Remember that feeling of pure, unadulterated joy you got as a kid from the simplest things? Ponyo, part of Studio Ghibli Fest 2022, bottles that feeling and throws it right at your face. It's a wild ride of fish-girls, magical mishaps, and a whole lot of ham.
A Fishy Tale with a Twist
The story kicks off with Sosuke, a curious little boy who lives by the sea. He finds a goldfish trapped in a jar, and naturally, he names her Ponyo. But this isn't your average pet goldfish.
Ponyo is the daughter of Fujimoto, a wizard who used to be human and lives underwater. She has a serious yearning for the surface world, and, more importantly, a massive crush on Sosuke.
Ham Overdose and Magical Mayhem
Here's where things get wonderfully weird. Ponyo, fueled by her love for Sosuke and a whole lot of ham, decides she wants to be human. Yes, ham. This sets off a chain reaction of magical events that threatens to flood the world.
You see, Ponyo's transformation throws the balance of nature out of whack. The moon gets pulled closer to the earth, and tidal waves start crashing towards Sosuke's town. It's all pretty dramatic, but in a charmingly Ghibli kind of way.
Fujimoto is one of the most entertaining characters. He's over-the-top and dramatic, convinced that humans are terrible and will ruin everything. He's constantly trying to drag Ponyo back to the ocean, resulting in some hilarious underwater chases.
Love Conquers (Almost) All
At its heart, Ponyo is a story about love and acceptance. Sosuke's unwavering belief in Ponyo, even when she's a slightly terrifying fish-monster, is incredibly heartwarming.
It's about a child's capacity for unconditional love, which is something we often lose sight of as adults. The film reminds us of the simple, powerful connection we can have with others, regardless of how different they might be.
The mother of Sosuke, Lisa, is another fascinating character. She is a strong and independent woman who works at a care center for elderly people. She is one of the anchor in this movie and represents the realistic view of adults.
A Visual Feast
Of course, no discussion of a Studio Ghibli film is complete without mentioning the animation. Ponyo is a visual masterpiece, bursting with vibrant colors and fluid movements.
The scenes of the underwater world are particularly stunning, filled with fantastical creatures and swirling currents. The animators clearly had a blast bringing this magical world to life.
The food in Ponyo, like in many Ghibli films, looks absolutely delicious. Seeing Sosuke preparing ramen for Ponyo is enough to make anyone crave a warm bowl of noodles.
More Than Just a Kids' Movie
While Ponyo is undoubtedly a film that kids will enjoy, it's also a film that adults can appreciate on a deeper level. It explores themes of environmentalism, the balance of nature, and the importance of family.
It's a reminder to hold onto that childlike wonder and to embrace the unexpected. Plus, who doesn't love a good story about a fish-girl with a serious ham addiction?
If you're looking for a film that will warm your heart, tickle your funny bone, and leave you feeling just a little bit more optimistic about the world, Ponyo is definitely worth checking out.
So, dive in and let Ponyo's infectious joy wash over you. You might just find yourself craving a ham sandwich afterward.
