Review: From Up On Poppy Hill

A Studio Ghibli film is always a fantastic occasion, this is the studio who have consistently provided extremely high quality animated films. Sadly I have yet to see all of the Ghibli films, I was rather late to the party as the saying goes in regards to these films. As such I have only 7 of them. From Up On Poppy Hill makes it the 8th.

I appear to be in the minority of people who actually enjoyed Goro Miyazaki's directorial debut. Yes Tales From Earthsea had it's flaws, there is no questioning that but I liked the visuals, the music and the plot (despite a few minor discrepancies). It is most certainly one of the weaker Ghibli efforts. Because of this there was trepidation when From Up On Poppy Hill was revealed to be Goro's next project. Would it improve upon his first film? Or would it dwell in mediocrity? I am very happy to side with the former.

This review was based on the Hong Kong DVD release from earlier this year, as of yet no date for a western retail release has been announce although a dub is in the process of recording as of writing and the film has enjoyed a run through a select set of cinema's.

Adapted from the 2 volume shoujo manga from Tetsurō Sayama and Chizuru Takahashi From Up On Poppy Hill is a love story that follows Umi Matsuzaki, a 16 year old girl who runs her house while her mother is away which shows a greater maturity for a girl of her age. The setting is perhaps one of the reasons for this as 1960's (1963 Yokohama more specifically) were a wildly different era than what we are in today. She raises flags every day to signal safe voyages for all the boats entering and leaving the docks as well as a tribute to her father who passed away on a naval vessel.

A poem written about her regarding this is printed in the local school paper and it's anonymity raises Umi's curiosity. While this is brought to her attention an event grabs the pupils attention when a group of students use a stunt as a protest against plans for the demolition of the Latin Quarter. The Latin Quarter is where many of the schools clubs are located. The student in question who performs this stunt is Shun Kazama who works on the school paper. After jumping from the roof into a small pool Umi quickly goes to help him though she let's him fall back in after her photo is took causing slight embarrassment.

A little later in the film when accompanying her younger sister Sora to the Latin Quarter to get a photo of Shun signed is where the relationship between Umi and Shun begins to blossom as she agrees to help with the paper. Whilst making their way there we get a first look at both the exterior and more interestingly the interior. Filled with books and an array of unique clubs that also provide a few comedic moments the interior is a sight to behold.

The Latin Quarter this is where a large portion of the film takes place and quite the visual setting it is. Full of detail and as expected for a building rich with history, you can tell that an immeasurable amount of detail went into it. There are scenes later in the film that really showcase this, they bring the building to life and it really is fascinating watching it unfold.
As the events transpire you see how the Latin Quarter brings together many of the students, how Umi and Shun adapt to their growing relationship learn more about Umi's parents.

However I was mildly disappointed with the way it ended, I'm not going to spoil it but I felt unsatisfied, not so much with the actual turn of events rather what came after. If there were another 5 or so minutes expanded upon it further and gave a greater insight into what happens with Umi then it would have been a greater viewing experience.

That and the air of slight predictability regarding plot progression are the only real flaws I had with this film.

And of course a mention must go to the superb music. Ghibli stalwart Joe Hisaishi did not compose the music on this occasion. However much like his absence from Arrietty this is by no means a detracting factor. Satoshi Takebe has stepped in and done a superb job, there are tracks which perfectly match the tone of the film and genuinely feel like they're from the 60's bringing greater immersion into the film.

The theme song in particular (Summer of Goodbye) sung by Aoi Teshima was a very pleasent song and fits in really well, it's one of if not my absolute favourite from the Ghibli theme songs closely tied with Arrietty's Song. This is no surprise in all honesty as the scores for Ghibli films have always been of the highest possible quality.

The version I have based my review off was the Hong Kong version. It's complete with English subtitles for both the main feature and the extra's. The extra's are slightly lacking however with a storyboard interlacing version as well as a couple of trailers. While to many this will likely mean very little I thought I'd mention it in case you wish to import the film as the HK and South Korean versions are available at a very reasonable price. The Japanese release, less so.

GKids are producing a dub and this will be released in select cinema's in the US next year on March 15th. There have already been a few showing's in the UK such as at Scotland Loves Anime's Edinburgh event. Whether or not there will be a cinema run or more screenings at similar events remains to be seen.

I have to say that I went into watching this with anticipation of a brilliant film. After all I had enjoyed Tales From Earthsea. The film did not let me down at all, a large improvement over his debut Goro has now directed a film which is the stepping stone for his future. An absolute must watch for any fan of Ghibli or anime in general.

Studio: Studio Ghibli
Release: 2011
Available: All good DVD and Blu Ray retailers

9/10