The Wind Rises
Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 8:30 pm
I saw the subtitled version in theaters this week. I thought the beginning was great, but it went downhill as the film progressed. The political commentary became increasingly muted as the characters got more and more involved with the military. By the end of the film, it almost seems to be excusing Jiro's role in making the war even deadlier. This is very surprising considering the events that have been unfolding in Japan recently, and Miyazaki's own views on the current government's plan for remilitarization.
Indeed, when I read that interview last summer, I thought that he chose Jiro as a subject precisely so that he could respond to current events. Parts of the film speak to this, but unfortunately, a big part of that message seems to have been left on the cutting room floor. Indeed, there's been some poor responses to this film in Korea because it's easy to see the film as writing off the horrible nature of Imperial Japan.
Has anyone else seen it? What did you think? I know there are some big Ghibli fans here, so I'd love to hear your opinions.
Indeed, when I read that interview last summer, I thought that he chose Jiro as a subject precisely so that he could respond to current events. Parts of the film speak to this, but unfortunately, a big part of that message seems to have been left on the cutting room floor. Indeed, there's been some poor responses to this film in Korea because it's easy to see the film as writing off the horrible nature of Imperial Japan.
Has anyone else seen it? What did you think? I know there are some big Ghibli fans here, so I'd love to hear your opinions.