Whispers of the Heart (Mimi wo sumaseba) [1995]

[miriam_e]

I watched it again last night during dinner. Oh my! I had forgotten what a wonderful movie that is. I had tears of joy at one point -- not because a scene with conflict and tension had turned out good, but because a lovely scene had turned out so utterly wonderful (the scene where the old musicians joined in).

The animation, like the scenery artwork is simply breathtaking. The story finds beauty in the everyday at each turn and breathes life into the normality of its subjects while making their hopes and dreams soar.

It is not a story without conflict or unhappiness, but it's very close. This really has to be one of the most beautiful stories I've ever seen.

Comments

[nosearmy.livejournal.com]

Oh, I didn't realize this is the movie with the two cats who were also in The Cat Returns. I would recommend that one as well, so I will have to check this one out. About a year later I saw Howl's Moving Castle and I thought there were some similarities although they they are very different movies...now I can't recall any specifics.

[miriam-e.livejournal.com]

The cat you mention is the "Baron" -- a cat dressed in clothes, holding a cane. It actually plays a minor part in the Whispers of the Heart story, so the link is quite tenuous. Nevertheless, I'll keep my eye out for The Cat Returns. Thanks. :)