A thorough review of "The Day I Bought a Star"! What is the appeal of the moving story and beautiful visuals?

"The Day I Bought a Star" - A story woven together by Hayao Miyazaki's fantasy world and Naohisa Inoue's picture book

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Picture books

■ Release date

July 10, 2006 - January 1, 2000

■Distribution company

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

■Frequencies

16 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

・Original story: Naohisa Inoue's "Iblard"

■ Director

・Director: Hayao Miyazaki

■ Production

Studio Ghibli

■Works

© 2006 Naohisa Inoue・Studio Ghibli

■ Story

Based on the original work by artist Naohisa Inoue, who also created the mural "Updraft" in the central hall. A mysterious story set in the fantasy world of Iblard.

The boy Nona was walking alone in the desert, where no one else lived. There he met a mysterious woman called Niña, and began living in a hut on her farm.

One day, Nona trades her vegetables for a star seed and decides to grow it. The star seed heals Nona's heart and gives her hope. The story depicts Nona coming to terms with her own growth as she grows the star seed. Through her interactions with Niña, Nona learns what she should value and gains the courage to take a step into the future.

This is a heartwarming story that combines the delicate direction of director Hayao Miyazaki and the fantastical worldview of Naohisa Inoue. The vastness of the desert and the mystery of the star seeds are visually beautifully expressed. Nona's growth and her bond with Niña deeply move the audience.

■Cast

・Nona/Ryunosuke Kamiki ・Niña/Kyoka Suzuki ・Scoppello/Genzo Wakayama ・Makinso/Yo Oizumi

■ Main staff

・Original story: Based on "Ibalad" by Naohisa Inoue ・Screenplay and direction: Hayao Miyazaki ・Music: Norihiro Tsuru, Yuriko Nakamura

■Detailed evaluation

"The Day I Bought a Star" is a short animated film produced by Studio Ghibli, which combines director Hayao Miyazaki's unique worldview with the fantastical story of Naohisa Inoue's picture book "Ibalard". This work was released at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka in 2006, and provided audiences with deep emotions and beautiful visuals in a short 16-minute film.

The story begins with the protagonist, a young boy named Nona, walking alone through the desert. In the vast and lonely place of the desert, Nona meets a mysterious woman named Niña. Niña gives Nona a star seed and becomes a source of healing for his heart. As Nona grows the star seed, the story depicts his own personal growth. The themes of this story are hope, growth, and the importance of human bonds.

Director Hayao Miyazaki's direction beautifully expresses the vastness of the desert and the mystery of the star seeds. In particular, the colorful visuals and delicate animation of the scene in which the star seeds grow draw the audience in. In addition, the scene in which Nona and Niña interact with each other is carefully depicted to show how the distance between them closes, deeply moving the audience.

As for the cast, Kamiki Ryunosuke plays Nona and Suzuki Kyoka plays Niña. Kamiki Ryunosuke's pure boyish voice and Suzuki Kyoka's warm voice enhance the atmosphere of the story. Wakayama Genzo, who plays Scoppello, and Oizumi Yo, who plays Mekinso, also bring their characters to life.

The music is by the duo of Norihiro Tsuru and Yuriko Nakamura. Music is an important element in further enhancing the atmosphere of the story, and beautiful melodies are used to express the vastness of the desert and the mystery of the star seeds. In particular, the music in the scene where the star seeds grow deeply touches the hearts of the audience.

■Recommendation details

"The Day I Bought a Star" is a deeply moving film in a short time, and is highly recommended for fans of director Hayao Miyazaki and those who love the works of Studio Ghibli. It is also a must-see for fans of Naohisa Inoue's picture book "Ibalard." The film's fantastical world view, beautiful visuals, and heartwarming story will provide audiences with an unforgettable experience.

This work is on display at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, so if you visit the museum, be sure to check it out. The atmosphere of the museum will make the work even more appealing. Also, the official website of the Ghibli Museum has detailed information about the work and screening schedules, so we recommend checking it out in advance.

Furthermore, after watching this film, it would be a good idea to read Naohisa Inoue's picture book "Ibalad." By comparing the worldview of the picture book with that of the animation, you can understand the film more deeply. Also, by watching other works by director Hayao Miyazaki, you will be able to feel his unique worldview and themes more deeply.

"The Day I Bought a Star" is a work that delivers deep emotion and beautiful visuals in a short time, and is a story that conveys hope, growth, and the importance of human bonds to the audience. Please watch this work and experience the fantastical world of directors Hayao Miyazaki and Naohisa Inoue.