The film From Up on Poppy Hill (コクリコ坂から) was released in 2011 by Studio Ghibli, directed by Gorō Miyazaki (son of Hayao Miyazaki). This film is notable for its more realistic themes, focusing on the lives of students in Japan during the early 1960s, with touches of romance and nostalgia.
Plot Summary
The story follows a girl named Umi, a high school student in Yokohama, who works to save a school club threatened with closure due to modernization. She meets Alfred, a student from Tokyo, and a friendship and romantic relationship develop between them while they uncover family secrets that connect them.
Main Themes
| Theme | Manifestations in the Film |
|---|---|
| Nostalgia | Youth memories and the Japanese environment in the post-war period. |
| Belonging and Identity | Facing social and family challenges. |
| Friendship and Love | Building strong relationships during adolescence. |
| Tradition and Modernization | The struggle to preserve the past amid modern change. |
Visual and Sound Aesthetics
Realistic artwork of cities and natural scenes, reflecting daily life details.
Warm and calm colors that evoke the 1960s atmosphere.
Music by Akira Kosemura adds an emotional and nostalgic tone to the film.
Production and Reception
The film was well received by critics and audiences, especially praised for its accurate period portrayal and detailed depiction of traditional Japanese life, with a well-crafted story and developed characters. It is considered one of the films that skillfully blends realism and romance.
Why Watch It Now?
To gain a better understanding of life in Japan in the post-war era.
To experience a warm and relatable coming-of-age story.
To enjoy Studio Ghibli’s realistic and richly detailed animation.