STORYLINE: Jiro  dreams of flying and designing beautiful airplanes, inspired by the famous Italian aeronautical designer Caproni. Nearsighted from a young age and unable to be a pilot, Jiro joins a major Japanese engineering company in 1927 and becomes one of the world’s most innovative and accomplished airplane designers. The film chronicles much of his life, depicting key historical events, including the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the Great Depression, the tuberculosis epidemic and Japan’s plunge into war. Jiro meets and falls in love with Nahoko, and grows and cherishes his friendship with his colleague Honjo.

       It has been ten years since the anime masterpiece, The Wind Rises, made its way into theaters and became my favorite anime film. Ten years later this beautifully made film still holds that spot.

    Recently I attended a tenth anniversary screening and was reminded of why I love this movie.  For me any good movie has to start with a strong story with interesting characters. This film about a piece of Japanese history is just that, a compelling story with interesting characters. I love the way the story is told as well, with bits of fantasy mixed into a standard biopic.  The Elton John biopic Rocketman took this technique to the next level.

     The Wind Rises features beautiful animation as well.  That is true of Studio Ghibili in general though.

     This unconventional WW2 film is a great bookend to Christopher Nolan’s recent masterpiece Oppenheimer. Both films tell little known stories about events that had effects around the world.

    The Wind Rises did earn a nomination at the Academy Awards for animated feature film.  Not to discount Frozen, which was crowned the winner that year, but all around The Wind Rises is the better movie.

    It was a pleasure to see this on the big screen again and be reminded why I am a mega fan of this movie,  

      Until next time please join me at the movies!