Today’s quick review: Whisper of the Heart. Shizuku, a student in her last year of junior high, lives in a tiny apartment with her family. Unsure about what to do with her life, Shizuku spends her time reading fairy tales instead of studying for her high school entrance exams. But a chance encounter with a brash young boy introduces her to another, more fulfilling side of life.
Whisper of the Heart is a slice-of-life romance from Studio Ghibli. Whisper of the Heart tells a sweet story about love, responsibility, and finding one’s direction in life. The film eschews Studio Ghibli’s elaborate fantasy worlds for a realistic setting on the outskirts of Tokyo. Despite its mundane environment, the film fills its world with life and wonder, helped along by its rich animation, charming cast, and firm understanding of human emotion.
Whisper of the Heart is a delight from start to finish. Shizuku is a marvelous protagonist: an ordinary, good-natured girl with a bookish streak. The problems she faces are realistic and nuanced, and even her setbacks endear her to the audience. Careful viewers will enjoy a host of gratifying details, from the familiar antics of Shizuku’s junior high classmates to the attentive detail in the characters’ motions and expressions.
Whisper of the Heart makes for a worthy and lesser-known addition to Studio Ghibli’s repertoire. Watch it when you’re in the mood for a beautiful and refreshing experience. Skip it if you’re looking for action, fantasy adventure, or high-stakes conflict. For a similarly charming film, check out Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, or Ponyo.
8.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for excellent storytelling and animation.