From Up On Poppy Hill (Review)

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From Up On Poppy Hill is a traditionally animated film produced by the iconic Studio Ghibli, and co-scripted by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki; this simple animated drama is a delightful triumph. 

The film is set in a small and peaceful port-side town of Japan, circa 1960s. This universe is constructed and tendered with an incredible wealth of fine period details, and is a welcoming entrance to an idyllic past. The plot is not without central conflicts, but everything is handled with such delicate gentility that the overall tone is entirely pure and innocent. 

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From the sweeping shots of the quiet seaside - the tranquil water surface only ever disturbed by a fishing boat, puffing away - to the smooth bike ride along the narrow alleyways, walled by endless rows of miniature, multistory houses. Every shot is drawn with intricate attention to detail, and is wonderfully lively. The audience is completely absorbed and enticed by the simple, yet effective story-telling. 

The narrative is further assisted by the softly sweet and melodic soundtrack; with it, one could easily imagine the beautiful sensation of lying on a shady patch of grass beneath a round tree on a breezy Summer's day. 

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 The film can be considered a melodramatic youth film, but its pure-heart and comforting tone allow us to embrace its tales of love, attraction, friendship and self-discovery in the most resolute fashion. Poppy Hill exhibits surprisingly dark nuances, but these potentially tabooed complications are resolved with delicate empathy and sympathy - evoking the audience to quietly admire the magnificence of youthful and innocent love.

 However, the film does illustrate some very humorous situations; particularly the scenes involving the clubhouse building and the youngsters' effort to conserve this dilapidated institution of culture. This central theme of treasuring the past - conserving it and being enlightened by it - is clarified in every aspect of Poppy Hill. As realised by our loving heroine, the past shall always be part of her identity. However, it should never detain her, but rather guide her with her journey forward. 

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This is yet another Studio Ghibli masterpiece that I shall cherish; it is a marvellous pleasure to view a film that can highlight and celebrate the simplest movements of life in such a beautiful manner. I am, once again, inspired.