Ponyo - A Movie Review
'Ponyo' is a sweet film about friendship and childhood.
I wonder what adventures we’ll have with Ponyo on the ocean today.
Ponyo is a 2008 animated Studio Ghibli film. A little boy befriends a fish who becomes human on land. Ponyo escapes from her life at sea to live with Sasuke. Her leaving provokes an uproar in the ocean, generating a destructive storm on land.
I love whenever Studio Ghibli re-releases their movies to the cinemas. Everyone in the audience is always so excited to watch. Ponyo is a sweet film about friendship and childhood. Though, I think the film falls out of place in a fantasy direction.
The friendship between Sosuke and Ponyo makes you smile from ear to ear. Sosuke is a shy child but opens up more when he meets Ponyo. They have fun being together, whether running around the house, sailing in a boat, or just playing around.
A real fish out of water who turns into a human, Ponyo’s curiosity is one of the best parts of her character. I know some audiences have been turned off by Ponyo’s lack of social skills and strange behavior, but keep in mind that she is a fish-human. She doesn’t know any better.
Characters in Studio Ghibli films are always given depth. Sosuke’s mother is tough. She gets frustrated about a lot of things. One thing that will never change is her love for her child. I like how she was written as a hectic driver. However, as most audiences agree, it wasn’t a good idea to leave two children home alone in a raging storm.
The old women were my favorite characters. They brought the best comedy to the film in their interactions and humorous conversations they’d have.
Originally voiced in the Japanese language, Ponyo was dubbed in English. Noah Cyrus and Frankie Jonas were excellent as Sasuke and Ponyo. I love when actual children voice child characters instead of adults. Other voice talents include Tina Fey, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Liam Neeson, Lily Tomlin, and the late Betty White.
This is where I had mixed opinions about the film. Ponyo has two worlds. The real world and Ponyo’s world (AKA, Fantasy/Underwater world). The fantasy world has never clashed with the real world. Whenever odd spectacles are witnessed by the main characters, for example, Sasuke’s mother, they avoid these weird situations, finding it offputting.
By the end of the film, we have missed some chunks since we’ve been following Sasuke and Ponyo’s adventures. Sasuke’s mother and the residents of the nursing home have been rescued from the storm and brought to the underwater world.
Nobody finds it terrifying. All of a sudden, the old women who can barely move are running about. Unless it was magic, this layer should have been expanded into further detail. The characters are also having normal conversations with the underwater people like they’ve always known them.
Studio Ghibli makes colorful films with eye-catching animation. Even the most subtle action is captured. Hayao Miyazaki created a film for children. Miyazaki drew most of the ocean waves. My favorite imagery is when Ponyo is racing across the water. Over thousands of pages of sketches were developed for fish. Designs for characters were expressive.
One aspect that I never noticed from the first time I watched this film was the message about childhood and old age. For both age groups, live life to the fullest. Never be afraid to go on a journey to explore the world.
I recommend that you watch a Studio Ghibli film if you have not seen one. Ponyo is a spectacular film for children.
About the Creator
Marielle Sabbag
Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.
Keep reading
More stories from Marielle Sabbag and writers in Geeks and other communities.
Stranger Things Season 4 - A Netflix Series Review
What is going on now? Oh, you know, we’re in Hawkins. Strange things happen. Season 4 of Stranger Things dropped onto Netflix in 2022. A new evil has transpired in Hawkins. Taken back to her nightmare chamber, Eleven and the gang must fight against the evils.
By Marielle Sabbag4 years ago in Geeks
Silver Screen Magic with Mae West
American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
By Rasma Raisters8 days ago in Geeks
Freezing Rain and Ice Disrupt Travel Across Central and Eastern Europe
Dangerous winter weather brings chaos to roads, rails, and airports as authorities urge caution A powerful wave of freezing rain and ice storms has swept across large parts of central and eastern Europe, bringing daily life to a near standstill and creating hazardous travel conditions for millions. From Germany and Austria to Poland, the Czech Republic, and parts of the Balkans, ice-coated roads, grounded flights, and disrupted rail services have turned routine journeys into dangerous ordeals. Meteorologists warn that freezing rain — one of the most treacherous winter weather phenomena — poses a greater risk than snowfall because it creates an invisible glaze of ice that is nearly impossible to detect until it is too late. What Is Freezing Rain and Why Is It So Dangerous? Freezing rain occurs when rain falls through a layer of warm air and then passes into sub-zero temperatures near the ground. Instead of freezing mid-air like snow, the rain remains liquid until it hits a cold surface, where it instantly turns to ice. The result is black ice — a thin, transparent layer that covers roads, sidewalks, power lines, aircraft wings, and railway tracks. Unlike snow, it offers no traction and is extremely difficult to remove. Experts describe freezing rain as one of winter’s most dangerous hazards, capable of crippling transport networks within hours. Travel Chaos Across the Region Across central and eastern Europe, the effects have been swift and severe. Major highways have reported multi-vehicle accidents, while local roads have become impassable in rural and mountainous areas. In several countries, authorities temporarily closed sections of motorways after trucks jackknifed on ice-slick surfaces. Rail networks were also hit hard. Ice accumulation on overhead lines caused power failures and signal disruptions, forcing trains to run at reduced speeds or be canceled altogether. Thousands of passengers were stranded at stations as operators struggled to keep services running safely. Air travel faced similar challenges. Airports in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic reported delays and cancellations as aircraft required repeated de-icing. Even a thin layer of ice can dramatically affect an aircraft’s lift, making safety checks essential but time-consuming. Emergency Services Under Pressure Emergency responders across the region were stretched thin as calls surged. Ambulances struggled to reach patients on icy streets, while fire brigades responded to accidents, fallen trees, and damaged power lines. Hospitals also reported a rise in slip-and-fall injuries, particularly among older residents. Broken bones, head injuries, and hypothermia cases increased as people attempted to navigate frozen sidewalks. Authorities urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and to remain indoors whenever possible. Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage Beyond transport, the ice storm also affected energy infrastructure. Ice-laden power lines sagged and snapped under the weight, leading to localized power outages in several regions. In rural areas, repair crews faced dangerous conditions as they worked to restore electricity. Icy roads slowed response times, leaving some communities without power for extended periods during freezing temperatures. Telecommunications networks also experienced disruptions, further complicating emergency response efforts. Economic Impact and Business Disruptions The freezing rain has had an immediate economic impact. Delivery services were delayed, factories reduced shifts due to staff shortages, and retailers reported lower foot traffic as customers stayed home. Logistics companies warned that prolonged icy conditions could disrupt supply chains, particularly for food and medical supplies that rely on just-in-time delivery systems. Tourism was also affected, with winter destinations reporting canceled bookings and delayed arrivals, even as ski resorts benefited from colder temperatures at higher elevations. Climate Change and Extreme Winter Weather Scientists point out that climate change may be contributing to more frequent freezing rain events. As winters become warmer overall, temperatures often hover around the freezing point — the exact conditions needed for freezing rain. This creates a paradox where regions experience fewer snowstorms but more ice storms, which can be far more destructive. Climatologists warn that infrastructure across Europe was largely designed for snow, not prolonged ice events, leaving cities vulnerable as weather patterns evolve. Authorities Urge Vigilance Governments and meteorological agencies issued repeated warnings, advising drivers to reduce speed, increase braking distance, and equip vehicles with winter tires and emergency kits. Pedestrians were encouraged to wear non-slip footwear and use handrails whenever possible. Schools in several areas shifted to remote learning to reduce travel risks. Officials emphasized that patience and caution save lives, reminding citizens that even experienced drivers cannot control a vehicle on black ice. Looking Ahead Forecasts suggest that temperatures may gradually rise in some areas, easing icy conditions, while others could face additional freezing rain before the system moves on. Cleanup and repairs are expected to continue for days, even after the weather improves. The freezing rain sweeping across central and eastern Europe serves as a stark reminder that winter’s most dangerous storms are not always the most visible. As climate patterns continue to change, authorities and citizens alike may need to rethink how they prepare for — and respond to — ice, not just snow.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi8 days ago in Geeks
Comments (1)
Love this review! I love watching Ponyo with my 2yr old niece, the art and bright colors keeps her attention and the cute story and characters kept mine haha