Today’s quick review: Ponyo. One day, Sosuke (Frankie Jonas), a five-year-old boy, rescues an enchanted goldfish that washes up on the shore near his house. He names her Ponyo (Noah Cyrus), and they soon strike up a fast friendship. But Ponyo’s father (Liam Neeson), a powerful wizard who lives underwater, does not want to lose her to the surface world, and he tries to take her back before she becomes attached.
Ponyo is an animated family adventure film from director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Loosely adapted from The Little Mermaid, Ponyo tells the story of a little goldfish who wishes to become a human. The movie occupies the same niche as Studio Ghibli classic My Neighbor Totoro: a cute, low-conflict story aimed at young children. While not as memorable as Totoro, Ponyo offers beautiful animation and a charming plot.
Ponyo has an unusual aesthetic that separates it from other Studio Ghibli films. The care and attention to detail are still there, but Ponyo opts for simpler designs that give the characters a younger feel than normal. The art also blurs the line between literal and figurative in places, such as enormous fish crashing like waves onto the shore. The modified art style, the focus on sea life, and the peculiar rules for magic all give Ponyo a surreal quality to it that feels distinct from Miyazaki’s other work.
Watch Ponyo if you are in the mood for a light diversion and you enjoy beautiful animation. One part Little Nemo, one part Finding Nemo, Ponyo is an odd but enjoyable young children’s adventure. While not at the top of the list for Studio Ghibli, Ponyo is a worthy addition to their collection that fans of their lighter work are sure to enjoy. Skip it if you are looking for a film with a dramatic plot or you are attached to Studio Ghibli’s usual art style.
7.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for loving animation and a cute story.