Whisper of the Heart: when Ghibli got good? (anime documentary).
Whisper of the Heart is a coming-of-age story about a young girl named Shizuku Tsukishima who discovers her passion for writing. As she navigates the difficulties of adolescence, she meets a boy named Seiji Amasawa who becomes her friend and inspiration. Together, they learn about pursuing their dreams and the importance of hard work and perseverance.
The film is directed by Yoshifumi Kondō and written by Hayao Miyazaki, both of whom are associated with Studio Ghibli, the animation studio that produced the film. It was based on the manga of the same name by Aoi Hiiragi, which was serialized in Shueisha’s shōjo manga magazine Ribon in 1989. The story takes place in Tokyo and follows Shizuku as she discovers Seiji’s passion for making violins and pursues her own dream of becoming a writer.
Throughout the film, Shizuku struggles with her schoolwork and her relationships with her family and friends, but she is determined to become a writer. She devotes herself to her writing, staying up late to finish her story about a cat named The Baron and his quest to find his lost love. As she writes, she learns about the craft of storytelling and the power of imagination.
The film also explores the themes of love, friendship, and growing up. Shizuku and Seiji’s friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship, and the two characters learn from each other and support each other as they pursue their dreams. The film also touches on the idea that every person has a unique talent and that it’s important to find and follow your own path in life.
Whisper of the Heart is a beautifully animated film with a heartwarming story and relatable characters. The film received critical acclaim and was a box office success in Japan. It became the first Ghibli film to win the Animation Film Award at the Mainichi Film Awards. It is a must-watch for fans of Studio Ghibli and for anyone looking for a coming-of-age story with a strong female lead. The themes and emotions portrayed in the film are timeless and universal.
