Review of Whisper of the Heart

"Whisper of the Heart," is one of Ghibli's hidden treasures. It's a delicately crafted coming-of-age tale that still makes room for that mystical Ghibli wonder while also creating time for quieter, more thought-provoking moments. Oh, and there's a romance too. And some cats. So what's not to love? Perhaps I hold this movie so dear to me because it felt specifically catered to my fourteen-year-old self the first time that I watched it. Like our lead, Shizuku, I, too, wanted to become a writer, and watching her struggle in her desire to achieve her career goals was relatable to someone like me, who was also startingout as a new writer.

"Whisper of the Heart," is a bit quieter and less fantastical than other Ghibli films. it is more mature in that sense, but especially through Shizuku's writing, and her desire for adventure, that Ghibli-wonder still comes through. While I first watched this movie when I was around the same age as Shizuku in the film, I don't find that the message is lost on me, even now that I am well-beyond junior high and am now an adult.

The romance, which comprises the second plot in the movie, is also fantastically done. It develops slowly and gracefully, and there are a few moments at the end that will surprise you. All in all, I would rather characterize this film as coming-of-age rather than a romance, but the romance compliments the material well and is the driving force of Shizuku's motivation to better understand her self and her skills.

I am surprised to find that many Ghibli fans are well-acquainted with the spin-off of this movie, "The Cat Returns," instead of its predecessor. I could go on and on about my personal negative feelings for "The Cat Returns," but instead, I encourage you all to see this movie if you haven't. I assure you it is much more entertaining and impactful than its spin-off, and there will be some reminder of your younger days that you might have forgotten.

It is a shame that Yoshifumi Kondo passed away not too long after this film's release, as I would have loved to see what else he would have accomplished as a director for Studio Ghibli. Once again, please give this film a view. It is my favorite Studio Ghibli movie, and I believe there's a lot of merit in it that deserves more attention than it receives.