The Wind Rises
Synopsis
Although Jirou Horikoshi's nearsightedness prevents him from ever becoming a pilot, he leaves his hometown to study aeronautical engineering at Tokyo Imperial University for one simple purpose: to design and build planes just like his hero, Italian aircraft pioneer Giovanni Battista Caproni. His arrival in the capital coincides with the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, during which he saves a maid serving the family of a young girl named Naoko Satomi; this disastrous event marks the beginning of over two decades of social unrest and malaise leading up to Japan's eventual surrender in World War II. For Jirou, the years leading up to the production of his infamous Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter aircraft will test every fiber of his being. His many travels and life experiences only urge him onward—even as he realizes both the role of his creations in the war and the harsh realities of his personal life. As time marches on, he must confront an impossible question: at what cost does he chase his beautiful dream? [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience opinion is mixed, with many appreciating the film's artistic merit and emotional depth, while others find it unfocused and thematically problematic. Some appreciate the mature themes, while others see it as romanticizing a controversial historical period. The film is considered a beautiful but flawed swan song for Miyazaki.
Strengths
- Stunning animation and detailed scenery, characteristic of Studio Ghibli.
- Engaging story that blends historical elements with imaginative storytelling.
- Beautiful music score that enhances the emotional impact.
Weaknesses
- Pacing issues due to trying to cover too much of the protagonist's life in a limited time.
- Lack of focus, with the movie trying to balance too many aspects (childhood, earthquake, career, love life).
- Underdeveloped secondary characters, such as the wife, making it difficult to connect with them emotionally.