From Up on Poppy Hill Movie Review: Was one scene away from becoming taboo 😂

From Up on Poppy Hill is probably a lesser known Studio Ghibli film that was released in 2011 and directed by Hayao Miyazaki’s son, Goro Miyazaki (currently available on HBO Max!). It tells a sweet story of two high schoolers in Japan, set in 1963. At the heart of the story lies the budding romance between Umi and Shun. In addition, they are united in a goal with their classmates to preserve a historic building, the Latin Quarter, on their high school campus.

I thought the story was relaxing to watch, but not exactly ground-breaking or fantastical like Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke. It’s filled with whimsical moments and gorgeous music, making this movie a pleasure to watch aesthetically. For example, the opening scene is a sequence of Umi making breakfast, and even though it’s a simple depiction of everyday life, it fills you with wonder and interest in the character. I also found the art design for the Latin Quarter building to be really fun and charming. In terms of plot, it’s pretty straightforward, and the resolution seems almost too simple and too good to be true. The title of this post sounds a little cryptic, but if you watch this film, you’ll know what I mean. There is nothing in terms of action or drama, but rather slight plot twists and miscommunications that drive the story forward. Because of that, I think the true beauty of the film lies in its gentle animation sequences and subtle emotional moments.

In conclusion…

I think From Up on Poppy Hill is a really sweet story that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While children may be charmed by Umi and Shun’s friendship, adults may find deeper meaning in the subtle ways that post-war Japan is still dealing with the lingering trauma of war. I was charmed by how cute and nostalgic the storyline was, and I’m really glad I took the time to watch this movie! And if anything, the soundtrack will definitely linger with you for a long time :). Here’s a little snippet below!