I greatly enjoyed the movie, especially how real it felt as a goodbye from Miyazaki. But I do think it was a bit disjointed, and the first half of the plot wasn’t as well done.
It’s tough to give a reason other than “vibes,” but it made me feel a broad range of emotions throughout the film, had beautiful scenery/animation, and had fun and quirky characters. Plus, this one felt much more “adult” than most Ghibli movies, which surprised me in a good way.
People are saying the plot is jank, but I’ve never gone into a Ghibli movie for the plot. It’s more of an emotional experience to me.
I feel like such a fake fan. This is obviously one of his most personal and sincere artistic offerings as a film maker… but I was just bored the entire way through. It was beautiful and whimsical, but the story left me so cold and unsatisfied. Nothing resolved, nothing really mattered, nothing felt like subtext. And I know I’m wrong, it MUST be something I missed.
I guess I’m just basic, but hit me with that Porco Rosso or Wind Rises or Laputa vibes. But thats art, there’s no accounting for taste. I’m going to watch Heron again and see if it takes a second viewing for it to hit home.
Regardless how I feel about it, I was so happy to finally catch a Miyazaki film in theatres with my kids. That was great.
As for nothing being resolved, I feel like the main character did work through his grief and trauma surrounding the death of his mother, which imo was the central conflict.
That said: You don’t have any obligation to like anything. If it didn’t hit for you, that’s 100% okay. You aren’t “fake” or “wrong” if it didn’t vibe with you.
Of all Ghibli movies, imo this one is most similar to Spirited Away. Hard to say for certain if you’ll like it, but I definitely think it’s worth a watch.
To offer a dissenting opinion: As a Ghibli fan, this might honestly be my new second favorite Ghibli movie.
I’m also a fan of Ghibli, but this one didn’t hit the mark for me. But your opinion is just as valid :)
I greatly enjoyed the movie, especially how real it felt as a goodbye from Miyazaki. But I do think it was a bit disjointed, and the first half of the plot wasn’t as well done.
Glad you enjoyed it! Could you please explain why it’s your new second favorite Ghibli movie? I’m honestly curious.
It’s tough to give a reason other than “vibes,” but it made me feel a broad range of emotions throughout the film, had beautiful scenery/animation, and had fun and quirky characters. Plus, this one felt much more “adult” than most Ghibli movies, which surprised me in a good way.
People are saying the plot is jank, but I’ve never gone into a Ghibli movie for the plot. It’s more of an emotional experience to me.
I feel like such a fake fan. This is obviously one of his most personal and sincere artistic offerings as a film maker… but I was just bored the entire way through. It was beautiful and whimsical, but the story left me so cold and unsatisfied. Nothing resolved, nothing really mattered, nothing felt like subtext. And I know I’m wrong, it MUST be something I missed.
I guess I’m just basic, but hit me with that Porco Rosso or Wind Rises or Laputa vibes. But thats art, there’s no accounting for taste. I’m going to watch Heron again and see if it takes a second viewing for it to hit home.
Regardless how I feel about it, I was so happy to finally catch a Miyazaki film in theatres with my kids. That was great.
As for nothing being resolved, I feel like the main character did work through his grief and trauma surrounding the death of his mother, which imo was the central conflict.
That said: You don’t have any obligation to like anything. If it didn’t hit for you, that’s 100% okay. You aren’t “fake” or “wrong” if it didn’t vibe with you.
I guess my favorite is spirited away, will I like this?
The moving castle, mononoke and some earlier ones too.
Of all Ghibli movies, imo this one is most similar to Spirited Away. Hard to say for certain if you’ll like it, but I definitely think it’s worth a watch.