Ponyo
We are almost at the end of our look at the Best Studio Ghibli films, and the penultimate film is Ponyo.
Ponyo is one of the more recent Studio Ghibli films to hit the big screen, as it was released back in 2010.
Directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki, Ponyo follows a five-year boy his relationship with a goldfish princess who longs to become a human.
Ponyo is perhaps the film most geared for children since the fantastic My Neighbour Totoro, and yet there is still plenty her for an adult audience to enjoy.
There is never a dull moment when it comes to this film's imagery, as it is just the most stunning film.
Ponyo really is Miyazaki's ode to the sea: depicting it as beautiful and yet a devastating force of nature: the movie contrasts these two elements perfectly.
One minute we are under the sea where everything is peaceful and serene, and next the waves are crashing in causing chaos and destruction: he manages to balance these very different elements so well.
Once again, Miyazaki delivers an eco-friendly message with the film; much like has done throughout his career with the like of Princess Mononoke and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
Miyazaki walks the line between what is real and what is fantasy: he finds the perfect mix of both.
Ponyo really is a magical film experience, and yet there is a foot in the real world that really does keep the movie grounded.
From start to finish, Ponyo is a movie that is a magical and thrilling film. Miyazaki may have kept the story simple, but that does not stop it from being truly wonderful.
Throw in the exquisitely hand-drawn animation, and Miyazaki has delivered another animation treat that you cannot help but fall in love with.
The Wind Rises is out now.
Tagged in Studio Ghibli