Review of The Wind Rises

This is the one film Miyazaki wanted to make. We can feel his passion and his love of the subject but, sadly, it is his weaker film. Allow me to explain. There were many interesting and powerful moments during the first half of the movie, and you can truly grasp the famous Ghibli magic. However, the second half is disappointingly lacking. It all comes down to characters. The characters are not well done. At all. As a result, the weaker part of the film was, without a doubt, the romance. Miyazaki is very good at creating romance but, here, it feels way too forced. It fellcompletely out of touch. It evolves way too quickly, and the romantic interest is not very likeable. Overall, it was too corny, and downright awkward to be taken seriously. Some of those scenes must be seen to be believed. They are really that... weird.

This dragged-down the movie immensely. Unfortunately, it affects the overall enjoyment of the movie. But this is not to say that the movie isn't any good. It is expertly crafted in many areas, notably animation and music as it is custom with Ghibli. Some scenes were breath-takingly beautiful, and the OST is amazing. It's a shame the story and especially the script aeren't up-to-par with other Miyazaki movies.

It may seem harsh to judge tthe romance in this movie this stronly, but it's really problematic. Especially since this movie is clearly his last. But don't let my opinion change the fact that I recommend this movie. It treats the subject of war, innovation and aviation with love and care. Melodrama aside, I can't help but feel that the movie could habe been a masterpiece. It is what it is. A work of art brought down by weak characters.

Miyazaki is my favorite director, and one of the greatest. This movie is a testament to his strengths and his weaknesses. He clearly struggles to bring his A-game in a realistic, less idyllic movie. I believe this is the result of the overall tone of the film. It is serious and doesn't make use of the awe-inspiring imagination of his creator. Nevertheless, I encourage you to go see it, and if you look past its flaws, you will surely discover a pleasant and bittersweet end to an incredibly illustrious creer.