The Wind Rises
dir. Hayao Miyazaki · 2013
Pursuing one's passion can lead to both personal fulfillment and profound challenges in the face of life's uncertainties.
Feature
Artistic Obsession
Mood
Romantic / Melancholic
Look
lush hand-drawn animation with meticulous detail and soft pastels
Structure
linear progression with flashbacks
Plot
A lifelong love of flight inspires Japanese aviation engineer Jiro Horikoshi, whose storied career includes the creation of the A-6M World War II fighter plane.
Why watch
"The Wind Rises" is a breathtaking exploration of dreams and the pursuit of artistry, as it weaves a poignant love story against the backdrop of Japan's tumultuous history. Through stunning visuals and profound emotional depth, Miyazaki invites viewers to reflect on the beauty and burdens of creation.
Cultural context
post-war Japanese identitythe evolution of aviationthe impact of World War II on personal livesthe role of craftsmanship in society