The Worst Film Ever

It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

Set during the 1960s, this Studio Ghibli production focuses on a teenage girl who helps her peers save a clubhouse from demolition while falling in love with a shy classmate. The animation is beautiful as per Ghibli par and the film benefits from a great music score as well as some catchy songs; as a narrative though, the film is not much more interesting than it sounds. Conflict arises as she begins to wonder whether she could be related to her new crush, but the mystery of his parentage is never particularly enticing and the fixing up of the clubhouse feels a little too much like an 80s comedy subplot; it even comes with an 80s style montage sequence as the teens clean and sweep the place. The setting is certainly interesting though with lots of excitement and uncertainty in the air regarding the impending Tokyo Olympic Games and it is hard not to wonder whether the film may have worked better with this theme more in focus. Those who do not mind slow-paced, leisurely dramas will possibly find quite a bit to like here; those who appreciate the magical creatures, imaginative tales and zany humour that Ghibli is best known for though should probably approach with some caution.

Now, From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) is one film by Gorō Miyazaki that I could ungrudgingly accept that it is a box office success as it was pretty enjoyable. Indeed, the script is made of simple scenes and lines but it does not lack its own charm. I watched the original Japanese version. A dramatic slice of life and coming of age kind of film with several serious themes and unexpected twists which can be funny or lovely at times, From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) is generally nice. Although the story may feel too slow paced for some, to me it looks a little too fast moving as many of the scenes are very brief. They could have been developed. Still, love the music and the storyline is quite fresh!In short, From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) is not bad. The twists confuse me at first but when those complicated scenes sort out themselves, they are actually quite hilarious. The major themes include anti demolition, team work, preserving traditional values and fighting for what you love. The message is quite deep coming from teenager's setting but that is all due the characters being so passionate.PS. So glad that the director did not give up after his infamous first and have improved since!!

After the general disappointment with his first film, 'Tales from Earthsea', Goro Miyazaki returns to make his second film for Studio Ghibli; this time working from a screenplay written by his father; the great Hayao Miyazaki.This story is very different in style; set in 1963 Yokohama, it follows high school girl Umi as she tries to save the old building use for school clubs from demolition. The leader of the protests against demolition is a boy named Shum and as the story progresses they grow closer until Shun makes a discovery that may force them to end their relationship before it has really begun.I must say I really enjoyed this film; it may be true that not a huge amount happens and there is no real antagonist but to me that is part of its charm. The characters are a delight to watch and utterly believable. This is especially true of Umi; in the opening scene we see that she practically runs her home; doing the cooking and looking after the others while her mother is away. As one would expect from Studio Ghibli the animation is good and the backgrounds are absolutely stunning with incredible detail; this was particularly true for the club house interior which felt almost real. While this is a slice of life drama there were some nicely amusing moments as well as some poignant ones. If you've enjoyed other Stidio Ghibli films; especially 'Whisper of the Heart', which this most resembles, I can heartily recommend this although the story might not appeal to younger viewers due to its slower pace and lack of real action.These comments are based on watching the film in Japanese with English subtitles.

Soundtracks are very nice. Animated scenes also are worth watching. Audiences can see the way Japanese people doing with their life. It seems to be mediation (Zen) in every activities. They focus on them deeply, not slow, not fast, just enough to feel living emotion, being present. I'm very appreciate that - the Japanese honor. By the way, i am not sure that spirit still exist in Japan now. One thing i take from this movie and another Japanese movies, manga, anime: they love summer and also the youth (in high school) very very much. It makes any songs about summer be very touching. Imagination brings me to Japan with summer wind, summer taste, summer beach and summer love.