Review of The Wind Rises

Kaze Tachinu (The Wind Rises) is certainly the kind of movie that you cannot casually watch. It takes seemingly undivided attention to understand and enjoy this piece of art that Studio Ghibli created. My mistake in watching this movie was that I did so with friends so I couldn't really exactly focus on the film itself - especially since It is a bit "weird." But watching part of the movie again later on, I really appreciated the theme portrayed about innovation in the face of war. Glazed with a kind of Alan Turing effect, the story is actually quite neat. A little cliche at certain points,but still portrays to some extent Japan during World War 2. Funnily, it didn't occur to me until a good thirty minutes into the movie that Japan was actually a German ally during the Nazi regime. However, that simply goes to show that no one side in any war is entirely good or evil. Regardless following Jirou's journey is artful and refreshing.

Paired with world-class animations and wonderful sounds, it is no wonder that this movie has won so many awards in the animation world. Undoubtedly, after watching this, I will try to continue to whatever bears the brand of Studio Ghibli, a hallmark in its own prestige.