Ponyo

Last night I did something that I don't do very often - I went to the movies. It isn't that on principle I dislike paying exorbitant amounts to squeeze seats that are a mite too small, eating overpriced sweets and having my ears bombarded to the point of deafness. The general problem is that 95% of all the movies out there are absolute garbage. And for all you movie snobs, that includes the ones released through Dendy and similar 'arthouse' chains. However, when Hayao Miyazaki releases a new fillum I will always be good for a ticket. So She Who Must Be Obeyed and I trudled off to see 'Ponyo', and we were certainly not disappointed!

'Ponyo' is the story of a little boy (Sosuke) and a goldfish (Ponyo). However, this is no ordinary goldfish, but is instead the daughter of an eccentric sea wizard and a beautiful goddess. When Sosuke rescues Ponyo in the sea shallows they form a special bond. Though her father brings her back to the sea castle, Ponyo has powers of her own and is determined to return to her friend. She escapes, and using her powers to transform into a human girl, goes to live with Sosuke and his mother. However, this upsets the delicate balance of nature, and Sosuke will have to make a very serious decision before things return to normal.

Some of the traditional Miyazaki themes are present - concern for the environment, the innocence of childhood, the magical world beyond the ordinary, and the strength of the feminine. However there are some differences to the usual patter. In 'Ponyo' the magical child stumbles into the real world rather that the other way. There is still the presence of transport and machinery, but Miyazaki has simplified the theme to focus on Sosuke's love of ships, something that many little boys (and those of us who once were) could relate to.

The film is beautifully animated. Miyazaki has deliberately avoided computer-generated animation, preferring to rely on hand-painted cells. This gives the film a timeless air, but also makes it easy on the eye. The characters, even the sea wizard, are very likeable. The sea creatures are wonderfully drawn and Miyazaki appears to want to draw his viewers to recognize that there is a magical world under the sea. Those who see parallels with Disney's 'Little Mermaid' aren't imagining things.

So, who would like this film? There is something there for everyone, but I would not be nervous about taking the under-10 crowd to this. Unlike 'Spirited Away' or 'Howl's Moving Castle' there are no dark spiritual forces to frighten the little ones. In style it is closest to 'Kiki's Delivery Service'. Overall, a most delightful film. Make sure that you get to see it on the big screen while you can!