From up on Poppy Hill

Directed by: Goro Miyazaki
Produced by: Toshio Suzuki
Cast: Masami Nagasawa, Junichi Okada, Keiko Takeshita, Yuriko Ishida, Jun Fubuki, Takashi Naito, Shunsuke Kazama, Nao Omori Teruyuki Kagawa
Based on: Kokuriko-zaka kara by Chizuru Takahashi Tetsuro Sayama
Music by: Satoshi Takebe
Released: July 16 2011

Notes: In a time when anime are mass produced with a range of cliches and naughty inuendos it nice to be able to watch one that is full of fun twists and turns and the budding of young love. This has been beautifully written and created. There are a mirrioade of smaller stories woven neatly within the overall film. Such as the students fight to save their beloved clubhouse from being demolished to make way for progress.

The two protagonsists are equally ballanced and feel real to character. From a young platonic love comes the nurturing growth of something deeper. Yet there are obstacles and hidden pasts to be overcome before the two can find their way together.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the film. With it's multi leveled stories and sub plots. As well as the twists and turns in the romantic storyline. Really something to be enjoyed by romantics of all ages.

M J Flack