Family Fun Under the Sea!: Ponyo

Greetings, one and all!  This Sunday not only brings us Mother’s Day, but also this week’s new review and continuation of Miyazaki May.  This week, I’ll be reviewing what is probably the most kid-friendly anime film that Studio Ghibli has to offer-next to My Neighbor Totoro.  That being said, I’ll skip to the synopsis on this week’s review of Ponyo.

Inspired by the classic fairytale The Little Mermaid­-and no, not the Disney version-, Ponyo follows a young boy named Sosuke after he rescues a gold fish he later names Ponyo.  It is not long after this rescue that Ponyo begins to show her magical abilities and gains the attention of her sorcerer father Fujimoto.  Ponyo is soon taken back by Fujimoto, but after tasting human blood from a cut Sosuke received trying to save her, she now desires to become human and stay with Sosuke.  Soon, she escapes and is able to transform into a human.  However, not known to Ponyo, this escape disturbs a magical well that keeps the Earth’s ocean in balance and causes a storm that begins to slowly flood the planet.  Meanwhile, Ponyo’s mother and father discuss the issue at hand and agree to make Ponyo human if Sosuke truly loves her.  Ponyo is able to find Sosuke and his mother Lisa and takes shelter with them during the storm.  But concerned for the safety of the elderly women she cares for in the local island town, Lisa returns to town leaving Sosuke and Ponyo behind.  The next morning, the two leave the house in search of her.    Sosuke and Ponyo-who has reverted back to her fish form- eventually make it to the senior center where they are met by Ponyo’s father.  After some unsuccessful persuasion, they are taken under water to the center, which is protected by Ponyo’s mother.  There, Sosuke is reunited with his mother.  It is also there that Ponyo’s mother asks Sosuke if he truly loves Ponyo for who she is.  Sosuke says that he does and will promise to take care of her.  After this, Ponyo’s mother places a spell on Ponyo that will transform her into a human if Sosuke kisses her.  The film ends with a comical moment when Ponyo steals a surprise kiss from Sosuke and turns into a human.

I’ll admit, Ponyo really wasn’t my cup of tea.  Even so, this movie does have a lot to offer audiences both familiar with anime and those who aren’t.  And so, I give Ponyo a four out of five star rating.  So as usual, being a Miyazaki film, animation was good.  The plot was ok, but I’ll get more to that later.  I know I said earlier that next to My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo is among one of the most kid-friendly movies in the Studio Ghibli arsenal.  In my opinion, this is a pretty big strength.  Despite the stereotype that many people have in that anime is for kids, a lot of good quality anime-or at least more entertaining anime-is more adult-oriented.  Given that Ponyo has very little to no violence and bad language and is fun, colorful, and exciting to the eye, this makes for great exposure to good quality anime for small children.  And for those who know me, I’ve always held the belief that Studio Ghibli films, particularly those done by Mr. Miyazaki, are good quality anime and are probably more well known and accessible.  So while some anime is not for kids, this one is safe for kids of all ages.

Now, while this aspect of the film is a great perk to it, it can also be a big weakness.  While the film is very kid friendly, it may turn away adults very easily.  Also, given that the plot is very straight forward and doesn’t provide a whole lot of depth, it can be boring.  Remember, this film was probably made with kids in mind.  Still, it won’t hurt to watch the film even if you’re an adult.  It certainly didn’t hurt me! ;)

So while Ponyo is a great find for kids and families, it may be a bit too immature for a grown up audience.  Still, any big kid willing enough to give it a try should go for it!  Ponyo is available wherever anime is sold.  And that wraps up this week’s review!  I’m off to hug my mother and tell her I love her cause it’s Mother’s Day!  In the meantime, stay tuned for next week’s review on the latest Studio Ghibli film When Marnie Was There!

-Hanime on Anime

Ponyo Trailer