I had to check it out because our local theater made such a big deal about it, it possibly being the final Studio Ghibli film by the legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki.
On the one hand, it didn't really move my needle, but on the other hand, I sensed that for many young people, perhaps it captures the spirit/je ne sais quoi of something like 1984's The NeverEnding Story: dreamlike, ethereal, philosophical, magical.
Yeah, I think that's what others feel.
Who knows, maybe you did/do/will feel that too?
I was actually more moved during the pre-show, when our theater ran clips from a documentary about Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli. I'd say if you're interested, check out the doc rather than his actual films! Who knows, maybe that'll be what inspires you to dig deeper into his actual works.
It's called (and quite dramatically, I might add!) The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness.
Miyazaki depressingly pronounces that after his death, Studio Ghibli will die as well, because everything these days is digital and AI.
Let's hope he's wrong about that.
For that reason alone, if the studio DOES release anything else, I'll be first in line to support it.
We must not lose all the old ways of doing things....
