MOVIE MONDAYS: FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
From what Blogger tells me, this marks my 200th post and I thought it would be fitting to share with you one of my most recent favourite anime films as for my 100th post I shared my favourite anime tv show at the time. From Up On Poppy Hill is another great Studio Gbhili film whose poster caught my eye when it was pasted over the walls of the Cornerhouse a few months ago. It had been a while since I last delved into the world of anime but I am glad I have again as it never fails to inspire me. I don't know about you but when I watch any anime production - or any foreign film for that matter - I have to watch it with English subtitles. It is not that I do not appreciate the work of the English speaking voice actors, I do. It is just... I dunno. I am a sucker for subtitles haha. Please tell me that I am not the only one...
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Directed by Goro Miyazaki (Tales From Eathsea), this 2011 Japanese animated film set in 1964 is the tale of a teenage girl, Umi, who lives a rather routine life from raising her flags in the morning to finishing the day with tackling her homework. Then, when she bumps into a rather passionate group of young lads who are adamant about saving their school's legendary clubhouse from being demolished, her life takes the most interesting combinations of twists and turns as she begins to truly take part in this dance we call life. Based on the comic book, From Up On Poppy Hill created by Chizuru Takahashi and Tetsuro Sayama, this beautiful and lighted-hearted coming of age story was written by the talented Hayao Miyazaki (Howl's Moving Castle; Spirited Away; Ponyo) and Keiko Niwa (Arriety; Tales of Earthsea). I cannot comment on how true they stayed to the original comics as I've never read them but I can say that I did rather enjoy the film; it is sure to make you laugh, gasp and feel slightly riled up - the ending is not one of my favourites but I guess you can't please everyone.
It has always been a dream of mine to be involved in the making of an animated film. It is such a fascinating industry to me because it reliant on how well the voice actors and artists/illustrators can convey the essence of the characters and the environments and situations they find themselves in following the direction and vision of the creators. Hmm..I might consider taking an 'Illustration For Beginners' or 'Animation For Beginners' taster course. I will most likely be quite crap at it but at least least I'd have a better idea of what goes on in the production of an animated film.
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So, if you are in the mood to watch an anime film that has a bit of romance, drama and comedy in it then From Up On Poppy Hillmight be one to get your hands on.
Mo xx