Ponyo

Ponyo is a visual feast. The animation of Hayo Miyazaki delights and thrills. The story of a boy who finds a little fish with big dreams is both sweet and a little edgy. The boy's parents aren't perfect, neither are Ponyo's. The infusion of magic is just enough, and when things get intense the reward is worth it. At the climax of the film, the emotion is intense and I saw a well-meaning Grandma try to remove her 4ish grandson from the theater. The boy refused to leave and I'm glad because the resolution of the film is a happy one. This story addresses family, aging, pollution, care-taking and true love. Well done!