I have been bingeing the work of Hayao Miyazaki and this is where I think he finds his stride, I'm not saying his first few films aren't good, I don't think this man has made a bad film in his life. This film though, is his first certified masterpiece. I love everything. The music is fantastic, the characters are loveable, so damn loveable and the animation is beautiful. The designs of the spirits as well are just next level.
The story is delightful, it balances genuine heartbreak, the mother's illness, Mei's disappearance, (I will admit I was close to tearing up at points), with moments of pure ecstasy, the journey on the cat bus and tree growing. It has a really tight run time, a simple cohesive plot. There is nothing that comes to mind for me to criticise.
It's so close to reaching a 9, so close but I don't quite think it gets there. Still a fantastic film.
The story is delightful, it balances genuine heartbreak, the mother's illness, Mei's disappearance, (I will admit I was close to tearing up at points), with moments of pure ecstasy, the journey on the cat bus and tree growing. It has a really tight run time, a simple cohesive plot. There is nothing that comes to mind for me to criticise.
It's so close to reaching a 9, so close but I don't quite think it gets there. Still a fantastic film.