.jpg)
This animated story, written by legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, is one of those simple stories that touch the heart most deeply. By placing attention on mundane details, and crafting real, believable characters, Miyazaki and director Yoshifumi Kondo (his sole directorial effort before his untimely death at 37), create a near-masterpiece.
Whisper of the Heart is the story of young Shizuku's journey along the path of self-discovery. But what sets this story aside is the execution. Shizuku is a brainy young girl, who spends most of her time checking out books in the library, until one day she recognises that someone by the name of Seiji Amasawa has checked out all the books before she has. Determined to find out the identity of this mystery reader, Shizuku asks around, gaining little helpful information in the process. One day while riding a train, Shizuku becomes fascinated by a cat riding alone on the same train. When the train stops, she decides to follow it, and begins a part of her journey that is tied to the mysterious Seiji in a way she could not have expected.
Whisper of the Heart is a story of love, discovery and inspiration. It is an ode to the people that have inspired us individually at one point or another in our lives. It is a work of art that reminisces young love and adolescent insecurity. Shizuku's search for a fairy tale ending to life is countered by a growing understanding of reality, but the fact that reality may not be so bad after all.
This film features some amazing voicework, and a regal, enjoyable cameo by Cary Elwes. The depiction of the towns, and views from high altitudes, make for some pretty impressive visuals. The real standout however is the magnificent score. I don't think I've ever seen an animated movie with a more beautiful score. It is simply alluring, and more than just a nice sound, as it complements the movie admirably.
Miyazaki's story is on all points pleasing. This is a simple, beautiful film, with lots to ponder upon. And while the protagonist and most of the main characters are adolescent, the themes presented here contain meaning for viewers of any age. From the year that I consider to be the crowning point in the 90s, this film only further solidifies that notion. If you're looking for a film that will inspire you, touch your heart, leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling, and all the while not compromising your intelligence, you can do no better. Whisper of the Heart will cause you to love, reminisce and most of all listen.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Whisper of the Heart is the story of young Shizuku's journey along the path of self-discovery. But what sets this story aside is the execution. Shizuku is a brainy young girl, who spends most of her time checking out books in the library, until one day she recognises that someone by the name of Seiji Amasawa has checked out all the books before she has. Determined to find out the identity of this mystery reader, Shizuku asks around, gaining little helpful information in the process. One day while riding a train, Shizuku becomes fascinated by a cat riding alone on the same train. When the train stops, she decides to follow it, and begins a part of her journey that is tied to the mysterious Seiji in a way she could not have expected.
Whisper of the Heart is a story of love, discovery and inspiration. It is an ode to the people that have inspired us individually at one point or another in our lives. It is a work of art that reminisces young love and adolescent insecurity. Shizuku's search for a fairy tale ending to life is countered by a growing understanding of reality, but the fact that reality may not be so bad after all.
This film features some amazing voicework, and a regal, enjoyable cameo by Cary Elwes. The depiction of the towns, and views from high altitudes, make for some pretty impressive visuals. The real standout however is the magnificent score. I don't think I've ever seen an animated movie with a more beautiful score. It is simply alluring, and more than just a nice sound, as it complements the movie admirably.
Miyazaki's story is on all points pleasing. This is a simple, beautiful film, with lots to ponder upon. And while the protagonist and most of the main characters are adolescent, the themes presented here contain meaning for viewers of any age. From the year that I consider to be the crowning point in the 90s, this film only further solidifies that notion. If you're looking for a film that will inspire you, touch your heart, leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling, and all the while not compromising your intelligence, you can do no better. Whisper of the Heart will cause you to love, reminisce and most of all listen.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
No comments:
Post a Comment