This is probably Hayao Miyazaki’s most childlike film, even more-so than MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO. It is stuffed with childlike glee and wonder. The colors and even the animation style compliment this. It is strange because it feels like the design and artwork of most Miyazaki’s films while also being not as detailed and without using as many edges or various colors. It all just feels so simple. The whole thing goes across as magical, especially with the Ocean creatures and the underwater stuff. In typical Miyazaki fashion — this is a love letter to nature. It really feels like he was inspired by the tsunami that hit India in 2004. I’m sure it even resonated more in Japan after the big 2011 Tsunami there as well. Aside from all that though, this is one of the most innocent and wonderful love stories put onto screen — this is mostly due to the main characters being five year-olds. It just makes everything all the more pure.
