"Ponyo" is an animation from the great Hayao Miyazaki which brought us titles like "My Neighbour Totoro", "Spirited Away" and "Howl's Moving Castle". "Ponyo" starts with Miyazaki's trademark drawings; animated, real and ethereal all at the same time. The fundamental physics of the natural elements (water movements, hair movements, sounds) featured in the movie are what you would expect in the 'real world'. Hence, when it's coupled with even the slightest hint of a fantasy element, it takes you convincingly and efficiently in. Much like Miyazaki's previous movies, you seem to lose count of time when you're watching the movie.
The story follows a boy, Sosuke, which discovers a 'goldfish' which speaks and has its own primitive thoughts, at first. After a series of magical/fantasy events, the goldfish (Ponyo) forms a relationship with Sosuke. Again, like most of Miyazaki's movies, parents, grandparents and adults of the 'real world' are portrayed as unnecessarily strict or uptight. Sosuke and Ponyo then embark on their own journey after a considerable flood comes upon them.
The whole movie sort of left me discombobulated and confused because of the seamless interaction between real-world physics and fantasy/magic elements. Like highlighted in the first few paragraphs, time seems to have no bearing when you're immersed in Miyazaki's made-up world. Snippets of real-life coupled with a great soundtrack, help romanticize the movie as it eases you into Sosuke and Ponyo's world.
Although I was very much aware of what Miyazaki would set out to do in his movies, still I cannot help but be sucked in and left wondering what can else can his imagination hold. The voice over's of Noah Cyrus (Ponyo), Frankie Jonas (Sosuke), Tina Fey, Matt Damon and Cate Blanchett does an excellent job of matching up with the original drawings. Convincing and never once missing a beat, you wouldn't even realize it was voiced over.
I tried to look for adult undertones in the movie but was hard-pressed to find one. However, in my opinion, if you were to bring the little ones to watch it, they would not necessarily understand what was going on except for the colourful and fast-moving pictures. Like "Spirited Away" and "Howl's Moving Castle" I would personally rate the movie a PG-13 just because the real-world elements and fantasy elements are so closely knitted together.
Yet another great movie from Hayao Miyazaki and very loyal to his roots I must say. Watch it if you want to make a couple of hours disappear and if you are already a fan. If you are not yet one, you are sure to be left wanting more!
