Ponyo (2008)

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008) is a warm, whimsical animated adventure from Studio Ghibli that blends childlike wonder with gentle environmental and emotional themes. The story follows five-year-old Sōsuke, who lives with his mother on a seaside cliff. When he rescues a trapped goldfish princess named Ponyo, she uses her father’s magic to become a human girl and instantly falls in love with him. Their innocent bond, however, upsets the balance between land and sea, unleashing rising tides and fantastical chaos that the children must face. Watching Ponyo is a richly sensory experience: hand-drawn, fluid animation and vivid, watercolor-like colors bring ocean life and stormy skies to life, while a playful, lyrical score enhances the film’s sense of wonder. The tone shifts effortlessly between light comedy and moments of high-stakes awe, offering both belly laughs and surprisingly tender, heartfelt scenes. Viewers can expect a family-friendly tale that appeals to kids with its lovable characters and magical transformations, yet also resonates with adults through its themes of love, responsibility, and nature’s fragile balance. Ponyo is a joyful, uplifting ride—imaginative, soothing, and visually enchanting—that leaves you smiling and a little moved by the power of simple friendship and courage.

Actors: Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Runtime: 101 min

Genres: Adventure, Animation, Comedy

86 /100 7.6 /10 8.1 /10