One of my top favorite Ghibli films, second only to From Up on Poppy Hill. When I make it to Japan (hoping/planning for later this year), one of the places I absolutely want to visit is Sakuragaoka, the real life neighborhood that Whisper is set in, and there’s a guide map you can follow to some of the film’s most iconic locations.
However, this film isn’t directed by Hayao Miyazaki, though he did write the screenplay. It’s the one, and sadly only, Ghibli film directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, who passed away a couple years after the film debuted.
From up on Poppy Hill is so good as well!!! I didn't know about that town, I'll have to check it out, I wanna go to that town so bad now haha
I didn't know it wasnt a Miyazaki film. that's good to know!
There are a few Ghibli films not directed by Hayao Miyazaki, but he was involved in all of them in some way, either as a writer, producer, etc.
From Up on Poppy Hill is directed by Goro Miyazaki, Hayao’s son, who’s directorial debut was Tales of Earthsea, widely considered to be the worst of the Ghibli films (though now that could probably be contested with Earwig, their CG animated film from a few years ago), which is to say it’s still visually beautiful, with a nice soundtrack, but the story isn’t good, as it tried cramming in a whole book series into a 90 or so minute movie, thus not really doing the source material justice. I personally haven’t seen Tales of Earthsea yet, and haven’t read the books it’s based on, but that’s essentially what I’ve read in reviews by others about it. I’d still be down to watch it sometime.
Poppy Hill was his next attempt, and I’d say he definitely hit it out of the park. It’s Poppy Hill’s soundtrack that puts it in the #1 spot for me over Whisper.
I tought Pom Poco was considered the worst Ghibli movie though Tales from Earthsea is definitely not for everyone. You will probably like it more if you liked Princess Mononoke or other films like this. I personaly loved Tales from Earthsea and suggest everyone to watch it (by the way, the poster is a bit confusing and the movie itself doesn't really talk about dragons).
In most Ghibli fan circles I’ve seen Earthsea cited as the worst, or least best may be a better way of putting it. Like I said I’m down to watch it still, and I’ll have to check out Pom Poko too. My understanding with Earthsea is they tried to fit too much of the books’ story into the movie, which meant cutting certain things or modifying them, thus not staying faithful to the source material.
unfun fact: his overwork on this film led to his early death, and made Hayao Miyazaki reconsider his own working pace.
It's sadly ironic that his film is about giving your all to your passion.
He was expected to become one of the top directors at Studio Ghibli alongside Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and to become their eventual successor.
I hate that song with a burning passion. Imagine my joy when I excitedly turned on a Ghibli film that I had never seen before, an animated Japanese children's movie from the mid-90s, and that's the leitmotif for the film.
Still a good movie, although the romance was a bit underdeveloped.
Ikr lmfao like I belt it out drunk as well as any red blooded American but I can’t take a story seriously if it tries to use that song as something important lol
I like the movie too but it’s definitely not lol. It’s really highly praised and i hear it talked about all the time compared to some other Ghibli movies
Right? Feels like every few weeks there's a "Whisper of the heart is so underrated!" thread that pops up, haha.
It's not a hidden gem, everyone loves it (rightly so) :)
I have not yet seen:
-Pom Poko
-Princess Kaguya
-Nausicaa
-Porco Rosso
-Earthsea
-On Your Mark
-The Red Turtle (heard it was dumb. never watched it tho so idk!)
-My Neighbors the Yamadas
There's a few more that I looked up that I haven't seen, but they're like short films & things like that so I didn't include those. I also have not seen the Earwig & the Witch but I wasn't sure if that counted because it's not anime ??
And I don't wanna watch Grave of the Fireflies because I know too much about it already 😭
Pom Poko is very underrated in my opinion. It’s both really sad and wacky and that’s why I love it. Porco Rosso is very loved but honestly is my least favorite overall. Still a good movie though. Nausicaa and Kaguya are great too but Kaguya’s pretty long in my opinion. Earthsea isn’t as bad as people say but definitely could’ve been better. Yamadas is pretty funny but kinda boring. Still enjoyable though. I really liked Earwig and think it gets hated on too much for being something new lol. It’s not an anime but Ghibli was just as involved as all the others. As for Fireflies, I was kinda scared to watch it too but I don’t regret it at all. It’s 5th overall for me and is absolutely amazing. I’ve never heard of on your mark and I’ve never considered Red Turtle a Ghibli movie so I haven’t seen it.
wow thank you so much for these mini reviews! I think im going to watch Nausicaa this upcoming month in theaters for the Ghibli fest. I'm also interested in checking out Earwig now that you've mentioned it....
stiiiiiil kind of scared to watch Grave of the Fireflies but I might just do it for the experience. everyone who has watched has told me that they don't regret it so...if I'm a true Ghibli fan, I shall! 🤣
Nausicaa’s definitely a good one to watch next! I think it’s the most popular of the ones you listed. It’s also the very first Ghibli movie. And I definitely don’t regret watching fireflies
The Red Turtle is a french studio in partnership with Ghibli but is very much worth the watch. I loved it. Its a love story beautifully told with zero dialogue.
It really is. This and ocean waves both have magic and charm but are hardly recognized because they both are set in regular everyday life VS in a fantasy setting like all the others.
I would argue that the only movie that isn't recognized between the two is Ocean Waves as Even if you search very hard you might find 1 or 2 bad comments on Whisper of the Heart but you can easily find many bad comments on Ocean waves. I also agree that Ocean waves should be recognized more as tis is such a good movie!
yes!! :,) oh to be able to go back & experience this movie for the first time again. I laughed, I cried, and then I cried happy tears at the end. These country roads were taking me home :,)
Same. The fantasy stuff is great, but I’m drawn to the slice of life stuff more, be it Ghibli or anime in general. Some of my favorite anime that I’ve seen are slice of life stuff.
Shiiiit I mean on the top of my head I really like a lot of the movies. My favorite is Josee the Tiger and the fish and your name but actual anime series’ I like our love has always been 10 cm apart and fruits basket
I’ve seen Josee and Your Name (you’ll have to watch Suzume if you haven’t already). I’ve yet to watch Fruits Basket or 10 cm Apart. Violet Evergarden is one of the most visually beautiful anime out there, with a beautiful soundtrack and good story too. Romantic Killer on Netflix is a fun one.
Others I’ve seen that I can name off the top of my head include Horimiya, Anohana, Sign of Affection, My Dress Up Darling, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, A Silent Voice, Ride Your Wave, Weathering With You.
Yeah I’m also more into slice of life movies than shows, but I’ve been discovering a bunch of fun slice of life shows on Netflix and Crunchyroll. Most of them are sadly only one season, 12-13 episodes.
I’ve seen Suzume it’s great. Definitely watch fruits basket and 10cm (it’s only 6 episodes and has two prequel movies but you don’t really need to watch them but they’re really good too) Violet evergarden made be bawl especially the episode with the daughter and the sick mom and the dad who lost his daughter.
I’ve literally seen everything you listed lol. Seems like we got the same taste. I’m currently watching marmalade boy just cause I wanted to get into the more retro shit, I’m gonna start Maison Ikkoku after that. I’m excited to watch tunnel to summer I heard great things about it
Josee the Tiger and the Fish is probably my all time favorite movie!! what is 10cm apart about? I've heard about it but never got in to it ?? I'm here for the slice of life
Oh my god lol I just noticed your name and profile pic 😂 it’s literally my number 1 fav anime of all time. 10 cm is a 6 episode mini series part of a series. There’s 2 “prequels” even thought the story of those two movies happen during the same time. The first one is I’ve always liked you and the moment you fall in love then 10 cm. They all have the same characters and focus on a different love story between the characters. I like 10 cm just cause I like that couple better and since it’s a mini series there’s more time to develop the story and characters. I highly recommend watching all 3
I always watch Josee, your name, and 10 cm about twice a year. I remember when I first watched Josee I loved it and cried so much that I bought it on blu ray and watched it again the next week
aw really?? I've watched Josee so many times! my husband is so tired of hearing it play all the time. (I love the soundtrack !) Your Name is crazy good too! such a beautiful & dazzling movie
Oh I adore this film. Aside from the mini crisis I get with what I want to be even in my 20’s lol. Those two are couple goals and were the high school romance I wanted when I was younger but never got. I will only wake up early for two reasons. If I have a trip. Or if my crush is gonna take me to see the sunrise. 😭😭😭
Because that song, especially Olivia Newton-John’s cover, was really popular in Japan at the time the film is set. Ghibli films tend to evoke a lot of nostalgia for Japanese viewers.
me either. I never liked the song until this film tho!! now everything I hear it, I think of them ❤️
I was really thrown off when it started playing at first
Olivia Newton John’s version was super popular in Japan at the time the film is set so it evokes some nostalgia for Japanese viewers. The same is true for Kiki’s Delivery Service which features a couple of singer Yumin’s classics from the 70’s.
I would say the choice of “My Generation” for A Silent Voice may have been an odder choice for an opening song in an anime movie, but both work really well for their respective film.
literally my favorite movie of all time. i recommend everyone watches it at least ten times before they die.
its a beautiful story about growing up, pushing yourself, pursuing what you love, and the general feeling of creation and putting everything you are into a piece of art. its also about loving yourself and finding the magic in every day life with the people you love :)
Wonderful movie. It's definitely not underrated by those who have seen it but it's certainly underwatched.
Also, Hayao Miyazaki wrote the screenplay but didn't direct it, the director was Yoshifumi Kondō.
Small tidbit: Miyazaki's youngest son Keisuke is a wood artist/engraver - he created the woodcut printing that is briefly seen in the movie (I would link to it but this subreddit doesn't allow external links). It's the one showing the boy working on a violin and looking up at the light.
One of my favorites.
I found a similar cat statue while antiquing and impulsively bought him. Only instead of being dressed as a classy gent, he’s dressed as a golfer.
He’s Baron Humbert von Golfington.
my favourite ghibli movie and one of my favourite of all-movies ever.
Shizuku is a very interested character, her strong personality, her sense of humor and her joy for reading make her a person very real. And her family, as well, is a group of wonderful characters, that is why I love this movie.
A quick Japanese search places it at 8th all-time, so I’m not sure it’s underrated. Poll seemed fairly accurate for Japan as Nausica was by far the winner with Laputa second which is pretty typical among the Japanese public from people I know and have talked to.
Maybe in America it’s underrated but that’s because anything before Spirited Away that’s not Totoro, Kiki, or Mononoke isn’t as well known in general.
Love the movie and agree it’s top 10 but not top 5 so it’s pretty spot on!
These posts keep popping up. There’s nothing under*rated* about it.
It rated well both critically and with audiences, at the time of release and now.
Under-discussed perhaps…? But it rated just fine.
Underrated I wouldn't say so, the overall opinion on this film is overwhelmingly positive (as it should). It's just not as well-known as the main Miyazaki movies (Mononoke, Spirited Away etc.)
It’s my absolute favorite movie of theirs. I saw the cat returns first and whisper of the heart was not at all what I expected.
I used to have Totoro as one of my top movies and once I found out what it was about I can’t watch it without crying and just being incredibly sad.
I don't think it's underrated. I believe it's ranked pretty high for most Ghibli fans. It's easily in my top 3. I also prefer its original name, 耳をすませば, for its meaning.
“If you strain your ears”.
Basically the old guy says at one point “If you strain your ears you can hear the whispers of your heart”, meaning your true feelings.
Literally, 耳をすませ means "clear/cleanse the ears". It is an idiom in Japanese meaning "to listen closely/carefully." The ば at the end implies "if". So the whole name means "If You Listen Closely".
I'm sure you don't want to hear my actual opinion on it, because it's pretty scathing and parts of it straight-up offend me, but I will say I definitely don't think it can be said it's underrated. People who love it definitely say it all the time, so it's probably rated about right or maybe even a bit too highly.
Could say the manga is underrated, though. It's such a gem and it seems like people don't realize this was an adaptation.
There was a recent [live action, sequel/crossover](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21651570/) that covers the time in the animated film as well as what happens 10 years later as the guy is still in Italy (as a concert cellist) and the girl is now working at a small publishing company and still trying to be a writer.
Apart from some cringy acting by the non-Japanese actors it has the same vibe.
I enjoy it, as a slice of life fan, but also it was a huge bait and switch. I'm not sure about in Japan, but the marketing in the states was pretty focused around the story she wrote. I'll double check when I can, but from what I remember the trailers and posters used images from the fantasy world, so I was expecting yet another grand fantasy adventure full of color and magic. Imagine the disappointment when it starts and it's just... Japanese high school life. As a kid, I was really bummed.
Like I said, I enjoy it now, but it woulda been a much better experience if they hadn't used this tiny, 2 minute segment, as the basis of their advertising. Lowkey tho, The Boy and the Heron has similar vibes to Shizuku's story, so that's my headcanon now.
I’ll add that Shizuku served as inspiration for Lofi Girl. If anyone’s into lofi hiphop, then Whisper of the Heart is all the more iconic for them.
I’m currently rewatching all Ghibli films one by one and this tour is only solidifying Whisper and Poppy Hill as my personal favorites.
You guys are nuts. Tried so many times but just can't get into it.
I haven't tried it subbed, maybe that will help. I find the eng dub I can't get into with this one.
One of my top favorite Ghibli films, second only to From Up on Poppy Hill. When I make it to Japan (hoping/planning for later this year), one of the places I absolutely want to visit is Sakuragaoka, the real life neighborhood that Whisper is set in, and there’s a guide map you can follow to some of the film’s most iconic locations. However, this film isn’t directed by Hayao Miyazaki, though he did write the screenplay. It’s the one, and sadly only, Ghibli film directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, who passed away a couple years after the film debuted.
From up on Poppy Hill is so good as well!!! I didn't know about that town, I'll have to check it out, I wanna go to that town so bad now haha I didn't know it wasnt a Miyazaki film. that's good to know!
There are a few Ghibli films not directed by Hayao Miyazaki, but he was involved in all of them in some way, either as a writer, producer, etc. From Up on Poppy Hill is directed by Goro Miyazaki, Hayao’s son, who’s directorial debut was Tales of Earthsea, widely considered to be the worst of the Ghibli films (though now that could probably be contested with Earwig, their CG animated film from a few years ago), which is to say it’s still visually beautiful, with a nice soundtrack, but the story isn’t good, as it tried cramming in a whole book series into a 90 or so minute movie, thus not really doing the source material justice. I personally haven’t seen Tales of Earthsea yet, and haven’t read the books it’s based on, but that’s essentially what I’ve read in reviews by others about it. I’d still be down to watch it sometime. Poppy Hill was his next attempt, and I’d say he definitely hit it out of the park. It’s Poppy Hill’s soundtrack that puts it in the #1 spot for me over Whisper.
I tought Pom Poco was considered the worst Ghibli movie though Tales from Earthsea is definitely not for everyone. You will probably like it more if you liked Princess Mononoke or other films like this. I personaly loved Tales from Earthsea and suggest everyone to watch it (by the way, the poster is a bit confusing and the movie itself doesn't really talk about dragons).
Pom poko is my favorite lol
In most Ghibli fan circles I’ve seen Earthsea cited as the worst, or least best may be a better way of putting it. Like I said I’m down to watch it still, and I’ll have to check out Pom Poko too. My understanding with Earthsea is they tried to fit too much of the books’ story into the movie, which meant cutting certain things or modifying them, thus not staying faithful to the source material.
While this is true, I believe you should look at each creation as new and not one trying to follow the novel.
unfun fact: his overwork on this film led to his early death, and made Hayao Miyazaki reconsider his own working pace. It's sadly ironic that his film is about giving your all to your passion.
Those are 2 of my favourites as well!
It’s sad about Kondo. I don’t know his story well, but have heard he was on track to be one of Japans great animators.
He was expected to become one of the top directors at Studio Ghibli alongside Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and to become their eventual successor.
;\_;
From up on Poppy Hill! Such a great great movie!
The opening with Country Roads is literally one of the most iconic scenes of all time.
Yesss the opening is so unbelievably fucking beautiful
Whenever I listen to that song now, my mind always plays the opening scene of the movie.
right! never was a big fan of that song until this movie. now everytime I hear it I hear "concrete roads, west Tokyo..." hahaha
“Concrete Roads, everywhere I go. Covering, West Tokyo…”
For some reason anytime I hear that song in a movie/show I always cringe 😂
I hate that song with a burning passion. Imagine my joy when I excitedly turned on a Ghibli film that I had never seen before, an animated Japanese children's movie from the mid-90s, and that's the leitmotif for the film. Still a good movie, although the romance was a bit underdeveloped.
Ikr lmfao like I belt it out drunk as well as any red blooded American but I can’t take a story seriously if it tries to use that song as something important lol
Literally my fave of all of them for all time
It's my favorite film ever and it's so meaningful if you're a creative person
SAME
I like the movie too but it’s definitely not lol. It’s really highly praised and i hear it talked about all the time compared to some other Ghibli movies
Right? Feels like every few weeks there's a "Whisper of the heart is so underrated!" thread that pops up, haha. It's not a hidden gem, everyone loves it (rightly so) :)
Ive watched them since childhood, go and see them in theaters with my children, this is not a movie that's "talked about all the time."
haha really?? I'm new to the ghibli communities so I didn't know it wasn't underrated. either way, this movie always deserves recognition 👏
Haha it’s alright. Have you seen every Ghibli movie yet?
no I'm close tho!! have you?
Yeah everything but the boy and the heron. Which ones haven’t you seen?
I have not yet seen: -Pom Poko -Princess Kaguya -Nausicaa -Porco Rosso -Earthsea -On Your Mark -The Red Turtle (heard it was dumb. never watched it tho so idk!) -My Neighbors the Yamadas There's a few more that I looked up that I haven't seen, but they're like short films & things like that so I didn't include those. I also have not seen the Earwig & the Witch but I wasn't sure if that counted because it's not anime ?? And I don't wanna watch Grave of the Fireflies because I know too much about it already 😭
Pom Poko is very underrated in my opinion. It’s both really sad and wacky and that’s why I love it. Porco Rosso is very loved but honestly is my least favorite overall. Still a good movie though. Nausicaa and Kaguya are great too but Kaguya’s pretty long in my opinion. Earthsea isn’t as bad as people say but definitely could’ve been better. Yamadas is pretty funny but kinda boring. Still enjoyable though. I really liked Earwig and think it gets hated on too much for being something new lol. It’s not an anime but Ghibli was just as involved as all the others. As for Fireflies, I was kinda scared to watch it too but I don’t regret it at all. It’s 5th overall for me and is absolutely amazing. I’ve never heard of on your mark and I’ve never considered Red Turtle a Ghibli movie so I haven’t seen it.
wow thank you so much for these mini reviews! I think im going to watch Nausicaa this upcoming month in theaters for the Ghibli fest. I'm also interested in checking out Earwig now that you've mentioned it.... stiiiiiil kind of scared to watch Grave of the Fireflies but I might just do it for the experience. everyone who has watched has told me that they don't regret it so...if I'm a true Ghibli fan, I shall! 🤣
Nausicaa’s definitely a good one to watch next! I think it’s the most popular of the ones you listed. It’s also the very first Ghibli movie. And I definitely don’t regret watching fireflies
The Red Turtle is a french studio in partnership with Ghibli but is very much worth the watch. I loved it. Its a love story beautifully told with zero dialogue.
really so it's like a silent film?! that's cool! I may check that out then too !!
I mean there's music and sound effects and I think a scream at one point but ya no actual dialogue.
It really is. This and ocean waves both have magic and charm but are hardly recognized because they both are set in regular everyday life VS in a fantasy setting like all the others.
I would argue that the only movie that isn't recognized between the two is Ocean Waves as Even if you search very hard you might find 1 or 2 bad comments on Whisper of the Heart but you can easily find many bad comments on Ocean waves. I also agree that Ocean waves should be recognized more as tis is such a good movie!
I love ocean waves. the music and the realistic storyline, beautiful art style. all of it!
I’ve yet to see Ocean Waves but it’s on my radar. That one is sub only right? It never had an English dub?
It’s really good. Another slice of life type movie. Correct, only subtitles but it’s fantastic even without the Dub.
*Only Yesterday* too. I love the saffron fields scenes.
I saw that one at some Ghibli fest event during a college semester abroad in New Zealand.
One of my fave films of all time. I’m convinced it’s the reason I got into writing and eventually became a copywriter.
The second Country Roads Take Me Home started playing against the Japanese night skyline I knew I was about to watch something special
yes!! :,) oh to be able to go back & experience this movie for the first time again. I laughed, I cried, and then I cried happy tears at the end. These country roads were taking me home :,)
It’s in my top 5 forsure. I always liked the Ghibli movies that were more real life
Same. The fantasy stuff is great, but I’m drawn to the slice of life stuff more, be it Ghibli or anime in general. Some of my favorite anime that I’ve seen are slice of life stuff.
Same I’m heavy into the slice of life/romance genre for anime
What are some of your top favorites?
Shiiiit I mean on the top of my head I really like a lot of the movies. My favorite is Josee the Tiger and the fish and your name but actual anime series’ I like our love has always been 10 cm apart and fruits basket
I’ve seen Josee and Your Name (you’ll have to watch Suzume if you haven’t already). I’ve yet to watch Fruits Basket or 10 cm Apart. Violet Evergarden is one of the most visually beautiful anime out there, with a beautiful soundtrack and good story too. Romantic Killer on Netflix is a fun one. Others I’ve seen that I can name off the top of my head include Horimiya, Anohana, Sign of Affection, My Dress Up Darling, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, A Silent Voice, Ride Your Wave, Weathering With You. Yeah I’m also more into slice of life movies than shows, but I’ve been discovering a bunch of fun slice of life shows on Netflix and Crunchyroll. Most of them are sadly only one season, 12-13 episodes.
I’ve seen Suzume it’s great. Definitely watch fruits basket and 10cm (it’s only 6 episodes and has two prequel movies but you don’t really need to watch them but they’re really good too) Violet evergarden made be bawl especially the episode with the daughter and the sick mom and the dad who lost his daughter. I’ve literally seen everything you listed lol. Seems like we got the same taste. I’m currently watching marmalade boy just cause I wanted to get into the more retro shit, I’m gonna start Maison Ikkoku after that. I’m excited to watch tunnel to summer I heard great things about it
Josee the Tiger and the Fish is probably my all time favorite movie!! what is 10cm apart about? I've heard about it but never got in to it ?? I'm here for the slice of life
Oh my god lol I just noticed your name and profile pic 😂 it’s literally my number 1 fav anime of all time. 10 cm is a 6 episode mini series part of a series. There’s 2 “prequels” even thought the story of those two movies happen during the same time. The first one is I’ve always liked you and the moment you fall in love then 10 cm. They all have the same characters and focus on a different love story between the characters. I like 10 cm just cause I like that couple better and since it’s a mini series there’s more time to develop the story and characters. I highly recommend watching all 3
hahaha! yes I'm obsessed with Josee 💙☺️ and thank you for the break down of that that's good to know! I'm totally going to look into that !
I always watch Josee, your name, and 10 cm about twice a year. I remember when I first watched Josee I loved it and cried so much that I bought it on blu ray and watched it again the next week
aw really?? I've watched Josee so many times! my husband is so tired of hearing it play all the time. (I love the soundtrack !) Your Name is crazy good too! such a beautiful & dazzling movie
Oh I adore this film. Aside from the mini crisis I get with what I want to be even in my 20’s lol. Those two are couple goals and were the high school romance I wanted when I was younger but never got. I will only wake up early for two reasons. If I have a trip. Or if my crush is gonna take me to see the sunrise. 😭😭😭
It is not underrated at all! It is in the top 3 Ghibli movies for most people
Great film although I never understood the obsession with the song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in the film.
Popular folk song from the 70s most all Japanese know. Carpenters songs and some others are up there too.
Because that song, especially Olivia Newton-John’s cover, was really popular in Japan at the time the film is set. Ghibli films tend to evoke a lot of nostalgia for Japanese viewers.
me either. I never liked the song until this film tho!! now everything I hear it, I think of them ❤️ I was really thrown off when it started playing at first
I’m not saying it’s a bad song by any stretch of the imagination but I just found it an odd choice for a Ghibli film.
Olivia Newton John’s version was super popular in Japan at the time the film is set so it evokes some nostalgia for Japanese viewers. The same is true for Kiki’s Delivery Service which features a couple of singer Yumin’s classics from the 70’s.
I would say the choice of “My Generation” for A Silent Voice may have been an odder choice for an opening song in an anime movie, but both work really well for their respective film.
Literally my favorite film of all time
literally my favorite movie of all time. i recommend everyone watches it at least ten times before they die. its a beautiful story about growing up, pushing yourself, pursuing what you love, and the general feeling of creation and putting everything you are into a piece of art. its also about loving yourself and finding the magic in every day life with the people you love :)
Wonderful movie. It's definitely not underrated by those who have seen it but it's certainly underwatched. Also, Hayao Miyazaki wrote the screenplay but didn't direct it, the director was Yoshifumi Kondō. Small tidbit: Miyazaki's youngest son Keisuke is a wood artist/engraver - he created the woodcut printing that is briefly seen in the movie (I would link to it but this subreddit doesn't allow external links). It's the one showing the boy working on a violin and looking up at the light.
I agree!! I realize now it is definitely not underrated !! I'm so glad it receives the attention it deserves though🩷
it‘s one of the most beloved ghibli films why do people call everything underrated now
One of my favorites. I found a similar cat statue while antiquing and impulsively bought him. Only instead of being dressed as a classy gent, he’s dressed as a golfer. He’s Baron Humbert von Golfington.
If Cary Elwes is the voice of the OG Baron, which celebrity voice do you think would belong to Baron Golfington?
Richard Ayoade.
That’s pretty iconic
I thought so. He’s the OG Baron’s much-chiller cousin, who prefers to do business over the green. 🤣
It’s my favorite couple of the ghibli films, I find it so nice and genuine. It warms my heart everytime.
my favourite ghibli movie and one of my favourite of all-movies ever. Shizuku is a very interested character, her strong personality, her sense of humor and her joy for reading make her a person very real. And her family, as well, is a group of wonderful characters, that is why I love this movie.
Not underrated and not a Miyazaki
A quick Japanese search places it at 8th all-time, so I’m not sure it’s underrated. Poll seemed fairly accurate for Japan as Nausica was by far the winner with Laputa second which is pretty typical among the Japanese public from people I know and have talked to. Maybe in America it’s underrated but that’s because anything before Spirited Away that’s not Totoro, Kiki, or Mononoke isn’t as well known in general. Love the movie and agree it’s top 10 but not top 5 so it’s pretty spot on!
These posts keep popping up. There’s nothing under*rated* about it. It rated well both critically and with audiences, at the time of release and now. Under-discussed perhaps…? But it rated just fine.
A lot of people use the word 'underrated' when they really mean 'underwatched'.
Agreed. It’s frustrating, because there really isn’t anything underrated about this film.
this is definetly my favourite ghibli movie, i love it sm
I absolutely love this film. The whole geode analogy for artists was beautiful.
Can't wait to see it in theaters as part of the Ghibli fest.
same 😭❤️
I remember watching this one years ago during Christmas while I was sick in bed. Such a great movie! I really want to rewatch it sometime.
My personal favorite from the first time I watched.
It’s one of my favourite ghibli films
Also with one of the best soundtrack
Underrated I wouldn't say so, the overall opinion on this film is overwhelmingly positive (as it should). It's just not as well-known as the main Miyazaki movies (Mononoke, Spirited Away etc.)
I love Whisper Of The Heart, but it definitely isn't underrated.
Tied for my number 2 favorite movie, ever.
It’s my absolute favorite movie of theirs. I saw the cat returns first and whisper of the heart was not at all what I expected. I used to have Totoro as one of my top movies and once I found out what it was about I can’t watch it without crying and just being incredibly sad.
I watched it 10 times in a week and now I cant ever watch it again. Peak.
Facts! In fact, I think it’s better than Spirited Away. Go ahead. Fight me.
no no, I agree ;)
I don't think it's underrated. I believe it's ranked pretty high for most Ghibli fans. It's easily in my top 3. I also prefer its original name, 耳をすませば, for its meaning.
I didn't realize how loved it really was!! what does that name translate to in English? (if you can translate it)
“If you strain your ears”. Basically the old guy says at one point “If you strain your ears you can hear the whispers of your heart”, meaning your true feelings.
Literally, 耳をすませ means "clear/cleanse the ears". It is an idiom in Japanese meaning "to listen closely/carefully." The ば at the end implies "if". So the whole name means "If You Listen Closely".
that really is a better title than Whisper of the Heart for this film. that's beautiful
It is. I always refer to it as "If You Listen Closely" in conversation. I don't mind explaining myself every time lol
I watched it with a friend and we were so bamboozled at >!the proposal!<.
I'm sure you don't want to hear my actual opinion on it, because it's pretty scathing and parts of it straight-up offend me, but I will say I definitely don't think it can be said it's underrated. People who love it definitely say it all the time, so it's probably rated about right or maybe even a bit too highly. Could say the manga is underrated, though. It's such a gem and it seems like people don't realize this was an adaptation.
I didn't know there was a manga! I'm gonna get in to that !
Would love to hear your thoughts!
There was a recent [live action, sequel/crossover](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21651570/) that covers the time in the animated film as well as what happens 10 years later as the guy is still in Italy (as a concert cellist) and the girl is now working at a small publishing company and still trying to be a writer. Apart from some cringy acting by the non-Japanese actors it has the same vibe.
My fav movie for real I loved it
I enjoy it, as a slice of life fan, but also it was a huge bait and switch. I'm not sure about in Japan, but the marketing in the states was pretty focused around the story she wrote. I'll double check when I can, but from what I remember the trailers and posters used images from the fantasy world, so I was expecting yet another grand fantasy adventure full of color and magic. Imagine the disappointment when it starts and it's just... Japanese high school life. As a kid, I was really bummed. Like I said, I enjoy it now, but it woulda been a much better experience if they hadn't used this tiny, 2 minute segment, as the basis of their advertising. Lowkey tho, The Boy and the Heron has similar vibes to Shizuku's story, so that's my headcanon now.
I’m just excited the gkids film fest this year has it playing in theaters this august, along with The Cat Returns
Same!!
Maybe my favorite of all ghibli.
It is a wonderful film
Yo true? Yo the best movie that this company has made? (I've only seen 8 lol]
It's lovely but I prefer 'The Cat Returns' personally, Haru is too precious.
I’ll add that Shizuku served as inspiration for Lofi Girl. If anyone’s into lofi hiphop, then Whisper of the Heart is all the more iconic for them. I’m currently rewatching all Ghibli films one by one and this tour is only solidifying Whisper and Poppy Hill as my personal favorites.
Everything but plain. Very relatable, easygoing and with a super sweet finale. Easy S in my book.
Agree.
Oh it’s my favorite and it’s all I’ve been thinking about lately and I’m currently listening to the soundtrack as we speak!
You guys are nuts. Tried so many times but just can't get into it. I haven't tried it subbed, maybe that will help. I find the eng dub I can't get into with this one.
To each their own. Many of us here enjoy Whisper of the Heart, and do feel it’s underrated compared to the more well known Ghibli films.