Even in its most effervescent forms, Miyazaki’s work begs to differ. —DE
It also helps that Ponyo’s bond with our human pal Sōsuke is one of the most accurately relentless depictions of five-year-old friendship ever committed to film (parents know), and that the sheer vibrancy of the animation is still unrivaled by any of Studio Ghibli’s other work. Sure, “Ponyo” may lack the emotional complexity of Miyazaki’s greater masterpieces, but none of those movies end with a Noah Cyrus/Frankie Jonas duet. “You can’t be human and magic at the same time,” little Ponyo is told. Even in its most effervescent forms, Miyazaki’s work begs to differ. —DE