The Wind Rises
Starring: Joseph Gordon Levitt, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rating: 4.5/5
I have always been a huge fan of Studio Ghibli and it is always exciting to see another of their movies released. However, the release of The Wind Rises is tinged with a little sadness as it marks the final film for visionary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.
Miyazaki has given us movies such as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle over the years, but The Wind Rises sees him go out with an almighty bang.
The Wind Rises is based on Miyazaki's own comic book, and will look at the life of Jiro Horikoshi: the man who designed the Japanese fighter planes during the Second World War.
We have seen quite a few Studio Ghibli movies hit the big screen in recent years, and The Wind Rises is one that really will not disappoint - in fact, this is possibly the most personal movie that Miyazaki has ever made.
You can see the way that this film has been lovingly crafted by the director; this is based on
Miyazaki’s own comic book and you can tell that this is a story that he really is interested in and cares about.
As we have come to expect from Studio Ghibli films, The Wind Rises is a visual treat as the period is well and truly brought to life with some elegant and truly beautiful animation.
Miyazaki allows us to delve into the lives of Japanese at the time - he really does capture the beauty and the uncertainty of that time. The Wind Rises really is up there with some of Studio Ghibli’s most beautiful and breathtaking films.
The Wind Rises really is story telling on a truly grand scale as we sore about the clouds and into the lives of these characters and this wonderful story. There really is an epic feel to this animation movie from start to finish.
The Wind Rises is a movie about dreams, lost dreams, aircraft, and love, and is a movie that is as rich on the soul as it is on the eye. This is one of those films that really will sweep you along with this beauty and its heart.
The tricky subject matter of designing military aircraft has been handled with real sensitivity and care, making it a very intelligent and well thought out film - as well as being beautifully crafted from start to finish.
Miyazaki has been one of the greatest contributors to animation movies, and it really is sad to see him leave the director’s chair for the final time. However, he leaves us with a wonderful back catalogue of work, and signs off in truly fine style.
The Wind Rises is out on DVD & Blu-Ray now.