Knowing full well that this movie is targeting small kids and will therefore not be as thought-provoking as "Spirited away", I went to watch it because it is Hayao Miyazaki. In a way, his 2-D, CGI-free screens are even more aesthetically absorbing than 3-D Pixar. The Japanese language version, while more authentic, has the drawback of subtitles vying with the beautiful, detail-rich screen for you attention. But then, Tomoko Yamaguchi's voice is so wonderful as the absolutely adorable mother Lisa.
To say that Miyazaki excels in creative imagination is like saying the sun rises in the east. What is so exceptional about this man is that he also gives you, the audience, room for your own imagination. Even a kids' movie like "Ponyo" is no exception.
In addition to imagination, there is also thought association. While the obvious, declared association is with Anderson's "Little Mermaid", there are other associations abound. The menacing ocean echoes Frank Schatzing's Sci-fi thriller "The swarm". The rejuvenation process easily brings to mind the wonderful movie "Cocoon" (1985). And then, the background music when Ponyo is running on top of towering waves resembles Ride of the Valkries. From a quick glimpse of the subtitle, Ponyo's original name seems to be Brunnhilde (or very close to it) in The Ring Cycle, and she only has sisters. Maybe it's just me, but could there be an Wagnerian subconscious in the movie-making?
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