[Anime Review] Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

"The cuteness and the story will captured everyone heart" -bezoe

The story is loosely based on Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Mermaid", about Ponyo, a tiny fish-girl who dreams of being human. She is washed ashore and rescued by a boy, Sosuke, but despite their friendship she has to return to the oceans. Undeterred, Ponyo uses a spell to transform into a human girl, unaware of the dire consequences of the powerful magic.

This is the latest installment from Ghibli studio, and it is a good one!. It feels really magical how the story progress, like a fish like tidal wave, a girl running on the top of the waves (oups small spoiler).

Animation was very good, especially the ocean waves, and also the weather animation, such as storm or winds. The Ponyo's animation also I consider one of the best in the movie, like in the running above the wave scene.

Character design was perfect for this movie in my opinion. Sosuke is a type of bright boy that have a great adventurous heart, Risa is a very independent mother and tough (you guys should see how she drives her K-car), and Ponyo... I'm sure her cuteness is incomparable.

I love the ocean illustration and also the underwater scene, I think it is really breathtaking. Its feel like Finding Nemo, but in the magical world and in 2D forms. And also it feels old school but really good one. I also think that the design of the sea creatures really good.

I love the BGM for Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. I think this is another great piece by Joe Hisaishi, not the best in my opinion, but it still great.

Bottom Line: Must see!, even if you are not Ghibli fan, this is one of the best animation out there. You will regret it if you miss this one.

Overall Rating: A

[Anime Review] Porco Rosso

Porco Rosso

"A fantastic Adventure Anime feature" -bezoe

During the beginning years of the Great Depression, life in the Mediterranean has become difficult. Aerial pirate raids are gaining in frequency, thus requiring the need for capable "bodyguards". One of the best is a pig known as Porco Rosso. Once a human and an ace pilot during World War I, he now freelances his services to those in distress. The fascist regime that has taken over the Italian Air Force has grown tiresome of his exploits and places a bounty on his head. On top of that, a hotshot flyer from the United States arrives and not only wants to steal Porco Rosso's glory, but also the woman he loves so dearly.

This anime have all of the contents that needs to be one of the best anime of all time. The story is very well made. Even though it sets on the pretty real and depressing era, but with Ghibli touch, this anime is very enjoyable. The action, the comedy and the love story are all very intriguing. And also even though its kinda fantasy type but it is still feel pretty real (I'm talking about Porco transformation).

The animation was top notch for a 1992 movie, and without a doubt Ghibli really did a great job for Porco Rosso. We can still appreciate highly for this animation even after 16 years. The Dogfight scene in paticular is one of the best scene in the anime.

Character design was very cute for Porco, I love it! Well its also because I love pig probably (and my chinese zodiac also a pig). Fio Piccolo really have the reasemble of Princess Nausicaa from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, which one of my favorite Ghibli character.

Another great music piece by Joe Hisaishi, its very suite the anime. The Italian feels really set up the mood of the anime.

Bottom line: Definately worth to watch. Story, action and comedy all are superb

Overall Rating: A-

[Anime Review] Spirited Away

Spirited Away

"A fantasy adventure to be remembered, and reminds me of Alice in Wonderland" -bezoe

On their way to their new home, a young girl, Chihiro, and her parents stumble into what appears to be an abandoned theme park. But all is not as it seems, as the theme park is a bath-house for the spirits, and not a place where humans are welcome. Chihiro must fend for herself and rescue her parents, as they have been turned to pigs as punishment for eating the food meant for the gods.

It is probably one of the greatest Ghibli adventure animation of all time. I really love the story of Spirited Away. The main character (Chihiro) really needs to figure it out the way to save their family with all way possible, even including working with the person who turned her family to pig. It started at the point where Chihiro have no idea what to do to save them, but thankfully she found a good person (Haku) to help her. As the story progress Chihiro will learn more about Haku, and why it seems she remember him from the past. The story end as predicted but it is very well made, reminds me of Alice in Wonderland.

Animation wise without a doubt was very good and high quality. I like the animation of the movement of No-face character, and also Haku in the dragon form. Chihiro have some clumsy personality that made her really interesting to animate with.

Graphic quality was awesome, the Bath house was superb, the water was superb, and the color palette also very pleasing to our eyes.

The best character in this animation I will say No Face, it got the iconic feeling to it. Chihiro also one of the great character in this movie, the personality really light up for the whole movie.

Music, Joe Hisaishi did it again. He made a very memorable music for the entire movie, plus I love the ED ost of this animation. Another masterpiece by Joe Hisaishi.

Bottom line : This is one of the greatest Ghibli animation of all time. All of you need to watch is at least once in your lifetime.

Overall Rating: A

[Anime Review] Kiki's Delivery Service

Kiki's Delivery Service

"Adorable Movie" -bezoe

When an apprentice witch turns thirteen, she must leave her home in order to hone her craft. Although Kiki's sole talent is broom-flying, she sets out for adventure with her cat Jiji. They settle in a charming seaside town, where Kiki establishes her own delivery service. As Kiki learns to balance independence with responsibility, her kind heart wins her many new friends in this coming-of-age tale.

It is another adorable movie by Ghibli, I like this type of story where the whole movie we just following the life of the main character. Even without having an antagonist in the movie, the movie is still really good. The movie is based on the children book that made by Eiko Kadono with the same name, I wonder if Hayao really showed the whole story in the book. Maybe someday I'll get the book and see which one I like better =D

Character design was awesome, I really like Kiki, the cuteness indeed captured my heart haha. Jiji was also pretty iconic, and I like the kind dog that save Jiji.

Animation was very good for 1989, and actually still very good to compare to animation nowdays. I like the flying scene, I can feel the intensity of the "aura" around Kiki when she wants to fly with the broom. The wind effect also pretty cool.

Joe Hisaishi did a really good job composing the music, but the piece that I like the most not the opening nor the ending, but the first music while Kiki flying above the big City.

Bottomline: It is not a perfect anime, but I think everyone will be able to enjoy Kiki's Delivery Service. So yes, even though this anime its like 18 years old, but its still a very good anime to watch nowdays.

Overall Rating: A--

[Anime Review] Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke

" The animation was amazing, but the story did not amaze me" -bezoe

While fighting to save his village from the attack of a demon-god Ashitaka comes in contact with it and is inflicted with a deadly curse. In his search for a cure he is forced to leave his village forever and journey to the forest inhabited by animal gods. There he finds himself in the middle of a war between the forest gods and a village led by lady Eboshi

The whole plot from start to end actually is pretty solid, but unfortunately I don't find the story really that great. I must admit I love how the plot goes.

The characters was ok, the strongest personality I must say is San then Ashitaka. The animals character was pretty good but not super great. But oh I love the little creature ( its really iconic )

I love the quality of the animation of this anime, I think this is top notch. Especially when the terraform of the Forrest

Music? Its a pretty good one, but not stand out. And I don't think I will recognize it instantly if I'm hearing it somewhere.

Bottom line: it is a very good quality anime and I suggest you to watch it. Even though this is not my favorite but it is really worthed to watch this anime.

Overall Rating: A--

[Anime Review] Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle

"A Fantastic piece of anime by Ghibli" -bezoe

A plain young hatter named Sophie has her life changed when an evil witch transforms her into an old woman. Unable to face her family in such a condition, Sophie runs away in search of a way to become young again. Along the way, Sophie helps a turnip headed scarecrow, who repays her by leading her to the moving castle owned by the dreaded wizard Howl. There she befriends Howl's apprentice Markl, Howl's fire demon Calcifer, and eventually, Howl himself. Sophie then becomes the castle's cleaning lady in an effort to not only find the solution to her problem but to save Howl from his own terrible secrets as well.

I like hows this anime goes, even though I don't think I like the story so much but artistic wise was wonderful. For me it is a bit weird to digest the story wise (even though I know the story but I still consider it a bit confusing). This is my 3rd times watch these anime so far.

Character design was very well done by Hayao, Sophie in my opinion actually looks good in grey hair, but that probably just me hehe. Howl was a pretty interesting design by Ghibli I must say, I like him, a very interesting character. Scarecrow and Calcifer are both really fun to watch.

Animation wise was amazing as usual, but I noticed they use some 3D element in this anime, which is fine actually as long as it integrate. I like how the "blob army" (that's what I like to call them, you watch it then I guess you know which characters I'm describing here) move around.

Graphic was amazing, and even more if you buy the Art book hehe. Its really hard to describe how I like the design of the Howl's Castle. The background layout also pretty awesome, and the interior design of the Castle was great, I like how the dirty bathroom look~.

Music, even though its by Joe Hisaishi, I can't say I like it nor I hate it. Let say its a very good background music and composing, but I don't think its as memorable as Totoro or Laputa.

Bottom line: Its a very great Ghibli anime, I really recommend it all people to watch, but unfortunately I don't think this anime will be as memorable as other Ghiblis great anime.

Overall Rating: A-

[Anime Review] Tonari No Totoro

Tonari No Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro)

"There is no other children anime that is better than Tonari No Totoro" -bezoe

Two young girls, Mei and Satsuki, move into a new home that is close to the hospital that their mother is in. In their yard is an extremely large tree which is home to three Totoros, gods of the forest. Soon after, news from the hospital comes up that their mother can't come home as promised, so Mei (the younger daughter) runs away from home to visit her mom. Satsuki then needs to turn to Totoro for help in finding her sister.

I don't know how many times I've watch Totoro for the past 8 years (yeah I wish I know Totoro earlier like when I was still 6 years old) but this is the first time that I will going to review it. It is probably the most fun anime feature that I ever watch in my life.

If you a younger audience (like still around less than 15 right now), you will probably super exciting watching this anime. If you are older audience (like above 15), I will say it really depends on how you accepting the storyline, because its a very light story with no violence. Basically the whole anime we as an audience following the life of a family, especially their 2 daughters and their encounter with the Spirit of the Forest.

Animation was superb as what I expected from Ghibli, I really love the way they make the characteristic of Mei and Satsuki, it really feels like you are watching a real children that playing around and having fun, and full of curiosity.

Character designs was the most memorable one of all Ghibli movie. Totoro design was very adorable and very er.. fluffy? =D. Its like a character that you won't ever forget even after 50 years later. for other character such as Satsuki, Mei and their father, Its not as strong as Totoro, but is still pretty good.

Background illustration was unbelievably very good. The illustration of the forest and Shrine was very good. I noticed one thing also that the illustration of the bamboo forest was also very awesome ( I was try to painting a bamboo forest right now and its still not as good as Ghibli's... Doh~~). And just a reminder, this anime was released on 1988, but it still looks very good even now.

Music is beyond superb, Joe Hisaishi made the music for Totoro. I will say probably this is his best work, and I really love the opening music and the ending ost. The background music during the movie was also memorable even though you only listen to it once. Joe Hisaishi you the man!

Bottom line: This is Hayao Miyazaki's most famous work in my opinion and also one of my all time favorite. Want to know how much I love Totoro? I will show you down below after the rating :)

Overall Rating: A

My car

[Anime Review] Laputa - Castle In The Sky

Laputa - Castle In The Sky

"After 22 years of the initial release, I still consider this is the best Ghibli movie and my all time Favorite" -bezoe

A girl named Sheeta falls out of the sky and lands in Pazu's arms. Soon after a gang of air pirates led by Dola, as well as a mysterious man named Muska, are on their tails. The chase leads them to a floating castle that once belonged to an ancient race of people.

This is probably the 20th time I watched this anime over the past 25 years of my life. The concept of the storyline was superb and its very unique. Its a very energetic piece of anime, because right on the beginning, we already in the middle of the story that lead into a chase between goverment and pirates. There was a very good robot scene here, when the robot try to protect Sheeta from the army.

Character design was very Ghibli style (not hot but cute type, and adorable). Pazu and Sheeta really have one of the best characteristics of all Ghibli anime. Dola (The pirate leader) was awesome, she is really funny when she try to manage her underlings. The robot design I think was very simple, but still very iconic.

Background design was probably one of the best of its era (80's) but even now when I rewatch it again, its still awesome (Remember, this is still the era when people coloring using traditional media - a.k.a no 3d or some fancy computer yet). The design of the Laputa also needs to be praise, especially the roots.

Animation was outstanding, its super smooth in some area, and very good quality in a busy scene. One of the scene that i really like is the train chase, I think the bridge colapsing was really awesome animation. The other one probably the town brawl scene + when they are escaping.

Soundtrack... Was mindblowing, Joe Hisaishi did it again. It was a very beautiful music, the whole movie won't be as great as it wasn't by Joe Hisaishi. The ending ost was probably one of the most beautiful piece I ever heard in my life. The 1st time I heard it I was around 6 years old and I still be able to remembered it when I rewatch it again after like 10 years.

Bottomline: This is my favorite anime of all Ghiblis (I haven't watch the latest Ghibli's anime yet though.. - Ponyo)

Overall Rating: A

[Anime Review] Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

"An anime that will blew everyone minds away" -bezoe

In the post-apocalyptic future, large parts of the world have been swallowed up by forests of poisonous fungi. The remaining humans live near the fungus and its monstrous insectoid inhabitants, trying to prevent its spread. One of the human kingdoms, the peaceful Valley of Wind, loves its gentle Princess Nausicaä and her father the king, but their peace is about to be broken, as they are swallowed up in the machinations of their larger, warmongering neighbours. However, Nausicaä has hidden potential, and may yet change the fate of the world.

It's hard to believe that today is the first time I've watched Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (after 24 years the movie released and I'm a Miyazaki's fan.. lol) I will say, I miss one of the greatest Miyazaki's movie of all time by not watching this one even though I got the DVD sitting on my shelve for like 5 years haha)

Anyway, Nausicaa really an anime that very exciting to watch and enjoy. Even though its a fantasy setting, but it really makes me feel like the world is real. The design of the environment was amazing, the creatures design are also marvelous.

Storyline actually pretty serious, its about war of the neighbouring country that race againts each other in order to obtain ultimate weapon, and unfortunately for the Valley of the Wind, they get involved in the war that they not interested to take part on. Story progress to a very interesting way in later on because of how the Princess from the Valley of the Wind deal with the matters.

Characters design, it's Miyazaki's style, as in other of his animes, its really classic looking but yet very warm and comfort to look at it. Even the hideous monster looks... cute... haha
Can't argue with the animation quality of this anime, its superb!
The roll of music in this anime really makes the anime even better, Kudos to Joe Hisaishi

Bottom line this is a must watch anime, and I really regret to wait for almost 20 years later to enjoy this anime... This one will blew everyone minds away

Overall Rating: A

[Anime Review] Lupin III : The Castle of Cagliostro

Lupin III : The Castle of Cagliostro

"A Robin Hood with Miyazaki's style" -bezoe

After a successful robbery leaves famed theif Lupin III and his partner Jigen with nothing but a large amount of fake money, the so called "Goat Bills", he decides to track down the counterfeiter responsible - and steal any other treasures he may find in the Castle of Cagliostro, including the 'damsel in distress' he finds imprisoned there. However, as usual, Inspector Zenigata is hot on his trail.

Tracking the legendary counterfeits known as "Goat Bills," international thief Arsene Lupin III arrives at the Duchy of Cagliostro. Once there, he nearly rescues a damsel in distress from the Regent's guards. Following his failure, Lupin takes it upon himself to save her from captivity.

Its very hard to describe how good this anime is. Because its perfect in every aspect in my opinion. Hayao Miyazaki did a very great job in bringing this anime into a masterpiece.

Story line was superb and funny, the animation, expression, comedy, characters, all are top notch. Small reminder this anime was released in 1979.

Even though the animation feels a bit choppy on some area but its still a very high quality. The comedy was very Ghibli style... wait did I say Ghibli? I mean Miyazaki's style (cause this movie was pre-Ghibli era).

Character design were simple but yet very appealing to watch, girls are cute but not sexy (as always in most Miyazaki's movie).

Bottomline... watch this movie, no matter what genre you like! This is a must have movie! Even though its almost 30 years old, but its still superb!

Overall Rating: A