As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli, I must confess that their lesser-known gems often hold a special place in my heart. Among these hidden treasures, “From Up on Poppy Hill” stands out as a poignant and underappreciated masterpiece.
Studio Ghibli is widely recognized as the leading studio for anime films, even in Western regions. Although convincing your family to watch something like “Backstabbed in a Backwater Dungeon: My Trusted Companions Tried to Kill Me, But Thanks to the Gift of an Unlimited Gacha I Got LVL 9999 Friends and Am Out For Revenge on My Former Party Members and the World” might be challenging, they are probably familiar with classics such as “Howl’s Moving Castle“, “Spirited Away“, or the latest release “The Boy and the Heron“. However, nestled among these popular and beloved movies is a lesser-known gem from Studio Ghibli that will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings.
Although Hayao Miyazaki’s work is widely admired by Studio Ghibli enthusiasts, his son, Goro Miyazaki, has been responsible for a film that hasn’t received enough recognition: “From Up on Poppy Hill“. To those who are less familiar with Goro, he might be known as the director of Studio Ghibli’s least popular movie, “Tales from Earthsea“, which Hayao Miyazaki notoriously disliked. However, Goro made amends with “From Up on Poppy Hill“, and fans should give it more appreciation.
From Up on Poppy Hill is Heartbreaking
As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on “From Up on Poppy Hill.” At first glance, its narrative appears straightforward: it revolves around Umi Matsuzaki, a 16-year-old high school student, who forms an unusual bond with her classmate Shun. Together, they spearhead an effort to preserve their school’s clubhouse. However, beneath the charming story of budding romance and camaraderie, lies a deeply moving undercurrent of war and sorrow that subtly permeates this heartwarming tale.
Similar to several heartfelt films produced by Studio Ghibli (such as Grave of the Fireflies), war serves as a significant motif in From Up on Poppy Hill. This movie is set in 1963 and shows Japan during its post-World War II (1939-1945) and Korean War (1950-1953) recovery. Every morning, Umi Matsuzaki hoists two flags in her garden as the sun rises. These flags convey “I wish you a safe journey,” and they are visible to all the sailors heading out to sea. Umi learned this unique form of communication from her father who perished during the Korean War. These flags symbolize Umi preserving her father’s memory, while also reflecting her struggle to cope with her own sorrow.
As a dedicated film buff, I can’t help but empathize with the characters in this tale. The friendship between Umi and Shun takes an unexpected turn when I learn that both of their fathers were victims of a tragic incident. Our shared sorrow seems to weave us closer together, creating a bond that is as strong as it is heartrending. Interestingly enough, as time passes, it appears that feelings beyond friendship might be blossoming between us two.
However, the movie “From Up on Poppy Hill” doesn’t only evoke sadness. Amidst their personal emotional tales, it also portrays the excitement leading up to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Facing demolition for new athletic facilities, their school’s clubhouse becomes the focus of a community effort. The students band together to restore and beautify the rundown building, while Umi and Shun petition local authorities for its preservation.
Why Is From Up on Poppy Hill Underrated?
Up in Poppy Hill showcases several elements that are characteristic of a timeless Studio Ghibli production. It centers around a powerful female protagonist, delves into the complexities of humanity while also expressing love and grief, and above all, the animation is breathtakingly beautiful. Yet, it seems to not receive the recognition it deserves.
As a movie enthusiast penning my thoughts on “From Up on Poppy Hill”, I can’t help but wonder why this gem isn’t as widely appreciated among Studio Ghibli aficionados. Perhaps the reason lies in its lack of association with the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, who directed many of their most beloved films. Another possibility is that its story, set in a specific historical period and grounded in reality, might not resonate with those who seek the fantastical worlds typically found in Ghibli productions.
Additionally, there’s a surprising debate swirling around the movie. Anime often faces controversies from Western viewers due to significant cultural differences between the US and Japan, as demonstrated in the latest episode of Dandadan. Without revealing too much about the plot, Umi and Shun’s deeper feelings towards each other get tangled when they discover they share a family connection. Following this revelation, Umi declares that she continues to hold affection for him, which some viewers have mistakenly interpreted as romantic feelings. However, it is widely understood that Umi expresses familial, emotional love rather than physical love in this context.
In various regions, you can stream “From Up on Poppy Hill” and a range of other Studio Ghibli titles on both Netflix and Max.
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2024-11-29 19:10