Review of The Wind Rises

Firstly, I am a History Major in college; secondly, I positively adore Studio Ghibli films. This is probably the perfect blend between Studio Ghibli's masterful storytelling and animation and historical events. Even greater than Grave of the Fireflies, I would argue... you can see I may have a certain bias. Story: The manner in which the story is told is incredibly imaginative, bringing with it all of the Studio Ghibli flair that long-time watchers are accustomed to. Being neither fully fictional or non-fiction, unlike many Ghibli films, it was interesting to see what their portrayal of Imperial Japan would be (I hear Miyazaki took a lotof heat for it). While the story focuses almost entirely on Jirou, you can really feel the political undertones throughout the movie. While it's certainly not Miyazaki's magnum opus, the story is nonetheless engaging and quite believable.

Art & Sound:
It's up to the ridiculously high standards of Studio Ghibli. The music was very orchestral and enhanced every scene; it was a delight to listen to. I watched the Japanese version with English subs, and I thought that the voice actor for Jirou was a little nasally for his character, but that was the only complaint I can think of.

Character:
Jirou is a very well-made protagonist; he really fits the whole eccentric genius role (I really enjoyed his gigantic glasses). Naoko, the female lead, looks exactly like every other main female in Studio Ghibli movies (i.e. Nausicaä or Princess Mononoke), and she acts like them too. There are quite a few memorable side characters, and they all seem fleshed-out and additive to the plot. You'll most definitely be attached to everyone by the end of the movie.

Enjoyment:
The whole movie went down smoothly, as I suspected it would under the master craftsmanship of Miyazaki and his team at Studio Ghibli. I can't complain about anything, it's a sleek and refined movie that couldn't really be improved in any meaningful way. If you're a Miyazaki or Studio Ghibli fan, this movie is not to be missed, as it's Miyazaki's last.