09
Sep
コクリコ坂から (Kokuriko-zaka Kara)
The newest film from Studio Ghibli directed by Miyazaki Goro (Miyazaki Hayao’s son)! The story takes place in the 1960’s in Yokohama. Yokohama is in Kanagawa prefecture which is (I think) 45 minutes away from Tokyo by train. This is post-war so there’s a lot of Western influences in Japan, particularly in Yokohama. The story itself follows Umi (who’s somehow referred to as Meru by her friends) and her encounter with Shun, and how their mild teen love develops. The whole movie doesn’t just concentrate on their love, it goes into how a group of students at the school try to fight the school’s ruling to tear down their clubhouse/fort as well.
This isn’t really a spoiler but the flags you see in the poster play a key role in the film. It actually kinda helps if you understand the meaning behind the flags.
I am always astonished by the art in the Studio Ghibli films. They’re always so clean, pretty and just soothing to look at. Even though this film isn’t particularly a Miyazaki Hayao film, it still carries the heart and tradition Hayao-san himself had. From the characteristics of the people’s faces and expressions to the details in the backgrounds, I appreciate every bit of it! Studio Ghibli is no doubt one of Japan’s treasures!
