After finally watching the only Studio Ghibli left that I have not watched (My Neighbors The Yamadas), it was perfect timing for me to see their latest UK release, From Up On Poppy Hill.
This viewing is very special as I have to had to travel to my first ever Picturehouse. After being a regular at the local multi-plex, it was time to delve into the world of independent and foreign films. I have seen many, but never on the big screen and I was satisfied with my visit. I was amazed that a lot of it is used for non-film. For example, there were a lot people having lunch on one of the levels, and the whole place did have a perfect meeting place feel to it. After going up a few levels and encountering some very appealing movie memorabilia they were selling, I was set for my first Picturehouse movie experience.
It sadly was not a fantasy based epic which is the main reason why this company has become so popular. But their non-fantasy dramas are still worth watching, as is this one.
After mixed reviews of director Goro Miyazaki's debut with 'Tales From Earthsea', it was becoming an even bigger task to compete with his brother, the amazing Hayao Miyazaki. Thankfully, he has created something so funny, charming and refreshing for the studio after a few years of imaginative fantasy epics. Goro has really shown the spirit of Japan after WWII and before them hosting the 1964 Olympics.
There are the usual positives. The animation is truly amazing. The details of every single scene was a joy to watch and sights and sounds of Poppy Hill just felt like you were at the seaside. The characters that have been created, you instantly fall in love with. There are very clever sequences and they even make the dull scenes gripping.
The only negative that I could find was that the whole feel of it just is not the same as the fantasy ones. That being sad, it is still worth watching and definitely better then some of the features in Studio Ghibli's collection.
Overall, I was not disappointed. I am glad to see Goro Miyazaki is growing into a top director for the studio to use. It may not have that fantasy theme, but it is still a beautiful work of art and the whole story is very charming. After seeing this become a success, this has now given me confidence that Studio Ghibli can keep going once Hayao Miyazaki is no more. Can't wait for the next installment, The Wind Rises.
Rating: 8/10
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