Nena's Pick of the Week: Ponyo

Two weeks ago, my daughter and I saw a film that was executive produced the english verson by John Lasseter called "Spirited Away." Both of us fell in love with the film, and watched it about 3 times. Suddenly we saw previews for another Japanese Animated Film Executive Produced by John Lasseter, which is called "Ponyo."


Since John Lasseter has done a great job in producing Pixar Films, he definitely has a great eye for good film. Ponyo was no exception. This film was an attractive film not for only parents watching, but also for the children.

Ponyo is a gold fish, who is an heir to the Goddess of Mercy and the caretaker of the Oceans. She was an adventurist and found her way into the care of a 5 year old boy. Later on she decides that she wants to be human, and through this story she throws the balance of the Ocean, Earth and moon out of control. She had to make the decision what she wanted.


There were several points that worked for me in the film. The art and the color used in this film was surreal. It was fun to see a film were kids can imagine again, and a film that could express without words. Though the plot and the theme of the film was simple, it really expounded with the care and love on the characters interacted with each other.


The main part I wish they didn't do is tell you at the beginning who were doing the voices of the characters. Not for the kids, but for the adults. When you find out that Tina Fey, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson, Bettty White, Kate Blanchett and more, I was trying to figure out who was voice was who's throughout the film. Even though a lot of them were obvious, at least for me, it took away from the beautiful story.


When "Up" came out this year, I thought that no way another animated film can be in contention with that film till I saw "Ponyo." Though I still love the movie "Up," The movie "Ponyo" is one that everyone should go and see.


If you enjoyed this film, I recommend:

The Little Mermaid
Spirited Away