崖の上のポニョ (Gake no Ue no Ponyo), or “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea” is the latest feature film by Hayao Miyazaki, and his ninth with Studio Ghibli. Since it was announced, I have been eager to see it’s release. Fandango has given the movie a US release date of July 19th, 2009.
Though a cast list has already found it’s way to the internet (inluding Matt Damon, Liam Neeson and Tina Fey), I do not wish to see this release. I am a stickler for a subtitled animé over a dubbed one, any day! The cast list is from Ain’t It Cool News.
The story is Miyazaki’s take on a “Little Mermaid”-style story. Ponyo is a mermaid who runs away from her home in the sea, and is rescued by a five year-old boy. Leaving home, she has angered her father, and he sends demons after her. He wants her to return to the sea, but she doesn’t want to.
The story seems as if it can be heartwarming if, equally, heart-rending in it’s own way. If I know anything about Miyazaki’s work (I love his work, so I do know a bit) it is a story about an unbreakable friendship. Even when faced with adversity.
Stills from the movie, as evident by a regular Google search, show breathtaking animation. Miyazaki at his best since “Spirited Away”, in my opinion. Here is a trailer complete with the film’s endearing theme song. I can’t wait for July to come!
