From Up on Poppy Hill
Synopsis
Atop a hill overlooking a seaside port sits a boarding house named Coquelicot Manor. Since the building is run by her family, Umi Matsuzaki carries out many of the duties involved in managing the small establishment, such as preparing meals for her fellow boarders. When she isn't at home, she is a student at the local high school—one that is currently dealing with a small crisis. In anticipation of the upcoming Olympic Games, a beloved old clubhouse is set to be demolished to make way for a modern building. As a result, a large part of the student body has banded together, working tirelessly to prevent this from happening. Umi finds herself helping the newspaper club to spread information about this cause where she befriends Shun Kazama, whom she gradually begins to fall in love with. But Shun is an orphan who doesn't know much about his origins, and when the two begin searching for clues to the boy's past, they discover that they may have a lot more in common than either of them could have thought. [Writtten by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience opinions are divided, with some finding the film a charming and heartwarming story with beautiful animation, while others consider it a simplistic and somewhat flawed addition to the Ghibli catalog. The film's lack of depth and inconsistencies in the narrative are common points of criticism, while its nostalgic atmosphere and likeable characters are praised. Ultimately, reception seems to depend on individual expectations of a Ghibli film.
Strengths
- Beautiful animation and detailed backgrounds create a magical atmosphere.
- Charming and likeable characters, especially the supporting cast.
- Heart-warming story with themes of family, change, and embracing the past.
- The music effectively encapsulates the energy of youth.
Weaknesses
- Story can feel simplistic and lack depth compared to other Ghibli films.
- Characters may not be particularly in-depth or rich.
- Some inconsistencies and plot holes in the narrative.
- May lack the magical or fantastical elements expected from Ghibli.