The Wind Rises

IMDB

First time viewed: Yes

Current Release: Yes

Watched With: Michael

Hayao Miyazaki's final feature film is a mix of war drama character study, dream fantasy and romance. As is usually his style, the stream of consciousness style storytelling means you can never really pick where the film is heading or how little scenes will play into the bigger picture, if at all. Sometimes there's just beautifully observed character moments, a rarity in animation. 

It's a much more somber film than his usual fantastic fare, bittersweet and raisin many interesting themes I'm still pondering over. While I'm an easy sucker for fantasy there and artistry to this I appreciate even while the rambling nature feels less cohesive in a more dramatic setting. It won't ever be my favourite film from the master, but it's very interesting nonetheless.