Review of The Wind Rises

There has been a mix of opinion on this film, some loved it, most liked it, others felt very strongly against it, and the rest thought it was "meh". It might be because it is his last film, or my own bias, but I personally felt Miyazaki outdid himself here. Famous for creating children's films that can even inspire awe and wonderment in the older audience, Miyazaki-sensei flipped the script here, not so much that it felt out of place, but enough to make it astoundingly different. I was a bit sad it would be the man's last film, but I went in expecting to comeout feeling good, like I do with most of his films. Man, oh man, was I not prepared for the absolute emotional wreckage this movie would cause.

One thing you have to know is that this is based on a real person. So, of course, there is a much stronger sense of reality in this movie. Without getting too much into the details of the story, overall the plot revolves around two of the protagonist's romances: airplanes and Naoko, and the two contrast each other in a big way. On one hand is Jirou's love for aircraft, which he's had since childhood, and is often depicted in daydreams where he converses with his idol Caproni, because it is what it represents – dreams. Jirou keeps his ambition alive and burning, his talent and passion is recognised, and it greatly shows off the marvel and awe Miyazaki orchestrates so well.

Then, on the other hand, is Jirou's love for Naoko, which is tough and faces complications. You will notice it is this relationship which is most affected by historical events, and basically, real life issues, because that's what it represents – reality, a theme that Miyazaki has not touched so deeply upon before. But he pulls it off beautifully here, the gloomy drama conflicts with the lighthearted merriment and blends so amazingly. And this entire idea is pulled of so well with the characters, all of which are so animated (both literally and figuratively), and for the most part, optimistic and enthusiastic. Despite all the problems and calamity surrounding them, Jirou and Naoko are always smiling, and everything is so disgustingly beautiful and gorgeously tragic.

The art style is typical Studio Ghibli, which, like it did in Grave of the Fireflies, shows that it can adapt to any situation. The music, of course, is brilliant. Joe Hisaishi can be relied on to work his musical magic to perfectly capture Miyazaki's ambitious vision, with a unique and addictive melody that the rest of the score works around. And I cannot express, in words, the feelings the ending song made me feel. The uplifting context and beautifully sad music coupled with Yumi Matsutoya's soothing vocals and powerful performance at the end so perfectly encapsulate the tone of the entire movie that it can only be described as a match made in heaven.

It's hard to point out one aspect and say "that's what makes the film" because everything makes this film. The well-paced and well-executed story, the memorable cast, the breathtaking visuals and audio, the overall ambience and mood the movie delivers, and the behind-the-scenes context around it, everything comes together to create this magnum opus. Miyazaki's swan song is another masterpiece, but one unlike any other before it. Grab your tissues and watch it.

"Le vent se lève, il faut tenter de vivre"