19 July 09
PONYO ON THE CLIFF BY THE SEA - Hayao Miyazaki - 2009 - Film Fest #04
Ah Miyazaki. I was more than excited for this. Like last year’s, TALES BY EARTHSEA (by son of Miyazaki, Toro), PONYO left me somewhat underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong — I will never slander the hallowed name of Miyazaki, but this one was definitely one of his minor ones. I wished this film explored the magical world of Ponyo more deeply, rather than residing in the ‘normal’ world almost exclusively. Also, I thought there should have been more scenes with the adults / magician and fewer with the kids. But this is a definite kids film.
This is fine though. There are exhilarating scenes to be sure. The ocean raising / car escaping water scene is one of Miyazaki’s best. But overall the narrative doesn’t quite engage like even some of his more obtuse through-lines (PORCO ROSSO and HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE come to mind). I wondered too about the Japanese translation on our print. I wonder if the DVD will clarify some plot points.
Still, any Miyazaki on the big screen (especially at the Embassy in Wellington) is something to behold indeed. I mean, even the trailer (with that crappy Disney English voice acting) gives me shivers!
