From Up On Poppy Hill (2013)

[Plain Old Tele]

Discuss.

[Jack Nevada]

What a pleasant movie. This is one that leaves you feeling nice after watching it. Its beautifully animated, even if the facial expressions are a less detailed than usual in Ghibli movies, the background paintings are gorgeous and the atmosphere is wonderfully understated and warm. I adore the old high school building with all the different clubs, that set dropped my jaw. 

 

This is a biased review, because outside a few movies (looking at you, Howl's Moving Castle) I've liked everything this studio puts out, but I really recommend checking out From Up on Poppy Hill. It was one of my favorites from last year. 

 

4/5

[Ezen Baklattan]

The movie is 'A' quality when it focuses on the kids trying to save their clubhouse. Studio Ghibli has delivered us with another heartwarming story with gorgeous visuals and excellent characters. It's amazing what the filmmakers could do with such simplicity.

 

Unfortunately, the movie is brought down by an awkward subplot that feels really forced at times. (I'm referring to the idea that Shun and Umi may possibly be siblings) I know that this may have actually happened in Post-War Japan, but it's sadly not handled that well here. Fortunately, everything else is gorgeous and beautiful, so it earns a passing grade for me, even if it could have easily been an A.

 

B

[Goffe]

A cheap melodrama devoid of interesting and well-rounded characters. Goro just don't have it in him. 40/100