Hayao Miyazaki is a filmmaker whose praises I have sung for who knows how long. His filmmaking consists of entrancing magic, where you feel as if you are drenched in the colors of his beautiful artistic masterpieces when you’re watching them. He has often transported us to worlds we could have only ever imagined, but when it comes to his 2013 feature, The Wind Rises, he takes us back in time in a semi-autobiographical work of fiction that is truly a film for adults.
How to Download The Wind Rises
You can download the film from a digital store. You can also stream it. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. Check out also other films directed by Hayao Miyazaki, such as My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.
The Movie Review
The Wind Rises is a tale that weaves the fictionalized journey of aeronautical engineers Jiro Hirokoshi and Tatsuo Hori, with a spotlight on Jiro.
It comes as no surprise that the renowned Hiyao Miyazaki crafted such a film, as he has consistently imbued his works with a nostalgic reverence for early airplanes, as seen in films such as Porco Rosso. However, upon learning of the story, one may be taken aback by the fact that the planes these men designed for Mitsubishi played a crucial role in the fervently nationalistic Japanese military of the 1930s and 40s, an era that many would rather forget.
The Wind Rises is a film that delves into mature themes, making it more suited for an adult audience. The film’s content is grounded in reality, rather than fantastical elements, which may not hold the attention of children.
The film centers around the biographical story of aeronautical engineer Jiro Hirokoshi and his work designing airplanes for the Japanese military during the 1930s and 40s. However, the story is presented in a fictionalized manner, crafted by director Hayao Miyazaki to explore themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the cost of progress.
Through Jiro’s journey, the film raises questions about the morality of creating weapons of war, the cost of chasing one’s dreams, and the impact of our actions on those around us. The film also explores the beauty and wonder of human innovation and the way in which it can inspire us to reach for the sky.
This makes The Wind Rises a thought-provoking, deeply emotional film that showcases Miyazaki’s storytelling skills and ability to create a powerful and impactful narrative.
The Characters
The film boasts a top-notch voice cast that adds depth and emotion to the film. The main cast, including the voices of Hideaki Anno as Jiro Hirokoshi, Miori Takimoto as Nahoko Satomi, and Hidetoshi Nishijima as Honjo, deliver powerful performances that bring the characters to life.
The Japanese voice actors have a great impact on the film, adding a layer of authenticity to the story and characters. While I haven’t seen the English dub myself, I have heard that it is also quite decent.
The Animation
The animation on the other hand though is truly a sight to behold. Director Hayao Miyazaki has always strived for perfection in his work and this film is a shining example of that. The film’s color and character design are breathtaking, and the attention to detail and the way the animation is used to express the emotions of the characters is truly an art form.
The animation also serves to juxtapose the themes of the film, as the beauty and wonder of the planes contrast with the darker themes of war and sacrifice.
The Music
The soundtrack here is composed by Miyazaki’s long-time collaborator, Joe Hisaishi, and it enhances the film in every way. The music adds to the emotions of the film and is an integral part of the storytelling, with the score being both beautiful and haunting, adding to the film’s powerful message and atmosphere.
The music also serves to underscore the themes of the film, such as the longing and sadness of Jiro’s unfulfilled dreams and the bittersweet beauty of human innovation.
Verdict
The Wind Rises is a thought-provoking and emotional film that explores mature themes and raises important questions about the cost of progress and the morality of creating weapons of war. The film’s animation, voice acting, and soundtrack are all top-notch, making for a truly immersive and impactful viewing experience.
This is a must-watch film for fans of Hayao Miyazaki and those who appreciate thought-provoking, emotionally impactful storytelling. While it may not be entertaining for children, it is an outstanding film for those who won’t find a story set in a grounded world to be boring.
