The Silence That Kills You

No, its not about me. This is actually a film review.

After watching Spirited Away and Howls Moving Castle, I became fascinated with the genius that is Hayao Miyazaki. From then on, I promised to watch every film that he has and will produce. That is why I was very excited when I learned about Studio Ghibli's (Miyazaki's film company) "From Up On Poppy Hill". I immediately checked my resources to see whether the film is available and it was! 

Umi, Shun and the start of their soon-to-be-complicated relationship

From Up On Poppy Hill or Kokuriko-zaka Kara tells the story if a high school students named Umi and Shun. I assume you are all familiar with those adolescent crushes and all, well this movie started out as that, then it becomes deeper, to the point of heart wrenching and emotion bearing (I am fond of hyperbole). As I always do, I wouldn't go into details about it since I want you to see the movie without me spoiling anything.

The entire cast. 

The highlight of the movie though for me, was when Umi and Shun are very much certain about how they feel for each other, and they are getting closer and closer everyday until Shun found out something. He started avoiding Umi, and the latter was confused as to why the sudden change. Umi kept her feelings in humble silence, but everyday it gets heavier and heavier until she cant take it any longer and decided to ask Shun what is wrong. I can really relate and feel the silence Umi and Shun was bearing, The idea of trying to go back to your normal life after starting something new. It's the kind of silences that will slowly kill you. 

Confrontation. Cliched as it is, its also raining. 

After Shun told Umi what it was that made him indifferent, Umi goes back to her usual self: her job in her grandma's apartment and school, but you can see and feel that something is missing, and she is trying so hard to fight it. But what actually made me cry was when Umi was talking with her Mom, it was just ugh! 

Mother and daughter scene. A definite tear-jerker 

Umi and Shun.

Apparently, this movie was made by Hayao Miyazaki's son and I've read some reviews how this falls a little bit short compared to other Ghibli animations. I, however liked this as much as I loved the other two I have already watched. I highly recommend this movie, I'm pretty sure you will cry too! If not, well, your hearts are made of stone HAHAHA.

Anyways, I have a lot more Miyazaki in queue, just thought I should share this gem. Have a great evening folks, Smile!