Watch The Wind Rises

The Wind Rises is a 2013 Japanese animated drama film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, and tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, a struggling young man who dreams of becoming an airplane designer. Set in Japan before and during World War II, the movie is loosely based on the life of the real-life airplane designer, Jiro Horikoshi, who designed planes for the Japanese Empire during World War II.

The movie follows Jiro from his youth in the 1920s to his success as an airplane designer in the 1930s. Along the way, he meets the love of his life, Naoko Satomi, and together they navigate the challenges of love and war. The movie also delves into the politics of the time, including the rise of fascism in Japan and the country's increasing militarization.

The animation in The Wind Rises is breathtakingly beautiful, as is typical of Studio Ghibli films. The attention to detail in the characters and the settings is astounding, making the world of the movie feel fully realized and immersive. The film's score, composed by Joe Hisaishi, is also excellent, perfectly capturing the emotional undercurrents of the story.

The voice cast is fantastic as well, with Hideaki Anno delivering an emotive performance as Jiro, and Miori Takimoto bringing a sense of vulnerability to Naoko. Hidetoshi Nishijima is also excellent as Honjo, Jiro's friend and colleague.

One of the film's most moving themes is the idea of pursuing one's dreams, even in the face of adversity. Jiro has a passion for airplane design that he refuses to give up on, even as he faces numerous setbacks and obstacles. The movie conveys a sense of the beauty and wonder that can be found in pursuing one's creativity, even in a world that is often dark and destructive.

The film's exploration of the political context of the time is also nuanced and complex. It raises questions about the morality of wartime engineering, and whether it is possible for creativity to exist outside of political contexts. Miyazaki takes a critical view of the military-industrial complex, portraying it as corrupt and inhumane, yet he also shows a fascination with the beauty of machines and technology.

The Wind Rises is not without its flaws, however. The pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the movie's lack of a clear moral stance on wartime technology frustrating. Additionally, the film may be quite emotional for some viewers, particularly in its portrayal of Naoko's illness.

Overall, The Wind Rises is a beautiful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of creativity, love, and war. The animation is stunning, the voice acting is excellent, and the story is told with sensitivity and nuance. Fans of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki's previous work will not be disappointed, and those who are new to his films will find a powerful and resonant story.

The Wind Rises is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 83.