Whisper of the Heart

“Whisper of the Heart” was released in Japan in 1995. It’s not the studio’s most admired film, but is a noteworthy part of the company however, for areas like being one of the few Ghibli films not directed by Miyazaki. Instead, Yoshifumi Kondo, once Miyazaki’s assistant and presumably successor, is in charge. (This was Kondo’s first and only film he directed, since he passed away a few years afterwards). Miyazaki may not be the one in charge, nor is the story his at all (credit goes also to Aoi Hiragi, author of the manga that the movie is based on), but his marks is all over the film. He was the film’s producer and made the screenplay and storyboards.

The story is about Shizuku, a middle school student who only is interested in school. When she’s not worried about her high school entrance exams (remember, this is the Japanese education system) or trying to be a songwriter, she loves to read fantasy novels at fast speed. Aaron Wallace said in his review, “It's the latter activity that introduces a series of events that lead her to re-evaluate her self-worth and life goals in light of those first two hobbies.”

While looking through her most recent library rentals, Shizuku sees that a frequent reader with the last name of Amasawa has checked out each book she has been reading herself. Interested, she tries to find out who this mysterious person could be but is soon distracted when she follows a curious cat riding on the bus without an owner. This takes her to a boutique shop where the owner, Mr. Nishi, a kind, older man who has so many antiques for Shizuku, among them being a statue of a cat named The Baron. There’s so much story behind The Baron and several other antiques in the store, stories that make possible Shizuku’s searching for a talent when she is encouraged by Mr. Nishi and his grandson, Seiji, who notices both Shizuku’s picture and her fury.

Wallace said, “Whisper of the Heart embraces its contemporary setting, something that Walt Disney's classics rarely did.” Twenty two years later, it hasn’t aged, but if it will age is a question. (The constant singing of John Denver’s classic Country Roads, Take Me Home does seem a little strange, but not inappropriate). Sometimes a bit awkward in its pacing, the story spends a lot of time on romance and maybe not enough on the mysteries that make the earlier scenes of the film so interesting. The end result to the romantic storyline definitely feels abrupt to say the least. Wallace said, “Still, none of those drawbacks spoil the end result, and stirring poignancy doesn't seem to be the goal.” One exciting scene is where The Baron and Shizuku’s imagination (supposedly directed by Miyazaki) leaves the viewer wanting more of those fantastical moments, but the engaging story stays likable, if not immediately lovable.

The English voice cast includes so many celebrities, TV stars: David Gallagher from “7^th Heaven,” Ashley Tisdale, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Martin Spanjers and Jean Smart are in the main supporting cast and all do a great job. As the main protagonist, Brittany Snow is a little dull, along with her character sometimes. Cary Elwes comes back briefly to voice The Baron, after having done the same character in “The Cat Returns,” a spin-off of “Whisper of the Heart.” The best voice actor in here, hands down, is Harold Gould. He brings warmth and energy to Mr. Nishi, whose role in the movie is the mentor and sage, which is so needed.

Wallace ended his review by saying, “My first impression of Studio Ghibli has been a favorable one. Whisper of the Heart isn't a perfect or life-changing movie, but it's entirely likable despite a few shortcomings. It flirts with the wonderment that I gather to be Miyazaki's hallmark, but is mostly reserved in that regard. This leads me to think that newcomers like myself might want to try out another Ghibli flick first, but then, Whisper made a fine introduction for me.”

I will say that this is a good movie that everyone should check out. It’s another one of those feel good, slice-of-life romances that is actually very sentimental and sweet for people to check out. I liked the characters, the story and, as always, the animation, especially in the imagination segment with Shizuku and The Baron. Just sit tight to know what I thought of “The Cat Returns,” because we will get to that one soon enough. Don’t skip this one if you want to watch the “Studio Ghibli” films.

Now I’m really excited for tomorrow because I will be looking at another one of my absolute favorites that was made by this company. It’s actually my second favorite. Just stay tuned to find out tomorrow in my continuation of “Studio Ghibli Month.”