The Wind Rises

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Johann D. M 🇯🇵 This animated historical drama film was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, based on his 2009 manga of the same name. It tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi as he studies assiduously to fulfill his aim of becoming an aeronautical engineer. As WWII begins, fighter aircraft designed by him end up getting used by the Japanese Empire against its foes. This great achievement in animation shows Miyazaki deeply immersed in his element: his passion for aircraft. His expertise is vividly captured in the details and the story of a man whose remarkable talent was tragically harnessed for war. The historical backdrop feels accurate and raw, and despite being one of Miyazaki’s most different works—leaving fantasy behind to embrace history—it remains an engaging and extraordinarily moving adult story, full of stunningly drawn frames. The tender love story between Jiro and Naoko adds a poignant emotional layer that humanizes the film, while Joe Hisaishi’s score provides a hauntingly beautiful accompaniment. It may not be Miyazaki's best compared to other masterpieces, but it is perhaps his most personal, and it clearly reflects his dedication and passion. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/05/25 Full Review Benjamin H Beautifully humane, emotionally affecting and thematically rich, the gorgeously animated The Wind Rises from the genius Hayao Miyazaki doesn't hit on all fronts (regarding some parts of our main story), but it is a sweet movie with full-bodied characters and a strong sense of realism. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/25/25 Full Review Tiv P My favourite Miyazaki film❤️ Just a treat through and through. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/09/25 Full Review Kevin B My personal favorite of the ghibli catalogue. Soft-spoken compared to his other films, but Miyazaki's "the wind rises" is no less powerful or beautiful. A tragic, gorgeously animated film about the cost of pursuing dreams above all else, even into morally grey systems. It might not be as bombastic or sweeping as princess mononoke, as imaginative or creative as spirited away, or as charming as totoro or Kiki, but this is my pick for the greatest thing ghibli ever made. A personal work, lovingly crafted, with complex characters, themes, and ideas, which leaves you plenty to think about, and hardly anything to desire. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/18/25 Full Review Lucas O Rating: 76%. This movie had beautiful animation and was more down-to-earth than most Ghibli films. I loved the sound, voice acting, and music. They all enhanced the feelings and emotions that the film portrays. However, this film did feel a bit longer than it needed to be, dragging at times. It did feel a little confusing with the time transitions and boring at points. Overall though it was a beautiful story with a very sad moments. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/14/25 Full Review Jack M As beautiful as it is tragic, The Wind Rises is ultimately a story of love and longing. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/06/25 Full Review Read all reviews

The Wind Rises

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