This was a very well done romance movie and clearly shows that Goro Miyazaki is making strides as a director himself (Tales from Earthsea was just so convoluted). The characters are very nice (though nothing too deep) and the story goes at a nice (although at times slow) pace. The art and music are spectacular as one would expect from a Ghibli film. The only big thing that I'd like to add is to definitely watch this with the English dub. I actually found that it added a lot more to the experience with many extra added lines (there are seriously quite a few monologues/lines that are not in the Japanese version), a better translation and much more natural dialogue versus the Japanese subs (at least the retail Japanese ones that I think that I saw it with). This reminded me a lot of Whisper of Heart although not quite as developed as that classic. Anyway, this is a definite watch for any Ghibli or romance movie fan.

Studio Ghibli did it again! During this time where CGI in animation movies is more often the rule than a exception Studio Ghibli showed the world that they are still the undisputed rulers of traditional animation. The animation is stunning, with every scene you get the feeling that you are looking at a beautiful painting. This is one of the reasons i am always drawn to their work. The story was good. I liked the fact that it was taking place in 1964. It somehow gave the story a more authentic setting. The ending was okay, i would have liked it more if there was a clear sign that after both of the main characters heard that they are not brother and sister they would hold hands, or kiss. To show the viewers that they are in a relationship now, but i guess that can be accounted to the 1960ties norms and values together with Japanese shyness. My advice with movies from Studio Ghibli is: do not compare them to their earlier work. I am not saying that they will never exceed their masterpieces Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke, but they set the bar extremely high. You should enjoy these movies with an open mind without taking in consideration their earlier work. If you do that than these movies are still miles above everyone else in traditional animation.

"I kept raising the flags, hoping they might help him find me."

I watched From Up on Poppy Hill and I really enjoyed it. It’s a calm and beautiful movie with many good values. I think it’s especially great for younger kids because it shows kindness, friendship, and respect in a simple way.

A naïve story where I found it impossible not to cry at the end.