PonyoMovie Reviews

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  • Go Based on 411 reviews
    Breakdown:
  • Must Go!
    Written August 23, 2009

    PONYO - SWEPT ME ALONG! Rating: 94 out of 100. (Based on advance press preview)

    PONYO is a 1hr 41min animated movie by animation maestro and master story-teller/director, Hayao Miyazaki - winner of 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for SPIRITED AWAY.
    PONYO - Miyazaki-san's labor of love is dazzlingly fantastic, visually strikingly, vivid, down-right charming, full of symbolism and wonder.

    The simple plot is a tale of love and acceptance - injected with an environmental message which has become a trademark of Miyazaki-san. He wove his magic into the story and churned-up a nice balance of fantasy and reality, magic and the mundane - capturing our attention and holding us spellbound with the delightful visual smorgasbord - yet somehow manage to remind us that we are responsible for the state of our environment.

    The most memorable scene of this gorgeous movie is of PONYO scampering on the crests of giant waves.

    VERDICT:
    Highest quality hand-drawn animation.
    A true work of art - lovingly crafted.
    HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
    Actual GRADE: SOLID A

    • 495 out of 497 found this review helpful.
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  • Go
    Written August 23, 2009

    Cute, happy, beautiful

    This film, though obviously for young children, was a great watch. From the second Ponyo emerges she will keep you captivated. The scenes are beautifully stylized with a fun and cheerful feel. There are cute subtleties in each scene that keeps you looking and attentive. With whimsical additions thrown in at every corner each scene is a gem. The voice acting, though in English, is well done. Each major character has definite, visible growth. The story line is cute and simple, without being boring. It has all the things you need in a great animated film. I highly suggest anyone who enjoys these things described, to go see it.

    • 113 out of 121 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written August 22, 2009

    Ponyo is truly lovely

    This movie is absolutely the best kids movie ever, even better than Wall-e, and we love Wall-e! Ponyo captures the innocence of childhood. You get caught up in the magic, seeing the world through the eyes of a child and you end up missing those wondrous times. Hayao Miyazaki is a master.

    • 50 out of 58 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written August 21, 2009
    • Five Word Movie Review

      This movie is so ADORABLE

    • 22 out of 25 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written August 17, 2009

    Ponyo is an A+

    The latest foray into animation wonderment by Hayao Miyazaki, Ponyo doesn't dissappoint. While, yes, it is geared more for a younger audience, even the older crowd will enjoy this movie, taking in the finely crafted details and imaginative creatures. Pay particularly close attention to the various foregrounds, which look like they were drawn with colored pencils or pastels. It makes Ponyo seem like a children's storybook come to life.
    The English voice cast was decent (though I would've preferred the original Japanese), and Liam Neeson did an excellent job in his role. The only downside would be the song at the ending credits, which is some horrible Disney-made tripe sung by the young Cyrus sister and Jonas brother. So at least bring earplugs for the credits.

    • 16 out of 16 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written August 20, 2009

    DEFINITELY FOR MIYAZAKI FANS

    by Kelcle

    My boyfriend and I love all of the studio Ghibli movies, so it was no surprise that we loved Ponyo.
    Like all Miyazaki movies, it was a bit strange but that's whats so great about his movies.
    If you liked Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle, You'll love Ponyo.

    • 18 out of 20 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written August 19, 2009

    See Ponyo, and Take the Kids

    Ponyo is another great film from director Hayao Miyazaki. It isn't as deep or as complicated as some of his other films, which is unfortunate, in a way, but its simplicity makes it an excellent film for children; it's far more imaginative than most American films geared for children, and the lessons the film conveys about respecting the planet are far more valuable. As an adult, you'll find the art lovely, you'll love the metaphors, and you'll get a kick out of how some of the characters are portrayed. In short, see Ponyo and take the kids--everyone will have a good time, and everyone will walk away with something meaningful to think about.

    • 15 out of 17 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written August 26, 2009

    studio ghibli quality

    I went with my 11 year old daughter, the movie held true to environmental and social issues.. always good quality. the movie went by so fast because of the loveable charactors and inviting pace.

    • 11 out of 11 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written August 31, 2009

    Go see

    by Gromer

    My 8 year old son was reluctant to go see this movie. In his words, he thought it would be for, "babies." A third of the way through the movie, he leaned over to me and said in a surprised voice, "this movie is actually good!" It was a beautiful movie and my son and I enjoyed it very much.

    • 11 out of 11 found this review helpful.
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  • Go
    Written August 21, 2009

    Beautiful, relaxing animation

    A beautiful, relaxing animation by Hayao Miyazaki that talks about love, friendship and choices. The movie subtly drives us back to the magic world of our childhood, where reality and fantasy are mixed to somehow express our own desires and fears.

    It is very nice to watch after a stressing day of work (or with your kids).

    • 12 out of 13 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written August 15, 2009

    Another classic by Hayao Miyazaki

    by Melosy

    Following in the amazing magical worlds of his other films, Miyazaki hits home again with another amazing feat of a wildly original story and amazing classic animation styles rarely seen in films today. The complete lack of CG animation gives it a classic, yet magic feel, similar to all of his works, yet he still manages to make each stand out from the previous ones in his own way.

    If you are a fan of his work, this movie is a must see, but even if you are not, or have never heard of him - if you enjoy stories of magical fantastic worlds (akin to Fantasia by Disney), you will not be let down by Ponyo.

    • 10 out of 11 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written August 23, 2009

    One more masterpiece by Miyazaki

    by tasgeo

    One more incredible masterpiece from the most important animator today and maybe in history, Hayao Miyazaki. A movie drawn differently from his previous ones, all in pastel colors looking like a child's drawing, reflecting the psychic world of the main character, a little boy named Sosuke. Miyazaki's feelings about his relationship with his son unfold in this visually stunning story which offers to us a wonderful experience like the ones that only he can create. A must see, five stars.

    • 8 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written August 18, 2009

    Innocent, perfect for ALL AGES! I loved it and IM 20!

    Wonderful uplifting story. Absolutely adorable, and quite hilarious. Miyazaki's films are always very original and unique, and this one is definitely just that!

    If you want to see a movie that you will leave with a smile, this one is for you!
    If you have kids 13 and below, you will be buying this one for them after they see it!
    KIDS WILL LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!

    A MUST SEE !

    • 8 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written August 23, 2009

    Go See This Film

    by Muhdah

    This is not a movie exclusively for children. Adults and kids will enjoy this movie as well as appreciate it's central themes. Ponyo has two stories: friendship and the environment.

    Ponyo is a girl goldfish who takes a trip to the ocean's surface and meets a human boy named Soske (Soskay?). Soskay in a short period comes to love Ponyo but loses her. Ponyo also has an instant attachment to Soske and is determined to return to the surface as a human. Her father forbids it but she's stubborn and succeeds. This film has an endearing and humorous way of dealing with typical themes of family, love, friendship and social responsibility. I learned a lot watching this film.

    What I admired most about the two main characters were their loyalty to one another and their fearless determination toward each other and loved ones.

    • 8 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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  • Go
    Written August 20, 2009

    HAAAAAAAAAAAM!

    Whimsical, adventurous, fun, and down right CUTE.
    Special effects 9/10 - Studio Ghibli's animation is always top notch and full of color.
    Cast 8/10 - I was surprised at how many big names they got to voice in this film.
    Story 9/10 - This is a fingerprint of Miyazaki. Such uniqueness and originality can only come from Miyazaki.
    Overall 8.5/10 - A fun movie for kids. It's not meant to be seen alone, bring the kids.

    • 8 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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