MovieChat Forums > Gake no ue no Ponyo (2009) Discussion > Total kids movie...like age 6 or below.

Total kids movie...like age 6 or below.

posted 15 years ago by demens-1
35 replies | jump to latest

I'm a huge fan of Spirited Away and Howls Moving Castle so when I saw this and the rating it had I was hoping for something along those lines. Instead this is pure boredom from start to finish, absolute waste of time. Zero emotion in any of the characters with the most simplest of stories. This thing is a joke and purely to kids movie, no adult should watch this.

I know you'll watch this anyway, but do yourself a favor, know what to expect. When you're 40 minutes into and bored out of your mind, save your self the extra hour because it will not get better.

[–] tintinrulz 15 years ago

Just as well opinions are subjective. I'm 26 and love all the Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli movies to different degrees (except Pom Poko - hated that one). I don't think it's their best or one of their best but I really enjoyed Ponyo. If you didn't enjoy it, fine but to say the movie was boring and had no emotion is particularly silly. It's true that the story is much more simple than his previous efforts but that doesn't make it bad, just different.

[–] Towelie_Towel 15 years ago

It's not bad, I liked it. But he is right in saying it's a kids' movie. It is.

[–] Daannny 15 years ago

It is one of my favorites of the Studio Ghibli.
You really didn't understand this movie, didn't understand its spirit, it's message, it's mood and it's pace.

[–] juliapeterssss 15 years ago

That's what I've always thought to be kind of the purpose of the Ghibli films: to feel like a kid, retrieve a bit of that magic. But if you're out of touch with that part of yourself, you're right: don't watch it.

[–] nodnarb232001 15 years ago

"That's what I've always thought to be kind of the purpose of the Ghibli films: to feel like a kid, retrieve a bit of that magic. But if you're out of touch with that part of yourself, you're right: don't watch it. "
^This.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] scooby246282 15 years ago

Honestly, people om imdb are impossible. There is nothing wrong with others having different opinions! I love all other Stuidio Ghibli films, but I really did not care for this one. I have to agree with him; I found it boring and uninteresting. To its credit, it's one of the best looking animated films I've ever seen and it was very creative. However, if you liked it, I disagree with you but I can understand your position and will respect your opinion. Don't jump all over others for saying something with which you would not agree. This is a place meant for discussion.

[–] Crurned 15 years ago

The story was kind of undeveloped, that's for me. Overall, Ghibli studio did some pretty good job in the animation as always. I felt warm inside, but I was expecting something more from the story. 8/10

Marvel, DC or DC, Marvel, choose whatever you like. I'm outta here.

[–] luzi_825 9 years ago

That's exactly the opposite of why I watch Miyazaki's movies. I like them because they are never just what they seem, intended for kids, but rather more profound and deeper than western movies.

[–] DethstruXioN 9 years ago

This is pretty much what had appealed to me too.
Unfortunately i was only introduced to Miyazaki movies until i was 25, i would have loved to see Nausicaä as a kid, it would have connected so much, the insect and nature themes, the retro tech art etc.

Watching these movies makes me feel like i would have enjoyed them a lot as a kid, which just generally gives me a good feeling, catching up on what ive missed out on.

Although im now 32 and Ponyo has only been made several years ago, the themes he uses still interest me, the oceanic imagery, Devonian fish, they still connect to me on that same level.

But apparently this movie doesnt get a lot of love, taste is divided among the fans, since i favor this one over Totoro.

[–] DethstruXioN 9 years ago

Yep, couldnt agree more.

[–] conedust 15 years ago

Loved it. It IS a kids' movie, and the story is very simple, but I wasn't at all bothered by any of that. I loved the characters, the situation, the animation, the imagination, the tone and spirit -- I loved basically everything about the film. And I'm by no means a kid.

Honestly, on first viewing, I'd rate it up there with Studio Ghibli's best work. Maybe not quite at the level of Spirited Away/Castle In the Sky/My Neigbor Totoro, but awful damn close. Better, certainly, than Howl's Moving Castle, which started beautifully but wound up confused and disappointing. IMO, of course...

You must have been so afraid, Cassie... Then you saw a cop.

[–] Quel_Fara 15 years ago

It is a lot more like Totoro than those you like, but it isn't only for the young.
Perhaps you missed some points.

I have a feeling you haven't reach the age of adulthood yourself.

Sorry for the stilted speech, I was watching Jane Austin tonight and it does it to me every time.

"The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of."

[–] balehead74 15 years ago

I would also like to compare it more to Totoro than his other movies. Maybe Kiki's Delivery Service also comes in under the same genre. It's mostly a film for children and parents. I would have found it boring when I was 15-25, but now I love it. I can really relate to both Ponyos father, trying to prevent his children from growing up and trying to keep them away from the world he considers evil, and of course to Satsuke's mother, being furious when her husband doesn't turn up as promised. It's a good portrait of normal life and human relations, even though it is set in a fantasy world.

[–] KryptoBot 15 years ago

Miyazaki did make this movie for five-year-olds, but most adults will see this story as purely as he had intended. A film completely free of adult phobia's and complications, just a simple, unfiltered love and care of Ponyo from Sosuke. But of course, as always, you can't please everyone.

-
The ongoing WOW is happening right NOW.

[–] Quel_Fara 15 years ago

I think the unhurried and anxiety free feel of Miyazaki's films confuses a lot of modern people. It's like listening to classical music, It's to wind you down, lift you up and make you feel better. Not like the films or music most are used to.

"The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of."

[–] snowdoodles 14 years ago

Perfect analogy! Everytime I see a Miyazaki film, I just lay back and feel the beautiful music and take in the scenery. It's all very soothing, just like listening to classical music.

[–] UnicornMaiden 15 years ago

I'm an adult, and I really liked it.

"The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone..." ~ The Last Unicorn

[–] Quel_Fara 15 years ago

Oh there is so many Great and wonderful quotes from 'The Last Unicorn"

"I know you. If I were blind I'd know what you are."

"Where were you twenty years ago? Ten years ago? Where were you when I was new? When I was one of those innocent young maidens you always come to? How dare you! How dare you come to me now, when I am this! " I really relate to this one.

"They passed down all the roads long ago, and the Red Bull ran close behind them and covered their footprints."

"Your name is a golden bell hung in my heart. I would break my body to pieces to call you once by your name. "

"There are no happy endings because nothing ends. "

"I can never regret. I can feel sorrow, but it's not the same thing. "
You know, this one can be tied to the youth that Unicorns are historically (Mythstoiclly?) known to be attracted to. It's not til you've lived some life that you learn to regret also.

Beagle was an equal romancer of words as Poe was. One worked in sunshine and one at midnight.

"The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of."

[–] 15 years ago

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