“PONYO”
Starring the voices of
Cate Blanchett, Noah Lindsey Cyrus, Frankie Jonas, Matt Damon,
Tina Fey, Liam Neeson
Released: Aug. 14, 2009

WATCH THE TRAILER

An adorable and visually delightful story about love and friendship that, while a little juvenile, can be enjoyed by all.

USUALLY WHEN I go to the theater, I know a little something about the movie I’m going to see. I’ve seen the trailer, I know the names of the lead actors and actresses, and if I'm really interested, I’ve even read a couple of reviews.

So walking into Savoy 16 the other night to see "Ponyo," something felt amiss.

I knew absolutely nothing about the film I was about to see, aside from the fact that it was the most recent work of the Japanese master filmmaker/animator Hayao Miyazaki, head of the legendary Studio Ghibli.

Instead of feeling wary as I settled into my seat, though, I felt excited. I have been a huge fan of Miyazaki’s work ever since my neighbor lent me "Castle in the Sky" eight years ago.

It became clear to me very quickly that, animation wise, the film was definitely on par with other Miyazaki films, if not better.

The film opens with a scene below the ocean, with jellyfish and other marine creatures floating across the screen, and a wild-haired scientist performing experiments in what seems to be an underwater laboratory.

As he is lost in concentration, one of his fish daughters (voiced by Noah Lindsey Cyrus) makes a daring escape on the back of a jellyfish and floats away. She eventually runs afoul of a rubbish-collection boat and winds up stuck and dying in a bottle on the shore of a little coastal town.

But never fear: The fish is discovered by a little boy named Sosuke (voiced by Frankie Jonas), who frees her, names her Ponyo, and takes her home.

Immediately enamored by the little fish, Sosuke is heart broken when Ponyo’s (rather frightening) father, the wild-haired scientist, calls upon the water spirits to rescue his daughter and return her to him.

Ponyo is not too pleased with this arrangement either and escapes yet again, this time riding on waves to return to Sosuke’s cliff-top home.

This is a film about how the strength of love and friendship can give one the power to change oneself completely. Ponyo, the princess of fish and daughter of two ocean deities, chooses to give up her life underwater and become a human girl in order to join Sosuke.

Miyazaki has a true talent at hiding deeper messages within his stories, making them accessible to both children and adults.

For example, on the surface his 1985 film "Nausicaa" is about a compassionate princess who tries to unite her kingdom with the ever-growing toxic forest. If one looks deeper, however, it becomes clear that it is about how mankind cannot afford to ignore the well-being of the planet, or it will become unlivable. "Castle in the Sky" has clear references to World War II (the powerful floating city, Laputa, resembles an atomic mushroom cloud).

"Ponyo" is no exception to this trend. While younger children will enjoy the film for the lovable characters, cute drawings, and simple plotline, adults will be able to appreciate the film for its message that love can conquer all.

I found the story to be a little confusing and simplistic, and I definitely felt that the film was geared toward a younger audience. Ponyo undergoes several physical transformations throughout the movie, the reasons for which were only divulged toward the end.

While this wasn't a crucial part of the plot, it was a bit distracting. Additionally, the plot was a bit unengaging, and I found myself losing grip of the story in favor of simply admiring the animation.

Nevertheless, I left the theater thoroughly satisfied with the experience due to the enchantingly magical animation.

"Ponyo" is currently playing at the Goodrich Savoy 16, 232 W. Burwash, Savoy, and the Beverly 18, 910 Meijers Drive, Champaign.

"Ponyo" AT A GLANCE

• Starring: Cate Blanchett (Gran Mamare), Noah Lindsey Cyrus (Ponyo), Frankie Jonas (Sosuke), Matt Damon (Koichi), Tina Fey (Lisa), Liam Neeson (Fujimoto)
• Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
• Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
• Rated: G
• Runtime: 100 min.
• Release date: Aug. 14, 2009
• Summary (from IMDb): An animated adventure centered on a 5-year-old boy and his relationship with a goldfish princess who longs to become human.