From Up On Poppy Hill Reviews
Carlos M
Super Reviewer
January 13, 2012
A sweet and harmless animation that is surprisingly grounded in reality, without the fantasy seen in the works of Hayao Miyazaki, who wrote the story. It benefits from a lighthearted humor and tender nostalgia, even though it has a rather silly conflict that ends in a not-very-inspired way.
Alec B
Super Reviewer
March 31, 2013
I think Studio Ghibli should stick to fantasy. While the use of early 60s Japan as a background for the story is a unique setting, there isn't a whole lot done with the characters that doesn't feel stagnant or uninteresting.
jen635
March 21, 2013
This film was poignant and lovely. It carried the same gentle notes as Whisper of the Heart and even the softer moments of Totoro, Arietty and Ponyo.
Tired of seeing all the ignorance about "Miyazaki's work" as if this isn't precisely and perfectly *exactly* like a Miyazaki film. You are not a true fan of his work if you think otherwise.
This film was poignant and lovely. It carried the same gentle notes as Whisper of the Heart and even the softer moments of Totoro, Arietty and Ponyo.
April 1, 2013
There's actually two stories here: one involving Umi (Sarah Bolger) and Shun (Anton Yelchin) finding out about their fathers' pasts and the other about saving a clubhouse from destruction. The fathers story has most of the dramatic pull while the clubhouse story is cute although there's a lot of odd moments that occur because of it. There are a lot of minor characters that don't stand out as much as other Ghibli films and there are times when I wonder if the clubhouse even needed to be saved. I know not unanimously praising it like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, or Castle In the Sky may sound disappointing, but From Up On Poppy Hill is still a good film, and perhaps a better one if I don't compare it to other Ghibli movies. I have a feeling this will grow on me as time goes on.
(4 Stars) Slice of life films are unpredictable because they run the risk of being boring, but if done right, they can leave an emotional mark on you for the rest of your life. I don't think From Up On Poppy Hill is boring or life-changing, but there are great moments of bliss mixed with unparalleled animation. I swear, as long as Studio Ghibli is animating it, I would watch characters do taxes and still be enamored by it. I think it has a good medium of everyday life, melancholy, and triumph of the spirit.
There's actually two stories here: one involving Umi (Sarah Bolger) and Shun (Anton Yelchin) finding out about their fathers' pasts and the other about saving a clubhouse from destruction. The fathers story has most of the dramatic pull while the clubhouse story is cute although there's a lot of odd moments that occur because of it. There are a lot of minor characters that don't stand out as much as other Ghibli films and there are times when I wonder if the clubhouse even needed to be saved. I know not unanimously praising it like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, or Castle In the Sky may sound disappointing, but From Up On Poppy Hill is still a good film, and perhaps a better one if I don't compare it to other Ghibli movies. I have a feeling this will grow on me as time goes on.
trzinia
June 25, 2012
Heart touching story of a boy and a girl set in the 60's before Japan's hosting of the Olympics. Unlike most Ghibli movies, there is no fantasy element to this movie which is why the story line may seem a bit weak because of the last pressing question remained, to be answered in the end. The two main characters are hardworking, kindhearted, and determined, teenagers while the story is mainly told from the point of view of the female protagonist. Not exactly memorable but it is an enjoyable movie.
September 16, 2012
A simple plot rendered with charm -- it really made me want to revisit Yokohama, and imagine what it must have felt like 50 years ago. Goro was able to convey the clubhouse's decrepit dusty state, and I almost choked when the dust started to stir. I also enjoyed the bicycle ride down the hill. The family dramas were a bit too convoluted though -- luckily I had wifey around to explain it to me... :)
May 2, 2013
good, but by Ghibli standards, it felt very dull and forgettable. thats not to say its bad, but it just didnt do anything for me. also the english dub was AWFUL.
makoto
April 30, 2013
(April 2013) Beautiful, capturing old port city of Yokohama (where I was born!) in 1960s. The beauty of the animation itself makes the movie worthwhile to see. The story is a bit boring, and the ending is abrupt and without properly accumulated momentum, I think.
March 15, 2013
Coming of age story set in mid 60s Japan. The story was "meh" but, as usual, Studio Ghibli dishes out a feast for the eyes. They should really stick to fantasy though. Also, what's with English dubbing? Can't American's read subtitles? I would have given it another half star if I could have had the Japanese version with subtitles. BTW, the soundtrack is fantastic (go to Amazon to hear samples) I loved it so much that I bought it.
J.E. S.
April 29, 2013
I know everyone expects magic, evil spirits, and so on forth...but just like the Secret World of Arriety; it's a good movie, nostalgic, and quite romantic. Beautiful animation and great story! And it's so much better than Tales from Earthsea.
filmistruth
April 26, 2013
Brushstrokes of Nostalgia
The animated darling From Up on Poppy Hill comes to us from the son of legendary Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro), and is produced by internationally famed Studio Ghibli. His son Goro Miyazaki (Tales from Earthsea) started not in the film industry, but as a construction consultant, choosing a different path to separate himself from his father. It wasn't long before his father's industry colleagues scouted Goro and discovered that he shared some of his father's talents - quick decision-making and wonderful drawing ability. A few projects later and Goro Miyazaki has found himself exactly where he had tried to escape: under his father's shadow. But fortunately for any who are obsessed with the high-quality product that Studio Ghibli creates, Goro is embracing his new role and working to discover his niche.
With From Up on Poppy Hill, father and son unite (Hayao wrote the screenplay based on Tetsuro Sayama's graphic novel, while Goro directed) to bring forward a charming story about two Japanese teens, Umi and Shun, that are caught up in romance while working together to save their school's clubhouse from being demolished prior to the Olympics of 1964. This is a story of adolescence in an adult world, a coming of age tale in identity-centric post-war Japan. For those who are familiar with Ghibli animation from the past, one thing becomes apparent immediately - this is a film steeped in the real world, with no traditional fantasy or spiritual elements utilized. This is a departure from previous material, but here Miyazaki uses it to his advantage, painting a wonderful story that is grounded in a specific time and place - 1960's Yokohama.
Everything here relates to the past, from story setting and theme, to visual imagery and sound. The story folds this all into a simple and at times overly sweet tale that doesn't provide layers upon layers of depth, though remains intricate with regard to some character development. This is an animated film that is perfect for young children, and at the showing I attended there were many children laughing right along side the adults. The morals and lessons on display relate to caring for others, understanding your culture, and learning from those who came before you. The conflict isn't heavy and it doesn't take much to discover the direction the story will take. But along the way, you'll be enchanted by just how good-natured it all is.
Thankfully, the animation is superb and compliments the story perfectly. Everything is hand-drawn, crafting a traditional animation while eschewing the new technology that attempts to make animation more life-like. Many of the scenes allow you to take in all of the wonders behind the animation, with minimal editing and slow and steady camera movement, as if everyone is out on a nice summer walk. The animation style from Studio Ghibli demands patience and rewards those who quietly take in an entire scene. As an example, marvel in the detail as the camera pans up, revealing the interior of the clubhouse for the first time; or watch for the animated sun reflection off of the water outside of a window, just off-center or hiding over the shoulder of a character. Those looking for a face-paced thrill-ride will be more than disappointed as I only recount one major race-against-the-clock action scene in the entire story.
With my gushing out of the way, there are a few elements to the film that I felt weren't quite right. The music, on rare occasion, pulls you right into the setting. But more times than not the selections are too airy and sweet, stacking on top of the already saccharine story and animation. The English voice dubbing here is pretty good (interesting note: Aubrey Plaza voices a small part that is perfect for her!), yet I couldn't help but wonder how the film would play out with the original voice acting. Normally this is my preferred way to watch foreign animation. Also, to match the simplicity here, the ending wraps up in a convenient manner that didn't allow me to think too deeply afterward with regard to the message behind the film. It's all out there, nearly spelled out, and I would have liked to see more layers developed and touched upon.
Nevertheless, I look forward to more animation from this Miyazaki duo. Reverting to a real-world tale grounded in nostalgia was a great change of pace from recent Studio Ghibli efforts. This new direction is also interesting as it directly relates to the main theme of the film: the determination to hold onto tradition while also finding a way to embrace forward-thinking optimism. I feel that From Up on Poppy Hill fully embraces this theme at its core, asking us to never forget those who have come before us as a means to unlocking a positive future.
***.5/****
Brushstrokes of Nostalgia
The animated darling From Up on Poppy Hill comes to us from the son of legendary Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro), and is produced by internationally famed Studio Ghibli. His son Goro Miyazaki (Tales from Earthsea) started not in the film industry, but as a construction consultant, choosing a different path to separate himself from his father. It wasn't long before his father's industry colleagues scouted Goro and discovered that he shared some of his father's talents - quick decision-making and wonderful drawing ability. A few projects later and Goro Miyazaki has found himself exactly where he had tried to escape: under his father's shadow. But fortunately for any who are obsessed with the high-quality product that Studio Ghibli creates, Goro is embracing his new role and working to discover his niche.
With From Up on Poppy Hill, father and son unite (Hayao wrote the screenplay based on Tetsuro Sayama's graphic novel, while Goro directed) to bring forward a charming story about two Japanese teens, Umi and Shun, that are caught up in romance while working together to save their school's clubhouse from being demolished prior to the Olympics of 1964. This is a story of adolescence in an adult world, a coming of age tale in identity-centric post-war Japan. For those who are familiar with Ghibli animation from the past, one thing becomes apparent immediately - this is a film steeped in the real world, with no traditional fantasy or spiritual elements utilized. This is a departure from previous material, but here Miyazaki uses it to his advantage, painting a wonderful story that is grounded in a specific time and place - 1960's Yokohama.
Everything here relates to the past, from story setting and theme, to visual imagery and sound. The story folds this all into a simple and at times overly sweet tale that doesn't provide layers upon layers of depth, though remains intricate with regard to some character development. This is an animated film that is perfect for young children, and at the showing I attended there were many children laughing right along side the adults. The morals and lessons on display relate to caring for others, understanding your culture, and learning from those who came before you. The conflict isn't heavy and it doesn't take much to discover the direction the story will take. But along the way, you'll be enchanted by just how good-natured it all is.
Thankfully, the animation is superb and compliments the story perfectly. Everything is hand-drawn, crafting a traditional animation while eschewing the new technology that attempts to make animation more life-like. Many of the scenes allow you to take in all of the wonders behind the animation, with minimal editing and slow and steady camera movement, as if everyone is out on a nice summer walk. The animation style from Studio Ghibli demands patience and rewards those who quietly take in an entire scene. As an example, marvel in the detail as the camera pans up, revealing the interior of the clubhouse for the first time; or watch for the animated sun reflection off of the water outside of a window, just off-center or hiding over the shoulder of a character. Those looking for a face-paced thrill-ride will be more than disappointed as I only recount one major race-against-the-clock action scene in the entire story.
With my gushing out of the way, there are a few elements to the film that I felt weren't quite right. The music, on rare occasion, pulls you right into the setting. But more times than not the selections are too airy and sweet, stacking on top of the already saccharine story and animation. The English voice dubbing here is pretty good (interesting note: Aubrey Plaza voices a small part that is perfect for her!), yet I couldn't help but wonder how the film would play out with the original voice acting. Normally this is my preferred way to watch foreign animation. Also, to match the simplicity here, the ending wraps up in a convenient manner that didn't allow me to think too deeply afterward with regard to the message behind the film. It's all out there, nearly spelled out, and I would have liked to see more layers developed and touched upon.
Nevertheless, I look forward to more animation from this Miyazaki duo. Reverting to a real-world tale grounded in nostalgia was a great change of pace from recent Studio Ghibli efforts. This new direction is also interesting as it directly relates to the main theme of the film: the determination to hold onto tradition while also finding a way to embrace forward-thinking optimism. I feel that From Up on Poppy Hill fully embraces this theme at its core, asking us to never forget those who have come before us as a means to unlocking a positive future.
Peneflix Movie Reviews
April 22, 2013
"Shun" a student activist, exercises his crush on Umi by writing an article in the school newspaper about her daily "flag" exploits. What ensues is pure captivation; these childlike adults are thinkers, visionaries, inspirational in saving a soon- to- be demolished, historical building; the hotbed of their political, archaeological, philosophical, literary "think tank"; they are wedded to the future but refuse to be divorced from the past; how utterly refreshing watching youthful aspirants, searching for fruition within the legitimate confines of their society.
"From Up on Poppy Hill's" genius resides not in its universality, which it has in abundance; but its power to transcend cultural disparities; the children are Japanese, but with eyes as round as any Westerners'; all the signage, script is in Japanese; markets genuinely resonating the pungent scents pulled daily from the Sea of Japan. Umi and Shun riding and running through the streets, like winged angels fervently undeterred in their quest; remarkably these beautiful animates win your respect, tears, love.
Voluminous applause for Japanese "Studio Ghibli" for gifting audiences an ebullient, spirited, vibrant gem of animation!
FOUR STARS !!!!
For Now.....Peneflix
I do not care for animation; even as a child I found it boring and enervating. If any film could convert me to the genre it is "From Up On Poppy Hill"; it is an enchanting tale set in 1963, Yokohama, Japan. "Umi" our seventeen-year-old heroine runs a boarding house with an exquisite view of the sea, aided by her grandmother, while her mother studies in the United States; her father's ship was a fatality of the Korean War; everyday Umi raises flags, saluting sailors, honoring their valiant profession; yearning for a father, consumed by the depths.
"Shun" a student activist, exercises his crush on Umi by writing an article in the school newspaper about her daily "flag" exploits. What ensues is pure captivation; these childlike adults are thinkers, visionaries, inspirational in saving a soon- to- be demolished, historical building; the hotbed of their political, archaeological, philosophical, literary "think tank"; they are wedded to the future but refuse to be divorced from the past; how utterly refreshing watching youthful aspirants, searching for fruition within the legitimate confines of their society.
"From Up on Poppy Hill's" genius resides not in its universality, which it has in abundance; but its power to transcend cultural disparities; the children are Japanese, but with eyes as round as any Westerners'; all the signage, script is in Japanese; markets genuinely resonating the pungent scents pulled daily from the Sea of Japan. Umi and Shun riding and running through the streets, like winged angels fervently undeterred in their quest; remarkably these beautiful animates win your respect, tears, love.
Voluminous applause for Japanese "Studio Ghibli" for gifting audiences an ebullient, spirited, vibrant gem of animation!
FOUR STARS !!!!
For Now.....Peneflix
April 21, 2013
The movie is a winner already from it's artwork, which it's incredibly beautiful. The story is very simple but so well crafted that it makes something interesting to see. A really tender and innocent romantic movie, in a very good way, since those qualities are rare to see in movies these days.
March 12, 2013
A very calm and quiet movie, about an innocent girl, falling in love with a guy, and later gets tangled up in misunderstandings and confusions. This movie had a very different theme, as compared to other Ghibli movies. I would just simply say that, this movie was a very beautiful offering and a very well made one. It is definitely worth watching.
Michael H.
April 19, 2013
A little school and family drama without very much drama. Nice, though. Some gorgeous backgrounds, not overly compromised by digital theater projection, and quite a good soundtrack.
April 14, 2013
Really enjoyed this one. Missed the fantasy of the other Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away. Romance and look into Japan of the early 60s was worth it. Great sound track and humor also.
December 18, 2012
Another beautiful masterpiece from the Miyazakis, From Up on Poppy Hill is a light hearted, touching, and often humorous tale about family and sticking up for yourself
