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Under the direction of Hayao Miyazaki, Japan’s Studio Ghibli has produced some charming—and beautiful—animated films. But while the studio’s films are generally both whimsical and dramatic, the latest—and possibly Miyazaki’s last—tells a more grown-up story about a determined dreamer whose creations live on in infamy.
The Wind Rises (or Kaze Tachinu) follows a Japanese boy as he sets out to make his dreams of designing airplanes a reality. As a boy, Jiro dreamed of flying, but his nearsightedness meant that he could never be a pilot—so he shifted his focus to engineering.
As a young man, Jiro continues to work hard at his dream—until he’s one of the country’s best aeronautical engineers. And as the Japanese government seeks to catch up to other countries’ technology while gearing up for war, Jiro sets out to design an airplane unlike anything that’s ever flown before.
With its hand-drawn artistry and historical references, The Wind Rises isn’t just another animated film. It’s not a silly kids’ movie; it’s a bittersweet historical drama that explores both the grace and beauty of planes and their often dark and menacing uses. The parallels are always there, lurking in the background, reminding viewers that these beautiful machines would later go on to do horrible things as instruments of war.
At the same time, Jiro’s personal story is also bittersweet. Throughout the film, this kind and thoughtful character is forced to endure natural disasters, the growing poverty of his country, and the illness of a loved one. For that reason, The Wind Rises isn’t exactly an uplifting story. Sometimes, in fact, it’s a little too heavy—because although Jiro sets out to make his dreams come true (and he succeeds in so many ways), his triumphs are often tempered by some kind of sadness.
Still, although Jiro’s story is often a moving one, the film’s true beauty is found in its breathtaking animation. The artwork is both realistic and fanciful, with fluid movement and striking cultural touches. From the pastoral settings, rendered in warm pastel colors, to the cold, hard details of each new plane, every frame is simply stunning. And it’s sure to make you long for the return of hand-drawn animation here in the States.
The Wind Rises isn’t exactly the kind of silly animated comedy that you take your kids to see on a rainy Saturday afternoon. It’s more sophisticated and dramatic—and, at around two hours in length, it’s pretty long, too. But more mature audiences are sure to appreciate the art and history of this beautiful Japanese drama.
Ed. Note: The version reviewed here is the original Japanese version. An American version—dubbed in English—is currently showing in theaters.
Listen to the audio review on Reel Discovery:
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