be the fact that sometimes, we get too caught up with things that don’t really matter. In the end, we fall prey to our own fantasies to the point that we start to get blind from reality – the kind of reality wherein we don’t seem to recognize the people or things that are important to us (as shown in the film several times). All I can say is, “Spirited Away” is one of the best animated features I’ve seen.