Ponyo

Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Produced by: Toshio Suzuki
Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
Cast: Tomoko Yamaguchi, Kazushige Nagashima, Yuki Amami, George Tokoro, Yuria Nara, Hiroki Doi, Rumi Hiiragi, Akiko Yano, Kazuko Yoshiyuki, Tomoko Naraoka
Based on: The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen
Music by: Joe Hisaishi
Released: July 19, 2008

Notes: Master Hayao Miyazaki tells a wonderful story for the whole family. Filled with strong positive characters and fanciful story twists. The story centres on a journey of self deicsovery. The story deals with the friendship between afive year old boy Sosuki and a goldfish who dreams of being human. She is the daughter of the King of the Ocean. So essentially she is no ordiinary goldfish. She gains the name Ponyo when the boy saves her and than gives her the name. It's through the friendship between the two that Ponyo works hard on fulfilling her dream of becoming completely human.

Ponyo uses some of her natural magic to change herself into a 5 year old girl and shows up at the front door of her new found friend Sosuki. Finding comfort and acceptance in to the family. While Ponyo looks like she has found a place to call home, things begin the go topsy turvey in the rest of the world. A fish walking around on dry land ends up causing an embalance in the world. It will take help from the greatest powers in the ocean to return things to their proper balance once again.

This is a joy to watch and one I'm sure you will enjoy with all the kids in your home. Both big and small.

M J Flack