OK for kids 5+
Miyazaki's stunning adventure is geared to younger kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this stunning adventure from anime master Hayao Miyazaki is one of his most kid-friendly films to date, with strong characters and positive messages. There's little violence, although a few scenes during and after a climactic storm may disturb the youngest viewers. Some scenes in which parents and other characters seem to be missing might also be upsetting. Parents may be put off by the idea that two 5-year-old characters must at one point fend for themselves without supervision -- but this is, after all, a fairy tale-like story.
- Families can talk about Sosuke and Ponyo's journey to be together. What obstacles did they each have to overcome, and what sacrifices (if any) did they each have to make? Is it strange that Sosuke and Ponyo are 5, instead of teenagers?
- Miyazaki loosely based this story on Hans Christian Andersen's original Little Mermaid fairy tale. How does this version of the story compare to the Disney movie?
- Families who want to learn more about anime may want to screen Miyazaki's other films together. How are they similar to each other, and how are they different from most American-made animated movies?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Kids learn about the important of not polluting the environment and of not judging a book by its cover.
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Messages: The film's many messages -- most embodied in the main character of Sosuke -- include being open to change, taking care of your pets, being kind to the elderly, sharing with others, and being brave enough to face obstacles.
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Role models: The movie's female characters are all quite brave, powerful, and strong -- especially Ponyo, her mother, and Lisa. Sosuke, only 5, is more responsible and selfless than some young adults. His love for Ponyo, both as a fish and then as a little girl, is remarkable, as is his determination to find his mother after the storm. He's also incredibly kind to the elderly ladies at the retirement home where his mother works. Sosuke takes to heart his mother's advice not to judge others by their appearance, which is why he's so willing to take care of Ponyo whether she's a fish or a girl.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: On a couple of occasions, Sosuke thinks Ponyo has died or is lost at sea. There's a tsunami, and things get a bit tense when Sosuke and his mom drive back to their cliffside home. When Ponyo finds his mom's car but not his mother, he begins to cry. For a while it's also unclear whether Sosuke's father, a boat captain, has survived the storm. The waves that turn into fish could scare very young children. Some little kids might also be confused about why Lisa leaves Sosuke and Ponyo during a dangerous storm.
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Sexy stuff: Ponyo's parents embrace, and Ponyo plants a kiss on Sosuke's cheek and hugs him a lot. Discussions about true love, Ponyo and Sosuke growing up together and loving each other forever, etc.
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Language: Ponyo's father calls humans "stupid," and Sosuke's mom sends a "Bug Off" message to her husband using Morse code. The word "weirdo" is also used a couple of times.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Sosuke's mom drinks what looks like a beer after finding out that her husband won't be coming home from work. Later she appears to be "passed out" from exhaustion, but she could also be tipsy.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
PONYO - SWEPT ME ALONG! Rating: 94 out of 100. (Based on advance press preview) by MOVIES REVIEWER
PONYO is a 1hr 41min animated movie by animation maestro and master story-teller/director, Hayao Miyazaki - winner of 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for SPIRITED AWAY.
PONYO - Miyazaki-san's labor of love is dazzlingly fantastic, visually strikingly, vivid, down-right charming, full of symbolism and wonder.
The simple plot is a tale of love and acceptance - injected with an environmental message which has become a trademark of Miyazaki-san. He wove his magic into the story and churned-up a nice balance of fantasy and reality, magic and the mundane - capturing our attention and holding us spellbound with the delightful visual smorgasbord - yet somehow manage to remind us that we are responsible for the state of our environment.
The most memorable scene of this gorgeous movie is of PONYO scampering on the crests of giant waves.
VERDICT:
Highest quality hand-drawn animation.
A true work of art - lovingly crafted.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Actual GRADE: SOLID A
4
Cute, happy, beautiful by jmvanderpol
This film, though obviously for young children, was a great watch. From the second Ponyo emerges she will keep you captivated. The scenes are beautifully stylized with a fun and cheerful feel. There are cute subtleties in each scene that keeps you looking and attentive. With whimsical additions thrown in at every corner each scene is a gem. The voice acting, though in English, is well done. Each major character has definite, visible growth. The story line is cute and simple, without being boring. It has all the things you need in a great animated film. I highly suggest anyone who enjoys these things described, to go see it.
5
Ponyo is truly lovely by mahmut-orphu
This movie is absolutely the best kids movie ever, even better than Wall-e, and we love Wall-e! Ponyo captures the innocence of childhood. You get caught up in the magic, seeing the world through the eyes of a child and you end up missing those wondrous times. Hayao Miyazaki is a master.
5
Five Word Review by nyonzon
This movie is so ADORABLE
5
DEFINITELY FOR MIYAZAKI FANS by Kelcle
My boyfriend and I love all of the studio Ghibli movies, so it was no surprise that we loved Ponyo.
Like all Miyazaki movies, it was a bit strange but that's whats so great about his movies.
If you liked Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle, You'll love Ponyo.
5
Ponyo is an A+ by whosbugger
The latest foray into animation wonderment by Hayao Miyazaki, Ponyo doesn't dissappoint. While, yes, it is geared more for a younger audience, even the older crowd will enjoy this movie, taking in the finely crafted details and imaginative creatures. Pay particularly close attention to the various foregrounds, which look like they were drawn with colored pencils or pastels. It makes Ponyo seem like a children's storybook come to life.
The English voice cast was decent (though I would've preferred the original Japanese), and Liam Neeson did an excellent job in his role. The only downside would be the song at the ending credits, which is some horrible Disney-made tripe sung by the young Cyrus sister and Jonas brother. So at least bring earplugs for the credits.
5
See Ponyo, and Take the Kids by MerryAndrew
Ponyo is another great film from director Hayao Miyazaki. It isn't as deep or as complicated as some of his other films, which is unfortunate, in a way, but its simplicity makes it an excellent film for children; it's far more imaginative than most American films geared for children, and the lessons the film conveys about respecting the planet are far more valuable. As an adult, you'll find the art lovely, you'll love the metaphors, and you'll get a kick out of how some of the characters are portrayed. In short, see Ponyo and take the kids--everyone will have a good time, and everyone will walk away with something meaningful to think about.
5
Another classic by Hayao Miyazaki by Melosy
Following in the amazing magical worlds of his other films, Miyazaki hits home again with another amazing feat of a wildly original story and amazing classic animation styles rarely seen in films today. The complete lack of CG animation gives it a classic, yet magic feel, similar to all of his works, yet he still manages to make each stand out from the previous ones in his own way.
If you are a fan of his work, this movie is a must see, but even if you are not, or have never heard of him - if you enjoy stories of magical fantastic worlds (akin to Fantasia by Disney), you will not be let down by Ponyo.
5
studio ghibli quality by flakeyfeat
I went with my 11 year old daughter, the movie held true to environmental and social issues.. always good quality. the movie went by so fast because of the loveable charactors and inviting pace.
4
Beautiful, relaxing animation by marcosroppa
A beautiful, relaxing animation by Hayao Miyazaki that talks about love, friendship and choices. The movie subtly drives us back to the magic world of our childhood, where reality and fantasy are mixed to somehow express our own desires and fears.
It is very nice to watch after a stressing day of work (or with your kids).