Ponyo
{4.5/5} “You’re not busy. You’re five.”
Ponyo, released in 2008
Sosuke rescues a goldfish he names Ponyo. Ponyo heals his cut, so he thinks she’s magical. She is — she can grow arms and legs if she wants. A man who walks out of the ocean and has some control over it steals her back. Ponyo used to live in the ocean but now she wants to stay with Sosuke.
This movie has a nice story about friendship. It’s visually delightful, unsurprisingly for a Studio Ghibli movie.
The fantasy aspect feels a bit odd to me but it’s similar to other anime movies where people aren’t fazed by fantastic events.
Stars the voices of Liam Neeson, Betty White, and Cloris Leachman. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki (Kiki’s Delivery Service). The majestic music is by Joe Hisaishi.