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Studio Ghibli is known for its visual magnificence and heartfelt storytelling, and much of its credit goes to none other than Hayao Miyazaki. His films have created their own genre in the animation landscape, and for his son — Goro Miyazaki, stepping out of this shadow is not an easy feat. Goro’s career as a filmmaker has long been compared to his father; a recurring challenge for any artist trying to carve out their own identity. Although not totally unique, this film by Goro Miyazaki has a brilliance of its own!
Among Goro Miyazaki’s creations,From Up on Poppy Hillstands out as his most critically acclaimed effort. Released in 2011, this film may not quite escape the long reach of Hayao Miyazaki’s influence, but it still manages to offer a heartfelt experience to the audience.
From Up on Poppy Hill: Goro Miyazaki’s Flawed Yet Beautiful Tribute
Goro Miyazaki’sFrom Up on Poppy Hillis a story about reconciling the past with the future. Like many Studio Ghibli films, the story revolves around a girl, named Umi Matsuzaki, a diligent and kind-hearted high school girl who juggles her duties at home while becoming active in a school-wide project to save an old clubhouse from demolition in preparations for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
The film addresses the theme of post-war Japan amidst swift modernization. However, the story mainly focuses on Umi’s bond with Shun Kazama; a rebellious schoolmate and activist. But, Umi soon found out that Shun was actually her long-lost brother. The narrative doesn’t only portray the clash between preserving cultural history and embracing modernization but also depicts Umi and Shun’s internal conflict from moving on from the past to the future.
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Yet, similar toHayao Miyazaki‘s films, the plot ofFrom Up on Poppy Hilldoesn’t develop romantic elements further. Umi is depicted as a straightforward protagonist, without any knowledge of conventional romance. But perhaps, the most prominent flaw of Umi’s character is that it lacks development compared to Shun. Despite being the main character, Shun easily overshadows her in terms of distinct attributes and character depth.
A Visual Feast, but Is That Enough?
One area in which Goro Miyazaki’sFrom Up on Poppy Hillundeniably surpasses Hayao Miyazaki’s previous films is the high-quality animation. Despite being hand-drawn, the breathtaking depictions of Yokohama’s bustling port, and old-fashioned streets demonstrate the artistic powerhouse that Studio Ghibli is.
However, Goro’s creation couldn’t avoid the comparison to his father’s works with this film since they share too much resemblance. The story centers around an ordinary girl, similar to Hayao’s heroines like Chihiro or Nausicaä.From Up on Poppy Hillalso fails to emphasizethe romance factor; a problem long associated with Hayao Miyazaki’s films.
In this regard, the film’s ambitions seem restricted by Goro’s attachment to his father’s blueprint rather than creating a bolder, more personal direction. However, despite all the similarities, Goro went wrong in the department Hayao Miyazaki masters with ease:writing interesting female characters.
This leads to the question: IsFrom Up on Poppy Hillworth watching? Commercially, it’s Goro’s most successful creation grossing over$61 millionworldwide. It also received positive reviews from critics and wonmany awardsin Japan. The story merges themes of nostalgia, modernity, and youthful resilience pretty well; creating a storyline that is both emotional and conflicting.
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While the film may not reach the emotional or narrative heights of Hayao’s masterpieces, it still adds a gem to Studio Ghibli’s everlasting crown. With its stunning visuals and realistic themes, the movie offers enough to captivate viewers, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. But for Goro, the real test lies in moving beyond his father’s influence and crafting stories that truly reflect his voice. Until then,From Up on Poppy Hillremains a beautiful chapter in his journey as a filmmaker.
From Up on Poppy Hillis currently available to watch on Netflix.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
