Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki is a legend in the film industry for his beautiful and imaginative animated films. Ponyo, based upon the Hans Christian Andersen story The Little Mermaid, is the latest animated effort from the acclaimed director and is now available on Blu-ray. Is Blu-ray the definitive way to experience a Miyazaki film?
Ponyo tells the enchanting story of a goldfish who is found in the ocean by a little boy, Sosuke. He takes care of the goldfish and names it Ponyo. The two form a close bond and soon after discovering Ponyo can talk they fall in love in such a way that only five-year-olds can. Ponyo is 'rescued' by her father, an underwater magician who despises humans and is more concerned with his magical potions than he is with his daughters. While her father has succeeded in ‘rescuing’ her it’s already too late, Ponyo wants to become a real little girl and live with Sosuke on land. She begins to use her own magic and, after turning into a little girl, she begins her journey back to Sosuke. Not fully realising her own power and what her dad’s potions were capable of Ponyo unleashes the power of the sea, bringing a fierce storm to bear on Sosuke's village. Ponyo’s actions, while serving her own innocent ends, have caused the world to become unbalanced and some big decisions must be made to set things right again resulting in Ponyo and Sosuke's loving friendship facing some serious difficulties.
With Ponyo Miyazaki has crafted one of the most enjoyable, innocent and loving children’s films ever made. His animation style and story have really managed to capture how the world is perceived by a five year old, but he’s also managed to craft a story that critiques our relationship with and respect of nature. While I was expecting a bit more from the ending, where the story seemed to build up to a great challenge for Sosuke to complete, it’s very hard not to fall in love with Ponyo. The love and friendship between Ponyo and Sosuke is so pure and such a good message for all children not to judge people and to accept them wholly. Also the scene where Ponyo is accepted into Sosuke’s home and exposed to the life of a human is just such a charming and adorable moment. At this stage the film really captures the inquisitive and curious nature of children and it’s hard not to think of moments where you can recall yourself or someone else acting in a similar way when they were a child.
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