The Wind Rises (2013)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  8 / 10

  The Wind Rises was Miyazaki's last animation before his retirement. He's created so many influential masterpieces consistently, so the question is did he go out in style? No, but very very close. This is a fictionalised biopic on Jiro who was famed for designing one of the most accomplished airplanes ever that were used in the Second World War. This area of the biopic was fascinating, only a pioneer like Miyazaki could make a film about engineering innovative and compelling. The other area of the film was his romance with a young lady named Nahoko. Which, again, was tender and beautiful to watch as their relationship blossomed. The problem is, the two do not match at all and so the overall plot and story is somewhat unfocused. Consistently jumping back and forth between his career and love life, the two just didn't marinate together as a narrative. More importantly, like with any Studio Ghibli production, the animation is absolutely beautiful. Colourful, vibrant and with fluid motion, I was transported into Miyazaki's vision. I loved Jiro's dream sequences which gave Miyazaki a chance to show some fantasy elements that he is all too famous for. The character of Jiro himself was well developed. Summed up easily as a Good Samaritan, a helpful chap who was career minded and aspired to be great. I found him to be relatable and likeable. The film includes many of Japan's historic events such as The Great Kanto earthquake, Second World War and the epidemic of tuberculosis. These are dealt with gently and intelligently. It might look like the film is aimed for the younger audience, but if you look deeper it is a far more humanistic drama about aspiration and inspiration. Can definitely appeal to the more mature audience. Also liked the English dub, thought Joseph Gordon-Levitt was well cast as the voice of Jiro. Oh, and the musical score was tremendous, particularly the more heartfelt softer pieces of music. So whilst this might not be Miyazaki's best work, it still is a beautiful, compelling and engrossing animated feature.

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