Starring: Sarah Bolger, Anton Yelchin, Christina Hendricks
High-schooler Umi Matsuzaki (Bolger) looks after her home and boarders whilst her mother (Jamie-Lee Curtis) is working in America. Umi's father, a sailor, died when his ship was destroyed in the Korean War and every day, Umi raises flags that spell out his name. One day at school, she comes across the idealistic Shun Kazama (Yelchin) and offers to help him on the school's newsletter and to fix up the school's club-house, which is in danger of being torn down with Japan looking to totally modernise itself in the run up to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. As the two become closer, Umi and Shun come upon revelations about their families, that put their personal relationship in a compromising position.
The latest film from Studio Ghibli and from director Gorō Miyazaki, From Up On Poppy Hill is a moving, charming and entertaining drama. Many might expect that being the son of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, Gorō's work would have his father's own touch of fantastical whimsy. Whilst this isn't without some evidence (the fantasy elements were around in the younger Miyazaki's film, Tales Of Earthsea (2006)), From Up On Poppy Hill is far more of a realistic film, though ti also covers Hayao Miyazaki's trademarks of young female protagonist, the need for preservation and a strong anti-war slant. A period film, the score bounces with styles from the early 60's (as well as the occasional use of genuine Japanese pop from the era) although the aesthetics seem a little too faithful to Hayao Miyazaki's work. Alongside this, as the story unfolds, some of the plot points can be a little...uncomfortable. This aside, the all-star cast make for engaging performances and as unoriginal as the film's visual style is, the designs and colouring are definitely up to Ghibli standard. From Up On Poppy Hill is not on a par with the likes of My Neighbour Totoro (1988) or Spirited Away in terms of quality and the style is notably very different to those films, but From Up On Poppy Hill is still often very stirring and strong.
Next time: Steve Coogan stars as Alan Partridge; North Norfolk's favourite digital radio DJ in the mid-morning time -slot as he's thrown into the centre of a hostage situation in Alan Partridge: Alpha Pappa.
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