FROM UP ON POPPY HILL is another film from the popular Studio Ghibli stable, this time directed by Goro Miyazaki, son of the famous Hayao. As usual for these films, the animation is absolutely wonderful, both colourful and a wonder to watch, but that's all you get here, because there's no story.
Or rather, there is, but it's very slight and doesn't support a whole movie like the one that's delivered here. In essence, there are two plots; a background plot about student efforts to save their clubhouse from being closed down by the authorities, and a love story between a lonely girl and a sailor. The clubhouse story is the more charming of the two, but aside from a good montage or two, little happens. As for the romance, well, it goes nowhere.
I like Studio Ghibli films as a result, but my favourite ones are either full of charm (like PONYO) or the ones that have a compelling narrative (GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES). Unfortunately, FROM UP ON POPPY HILL has neither, leaving it a nice to look at, but instantly forgettable slice of Japanese animation.
Or rather, there is, but it's very slight and doesn't support a whole movie like the one that's delivered here. In essence, there are two plots; a background plot about student efforts to save their clubhouse from being closed down by the authorities, and a love story between a lonely girl and a sailor. The clubhouse story is the more charming of the two, but aside from a good montage or two, little happens. As for the romance, well, it goes nowhere.
I like Studio Ghibli films as a result, but my favourite ones are either full of charm (like PONYO) or the ones that have a compelling narrative (GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES). Unfortunately, FROM UP ON POPPY HILL has neither, leaving it a nice to look at, but instantly forgettable slice of Japanese animation.