Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

[Fuel Cell]

Just saw the trailer for this and read a bit about its plot. Can't say I'm impressed.

Plot: Goldfish wants to become human. The goldfish looks and behaves like a deformed Pokemon and the plot sounds suspiciously like a mashed-up tribute to Pinocchio. There's nothing in the trailer to suggest that this will cover really heavy duty themes, which is disappointing. I know Miyazaki values childhood, but he can do a whole lot more by introducing more adult themes.

Theme Song: Admittedly, it is quite catchy, but given that it's sung by a baby, readily grates.

Anyone else with any thoughts? Has anyone actually seen it?

[ZeroRyoko1974]

haven't seen it, but according to ANN Disney is going to release it next year
A positive review of Hayao Miyazaki's Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, written by Time magazine's Richard Corliss, confirms that Disney will release the movie in English next year. The specific plans for the release, including whether the film would be screened theatrically, are not yet public. Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park) reportedly will co-produce the American release.

Of the last two movies that Miyazaki directed, Howl's Moving Castle took less than a year to make it to the United States for a theatrical run, and about a year and four months passed between its 2004 Japanese premiere and when the Disney DVD became available. Spirited Away opened in Japan in July 2001, and in the United States in September 2002, a year and two months later. The home video release took another seven months.

[John]

I mean no offense, but I think that if you're disappointed by the childlike qualities of Gake no Ue no Ponyo, you're either not familiar with Miyazaki's most popular works, or you're not a fan of the films that Miyazaki is most beloved for. I have watched Ponyo, and I think it's the best film Miya-san has made in years. Stylistically, it is very reminiscent of Totoro and Kiki - whimsical films that don't dwell on heavy themes or drama. Ponyo is a children's film, which is what Miyazaki makes (although it's ironic that Ponyo appears to be more popular with adults than with Japanese children).

If you're looking for another film thematically similar to Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl, it's not Ponyo. But I think that Ponyo has more charm, humor, and outright fun than any of Miyazaki's past three films. It's definitely a return to the style of movie that Miyazaki made during the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

[Jia]

I was reading about this just this morning.....I personally like the style of Spirited Away much better. The style is more cleaner (and probably more CG? I'm not 100% on this one) but I don't think I would really want to watch this. It just looks too kiddish for me. There should be more adult themes to some of his movies. :(

[SonRyu]

I agree with John. I'm looking forward to this as I very much enjoy Miyazaki's "whimsical films that don't dwell on heavy themes or drama". While I did like Spirited, Mononoke, and Howl's, it's the films like Totoro and Kiki I enjoy most.

[iwakura]

I plan on getting this one. If Disney drops the sub, I'll be very disapointed.

[Nomnomnom]

I plan to purchase it and all titles released in the future by Disney with their studio's label.

[koinosuke]

John is completely right. Of course, as far as I'm concerned Miya-san can do no wrong, but still. I'm incredibly excited for Ponyo. I already have the soundtrack, and as usual Hisaishi Joe just blows me away with his incredible music. I just wish it was being released sooner stateside.

[Midoriko87]

Ponyo was, um, cute. I really couldn’t get into it. Totoro was a beautiful depiction of a sibling relationship, and Kiki, a girl finding confidence and transitioning into adulthood.

Those two movies take you back to a period in your life, they have characters you can relate to, sympathize with… So, many persons, I feel, can find enjoyment in these films. Ponyo and Sosuke are so young, and their relationship…Well, that’s something. Ponyo’s mother and father are trying to sell something (theme-wise), but really, no one’s buying it. Well, I’m not, but I’m an oddball. *Nods*

You may come to like it, but imo, the characters weren't very captivating. And, I didn’t really care about their circumstances and whatnot. *Nods*

[sazae]

Has there been an announced American release for this yet or a cast list for the dub? I have enjoyed all the recent dubs of the Ghibli films and have held off on watching this one so I can get the nice American release.

[Hara!]

Isn't Ponyo slang for...

[HSaabedra]

Has there been an announced American release for this yet or a cast list for the dub? I have enjoyed all the recent dubs of the Ghibli films and have held off on watching this one so I can get the nice American release.

There will be a wide theatrical release in the summer with a Hollywood cast. I covered the partial cast list on my site, but the full cast hasn't been finalized yet. The DVD release will be set for the same time.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Ponyo won several awards at the Tokyo Animation Fair. Including Best animation of the year, best director, best original story, and best art direction. I loved this film and can't wait for a theatrical release.

[Kizoku Keenan]

In the UK we get an optimum film release dvd which usually consists of sub and dub along with special features.

[Skylark]

I agree with John, but I'll just wait to see it before I make any comments. I actually thought Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away were both heavy on adult themes. With or without adult themes, I enjoy his movies. Miyazaki will just simply go on making whatever and wherever his curiosity will takes him and that's alright with me (although my wish to see him do another Lupin film will have to vanish with the last decade. He had mentioned during the early 90's that if he were to actually do a new Lupin movie he'd have Lupin with a daughter as a thief - he never promised such a film, but someone at least did managed to get him to talk about why he wouldn't do another Lupin film.)

[Kizoku Keenan]

When will Ponyo be released in the UK? i've searched it up on the net and still have not got a clear answer yet.

[animegurl]

I am very exited about seeing Ponyo. I love all of Miyazaki's films whether they are more geared towards children and have that youthful charm like Totoro, or they have a more thought provoking plot that makes you think and you get more and more out of it each time you watch it, like Howl's or Mononoke(Although, I must say, in Mononoke, the Forest Spirit scared the fricken crap out of me). I really can't wait to see Ponyo, where did you see it John?

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

looks like around August and the stars have come out for this Miyazaki release, just as they have done for just about every other English dubbed version. It'll be a nice way to end the summer and I've been waiting for more of Miyazaki's works to be released.

[jacksaidwhat]

Known now as simply 'Ponyo' in the US, it will be released on over 800 screens on August 14th 2009.

Here's a link (http://animenation.net/forums/showthread.php?t=222813) to my thread with all the details on. The official movie poster is also on there for you guys aswell :D.