The appeal and evaluation of "The Wind Rises": A deep look into Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece anime

"The Wind Rises": A moving story that is considered Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece

"The Wind Rises" is an animated film produced by Studio Ghibli and released in 2013, and is known as the last feature film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film is based on the original novel by Hayao Miyazaki and is a moving story about the life of airplane designer Jiro Horikoshi and his dreams and loves. Below, we will introduce detailed information about "The Wind Rises", the appeal of the film, reviews, and recommended points.

Overview

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

novel

■ Release date

July 20, 2013 - January 1, 0000

■Distribution company

Toho

■Frequencies

126 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Hayao Miyazaki

■ Director

Hayao Miyazaki

■ Production

Produced by Koji Hoshino, Studio Ghibli

■Works

© 2013 Studio Ghibli・NDHDMTK

story

The story of The Wind Rises begins in Japan in the 1920s. The protagonist, Jiro Horikoshi, has been fascinated with airplanes since he was a child, especially the works of Italian airplane designer Caproni. Dreaming of becoming an airplane designer, he goes on to university, where he meets Castorp, who also has an interest in airplanes. Jiro becomes engrossed in airplane design with Castorp, and eventually joins Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Meanwhile, Jiro falls in love with a girl named Nahoko whom he meets on a train. Nahoko is sickly, and Jiro worries about her health, but cherishes the time he spends with her. However, the times are moving towards war, and Jiro becomes involved in designing military aircraft. The planes he designs end up taking many lives in the war, and although Jiro feels responsible for this, he continues to pursue his dream.

Towards the end of the story, Naoko falls ill and Jiro is by her side as she dies. Even after Naoko's death, Jiro continues to design airplanes and finally achieves his dream. However, that dream is confronted with the reality of war, and Jiro is forced to think deeply about his own life and dreams.

character

Jiro Horikoshi

The protagonist, Jiro Horikoshi, is a young man who continues to pursue his dream of becoming an airplane designer. He has been fascinated by airplanes since he was a child, and works hard to make that dream come true. Jiro is a kind and sincere man who loves Nahoko deeply, and continues to support her despite his concern for her illness. However, he is faced with the reality of war and is distressed by the fact that the airplane he designed is taking so many lives. Jiro's character depicts the conflict of a man torn between his dreams and reality, and leaves a deep impression on the audience.

Naoko

Nahoko is a girl who Jiro meets on a train and becomes his lover. Although she is sickly and worries Jiro, she cherishes the time they spend together. Nahoko has a kind and gentle personality, and continues to support and encourage Jiro's dreams. Her presence has a major impact on Jiro's life, and she symbolizes the central themes of the story: "love" and "dreams."

Castorp

Castrup is Jiro's friend from his university days, a young man who is also interested in airplanes. He is absorbed in designing airplanes together with Jiro and supports Jiro's dream. Castrup has a bright and cheerful personality, and is a good friend and understanding person to Jiro. His presence supports Jiro in continuing to pursue his dream, adding depth to the story.

Background

"The Wind Rises" is a work themed around airplanes, which has long been a dream of director Miyazaki Hayao, and was produced based on his original novel. Miyazaki Hayao has a love for airplanes due to his father's experience working for an aircraft manufacturing company, and he poured that passion into this work. In addition, the story is set in Japan from the 1920s to the 1940s, the era in which Miyazaki Hayao was born and raised, and his personal feelings are strongly reflected in the work.

Studio Ghibli's staff worked hard on the production, focusing on the beauty of the images, such as the beautiful backgrounds and detailed depictions of the airplanes. In particular, the scenes in which the airplanes are designed and the scenes in which they fly draw the audience in with their realistic depictions and beautiful images. Joe Hisaishi also composed the music, which deeply expresses the emotions of the story.

Recognition and Awards

"The Wind Rises" was highly praised when it was released and won many film awards. In particular, it won the Best Animation Award at the 37th Japan Academy Prize, praising the achievements of director Hayao Miyazaki. It was also nominated for the Best Animated Feature Film at the 86th Academy Awards, receiving high praise worldwide.

The film was highly praised by audiences, and was supported by many people for its moving story, beautiful visuals, and profound themes. It was especially praised for its depiction of universal themes such as dreams and reality, and love and death, and is sometimes called director Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece.

Recommended points

Beautiful images and music

The greatest appeal of "The Wind Rises" is its beautiful visuals and music. The background paintings by Studio Ghibli staff realistically recreate Japan from the 1920s to the 1940s, drawing the audience into that era. The detailed depictions and beautiful visuals of the airplane design and flight scenes move the audience. Joe Hisaishi's music also deeply expresses the emotions of the story, moving the audience's hearts.

An inspiring story

The story of "The Wind Rises" depicts universal themes of dreams and reality, love and death, and deeply moves the audience. The story of the protagonist, Jiro Horikoshi, who continues to pursue his dream of becoming an airplane designer, and his love story with Nahoko, will surely touch the hearts of many people. In addition, the conflict Jiro feels as he faces the reality of war and the planes he designed take so many lives will also encourage deep reflection in the audience.

Deep thematic

"The Wind Rises" depicts deep themes such as dreams and reality, love and death, giving the audience a lot to think about. In particular, it depicts universal themes such as the meaning of continuing to pursue your dreams, the value of time with loved ones, and the difficulty of facing the reality of war. These themes deeply move and sympathize with each and every viewer, conveying director Hayao Miyazaki's message.

Related works and recommendations

If you enjoyed "The Wind Rises," we also recommend the following films. These films also have beautiful images, moving stories, and deep themes, and you can enjoy other works by director Hayao Miyazaki and other works by Studio Ghibli.

"Spirited Away"

"Spirited Away" is a masterpiece by director Hayao Miyazaki and is also known as Studio Ghibli's greatest work. It tells the story of the main character, Chihiro, who moves to a town with her parents and gets lost in a mysterious world, where she grows up. With beautiful images, a moving story, and deep themes, it is loved by many people, just like "The Wind Rises."

"Howl's Moving Castle"

"Howl's Moving Castle" is also a masterpiece by director Hayao Miyazaki and a Studio Ghibli production. It tells the story of the main character Sophie, who meets the wizard Howl and embarks on an adventure. It features beautiful images, a moving story, and deep themes, and is loved by many people, just like "The Wind Rises."

"Ponyo on the Cliff"

"Ponyo on the Cliff" is a work by director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of Ponyo, the main character, who comes from the sea to land and becomes friends with a boy named Sosuke. It features beautiful images, a touching story, and deep themes, and is loved by many people, just like "The Wind Rises."

summary

"The Wind Rises" is a moving story that is said to be director Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece, with beautiful images, music, and deep themes. The story of the protagonist Jiro Horikoshi's continued pursuit of his dream to become an airplane designer, and his love story with Nahoko, will touch the hearts of many people. In addition, Jiro's conflict as he faces the reality of war and the fact that the airplane he designed is taking many lives, also encourages deep contemplation in the audience. If you enjoyed "The Wind Rises," we also recommend other works by director Hayao Miyazaki and other works by Studio Ghibli. These works also have beautiful images, moving stories, and deep themes, and are supported by many people.