Whisper of the Heart
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Movie Reviews of Whisper of the Heart
Movie Review: lovely
Summary: 4 Stars
Very pretty movie. Loved all the neat antiques in the film. the visuals in this film are really great too. The story was also very nice. Another great film from ghibli.Movie Review: Pure Perfection
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the lesser-known Studio Ghibli productions, "Whisper Of The Heart" is also one of the most brilliant gems in a Ghibli crown that seems to be studded with nothing but brilliant gems. It begins with two simple premises - 1) during summer vacation a book-loving girl named Shizuki discovers that the same person - a reader named Seiji - is also listed on the library cards of most of the fable-books she checks out as having checked them out also, and 2) during the simple act of taking a train to deliver her father the lunch he's forgotten to take to work, Shizuki is uncannily intrigued by a distinct cat riding the bus and decides on a whim to follow the cat off the train and see where he goes. From these two beginnings the movie and its phenomenal cast of characters branch off in a myriad of directions. Both hilarious in a way few live-action comedies can match and incredibly moving on a level few live-action dramas can ascend to, "Whisper Of The Heart" is also, undoubtedly, one of the most gorgeously romantic tales ever told. The closest comparison, in non-animated terms, might be to imagine "The Notebook" crossed with "Serendipity" but with certain elements toned down to open the movie up for younger viewers as well as older ones. In the transition it loses not one whit of its power, enchantment, or depth.
It's also about a lot of other things. It's about insecurity vs. taking the plunge. It's about a quaint old antique shop and its owner and patrons. It's about a striking statue of a bipedal, nattily-attired cat whose gem eyes catch and refact the sunlight in a mesmerizing way, in that shop. It's about the value of story, it's about impromptu musical singalongs, it's about dreams vs. societal expectations, and more further tangents than can be listed here, all coming together in one extraordinary package. Absolutely unforgettable, one of the most essential movies ever made. Movie lovers of all tastes and stripes owe it to themselves to give this masterpiece a try.
Movie Review: An Artistic Masterpiece!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Before I saw this fantastic animated masterpiece, my only contact with Japanese Anime' was when my nieces and nephews came for visits (they were interested in watching Ninja/Karate/Sailor Moon, etc). These cartoons, although hypnotic and mesmerizing to the kids, seemed mindless with no real message (not that there's anything wrong with that).
One evening this past January, I was flipping through the channels when I came upon TCM's Thursday night special tribute to Hayao Miyazaki. I listened to the pre-feature info-guy describing the great artistry and storytelling of this director and thought "I'll give it 2 minutes and then continue flipping".
After only ten minutes I found myself totally immersed in the experience. What a beautifully crafted, artistically amazing, and poignant study of two young Japanese students encouraging one another to follow their dreams as they surprise themselves by falling in love.
As a professional artist, I was amazed at the superb quality and artistry of the background panels, each one alone a separate masterpiece, and the 3 dimensional feel in the movement/action. This was not what I had expected.
The most striking element of this masterpiece (at the risk of being trite) was the slice of modern Japanese life/culture it imparted to me. The characters were real, while at the same time decent, moral kids. There was a certain innocence in the characters that was totally refreshing and endearing. They projected an almost spiritual reverence for their elders and total respect for their teachers. Because the Japanese culture is shown to be "user friendly", their parents had no fear for their kids traveling on bikes and rapid transit throughout Tokyo. It was quite charming to follow the various characters through their daily activities and reminded me of my own childhood before our American culture became so dangerous.
I now own many of Miyazaki's films including Porco Rosso, Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, and a few others. However, my personal favorite is still Whisper of the Heart. I can't wait to introduce my nieces and nephews to these fantastic and beautiful stories.
Movie Review: Sorry, but this was boring
Summary: 3 Stars
I love Miyazaki, and I thought Howl's Moving Castle was very entertaining. I had the neighborhood kids come and watch Howl, and they all gave it a thumbs-up.
I did the same for this one, and truthfully, everyone left in about the middle of the movie. It isn't a fantasy, there are a few "dream sequences", but not enough to keep anyone except an adult interested.
The main character was way too whiney, and the thought of someone wanting to carve violins for a living was, well, stupid? Maybe this is a deep symbolism or something, but try to explain that to a ten-year-old rolling their eyes.
The animation was gorgeous as usual, and this is the three stars. However, the movie, according to an audience between 7-17, was "boring and corny." Please understand that these kids are accustomed to various animators both foreign and domestic, I try to vary their interests to extend beyond the usual Cartoon Network trash. So, for them to be so harsh on Miyazaki, who is one of their favorites, it must have been pretty lame.
I bought this because I thought it introduced "The Baron", but the cat remains a statue throughout most of the movie except for the weird dream sequences.
It does have a happy ending which I thought was good, but there was only me, myself and I at the end of the flick, so it really didn't matter.
I consider this definitely a rent before buy DVD.
Movie Review: What? No Fantasy From Studio Ghibli? How Unusual!
Summary: 5 Stars
Still, I loved it! It's a highly detailed, entertaining movie.
"Whisper of the Heart" has no fantasy element. The movie is about a young girl going through some emotional introspection, experiencing love for the first time, and trying to figure out what to do with her life. It's nothing serious, she's just growing up, yet the story is compelling enough to hold your attention.
The animation is great! Small, subtle, details pop up everywhere [just watch], giving this story and setting fantastic depth. The background sounds are just as full and thought out, of passing cars and bicycles, and other ambient details.
Each of the characters in this film are well portrayed, from Shizuku's parents and sister, to her friends, and the old shop keeper. [I loved the impromptu jamb session with the shop keeper, two of his friends and Shizuku singing "Country Roads".]
Now there is a surprise! The main theme song of the film is "Country Roads" by John Denver, though they have a female vocalist. At first it seemed a little out of place in an Anime, but it doesn't take long to fit right in.
[Note: This is 'sort of' the prequel to "The Cat Returns", and in fact the 'Barron' is in this story. However here he is only a statue, and nothing more. He comes alive within Shizuku's story, and the animation sequences of Shizuku's story telling are lots of fun. But in "Whisper of the Heart" he is just a statue.]