Studio Ghibli has a tendency to adapt children’s books where their movies aren’t entirely original; some of their more popular movies are adaptions (Howl’s Moving Castle, Arrietty, Kiki’s Delivery Service, …). “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea” isn’t exactly an adaptation of a book, but nevertheless a rendition of a popular tale; namely, Andersen’s fairy tale “The Little Mermaid”; and it certainly fares no worse than that one.

Fairy tales aren’t known for intrigues, mysteries, and thrilling developments, and “Ponyo” doesn’t differ in this regard. The story is simple to the point of being predictable; yet that doesn’t mean it’s no good. Studio Ghibli has its own charm that shines through each of their works, and again, “Ponyo” is no exception. The storyline is beautiful, quite imaginative, and in parts far more symbolic than I expected in a movie primarily aimed at kids. And the setting’s practically a fairy tale in itself; chock-full of colourful fantasy, inspiring, and detailed.

As with many Ghibli movies, the character cast shines. Character design is simple, but quite realistic, comparably relatable as I mentioned, and the main characters are nothing short of adorable. XD

And then there’s the emotion. It’s quite simple again--innocent love and some simple drama--but heartwarming, involving, and about as down-to-earth as fantasy gets. The dialogue only helps, too. It’s straightforward, sure, but honest and emotional, and definitely true to the characters. The voice acting’s quite good as well.

In terms of technical aspects, Miyazaki’s outdone himself this time. The animation’s impressive; the art is still the Ghibli-ly colourful, rounded, vibrant style that’s become so famous over the years; and the music is quite soothing overall.

So, um… final point? It’s Ghibli. Pure, simple, honest, sweet, imaginative, lovable, fantastically heartwarming, and with a clear message for those that still want one. It is predictable in its story (and somewhat the message too), yes, but it’s powerful at what it does apart from that; imagination; emotion; symbolic language and bits of philosophy if you care to dig; and overall being as sweet and relatable as fantasy can be.

At first glance, “Ponyo” may look like a mere children’s movie, being a rendition of a fairy tale, and one of Ghibli’s more kid-friendly works. And it is a great movie for the kids, or the whole family for that matter. It’s not only that, though; it’s powerful at what it does, imaginative, beautiful, involving, and absolutely heartwarming.

If you liked Miyazaki’s other movies (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Howl’s Moving Castle), check this one out; it doesn’t disappoint.

Cheers!~ (show less)

So yeah I'm doing a few reviews and I thought I'd do Ponyo now! :D

This movie is great fall all ages, even I enjoyed it and I'm turning 17 soon. I found it to be quite cute and loveable the two main characters are cute and how they help each other. If you are a older woman or man you should sit down and watch this with your kids, it's a good family movie. I watched it on my own. u.u But I found it to be a good family movie. Ah what else. The animation is nicely done, dialogue is great, story is great a little sad and the entertainment is fairly good. :3

Enjoy! (show less)

This movie is of couse the movie brought to the US shores by Disney as just "Ponyo". However both versions are excellent.

In my strong opinion the story is a more proper rendition of Hans Christian Andersons classic tale about al ittle mermaid. Disney also did its rendition many years ago, but the disney corp. noticed this version was realized by a team of truely talented animators and being so worthy Disney released this despite the release of "The Little Mermaid" in the previous decade.

First of all the story of the transcendence of love will touch all but the most brutish haters of anything that shows honest human emotion and engrossing sentimental storytelling. Next Is the absolutely jaw dropping creativeness and design of Hayao Miyazaki and georgeous animation of those talented animators at studio ghibli (literally Hundreds of them worked on this film) The animation is high above the average tv series, OVA or specials in terms of framerate. It is Anime with the motion quality of a Disney production. At 30 F.P.S. instead of the anime average of 17 frames per second. The environments are full of brilliant, vibrant and well detailed environments and inhabitants of the deeep sea and coastline of a port city and its harbor. Along with this it is a tale of powerful magics that form the very essence of the earth and its life force in the ocean.

The bipedal characters are well proportioned and the sea creatures are detailed as to be recognized by thier zoological designations. The houses , ships, boats and cars are technically perfect. Anything to do with the treatment of waves and water is absolutely exceptional. When the movie is at its peak it is unfathomable to imagine the sights you see in this picture. I could get into detail of the creatures you see but that would give away a pivitol event in the storyline.

This movie is a credit to the art form of anime. I love action, hack and slash battle anime as much as the next action, hack and slash battle anime lover, but Ponyo hits the heart of even the most hardened heart at least a bit.

This is a great watch, and a classic for all time. My entire family watched it beginning to end, even my 4 year old who NEVER sat completely through any movie Disney made or otherwise. (show less)