While this does have some cool ideas, a positive message about looking after our oceans and some likeable characters, there is a slight feeling that something is missing. I'm a big fan of this film, don't get me wrong, but, it feels too simple. Hayao Miyazaki's films are usually simplistic but they have all these side stories that intertwine to flesh out the worlds. We get a bit of that here but I just feel like it could have used more.
On the other hand, I love the animation. Water especially looks fantastic in this film and the scene with the storm brings such a great sense of motion that you can't help but be entranced. All the characters are likeable, especially Sosuke's mum, Lisa. The best scene in the film for me isn't anything to do with magic or the storm, it's when Sosuke's dad is too busy to come home. You can't help but feel for all involved, every side makes sense and it's easily the most emotional scene in thee film. I just wish we had gotten more of these intensely human moments instead of focusing so much on the more magical side.
Still, in the end this is a cute film with a nice central plot and strong characters, not Miyazaki's strongest work but still enjoyable.
On the other hand, I love the animation. Water especially looks fantastic in this film and the scene with the storm brings such a great sense of motion that you can't help but be entranced. All the characters are likeable, especially Sosuke's mum, Lisa. The best scene in the film for me isn't anything to do with magic or the storm, it's when Sosuke's dad is too busy to come home. You can't help but feel for all involved, every side makes sense and it's easily the most emotional scene in thee film. I just wish we had gotten more of these intensely human moments instead of focusing so much on the more magical side.
Still, in the end this is a cute film with a nice central plot and strong characters, not Miyazaki's strongest work but still enjoyable.