Ranked #1457

Ocean Waves

This is one of the most underrated ghibli movies. It's certainly quite different from the other ghibli movies. It doesn't contain any fantasy and Hayao Miyazaki isn't involved in the production anyhow. It's just a slice of life/drama/romance story, a hell of a good one too. Ocean Waves may be one of the most natural animes I've seen. It doesn't throw in a load of super tragic drama or anything of that kind. It only tells the story of a group of teenagers as they walk the path to adulthood.

The story is takes place in Kochi, Japan, a small town by the sea. Morisaku Taku and Matsuno Yutaka are two ordinary high schoolers and best friends. In the middle of the semester a city girl named Muto Rikako transfers to Matsuno's class. As the class representative he has to show her around school and that's how they get know each other, soon enough Morisaku is introduced to her. Muto has quite a hard time getting into the class. She's talented at sports and studies and quickly becomes popular, but that changes as many of the girls get envious of her and she becomes known for being a snob.

The art and animations are really good. No different from any other works from studio ghibli. If your fond of the typical 90s animations you will definitely like the art in this one. The characters looks typically ghibli, but the design is quite different. It doesn't "re-use" the same main characters as many ghibli movies seem to do. Not just only the way they look. The personalities are really different too. Morisaku is just the ordinary kind and honest guy, the one that is always there to help. Matsuno is the reliable best friend that's very respected by Morisaku. Muto is kind of spoiled and self-centered. She acts very tough though she's actually pretty sensitive. I think the characters develop great and I could really tell how they've matured through time.

The music was really good, very calm and fitting. It set the right mood. Voice acting is also very well done. The only thing I can complain about is the sound quality at times but it could have been fansub group's doing.

I enjoyed this movie a lot. It's just a charming and relaxing story that will make you smile. It's not super romantic just very sweet at times. It's one of those stories that make you wish for the characters happiness. Anyone who loves a down to earth, short love story will enjoy this movie and if you enjoyed Whisper of the heart you may like this one. read more

Going into Ocean Waves, it's not likely easy to grasp. It's a Ghibli film, but it doesn't involve Miyazaki at all. It's a 100% realistic slice-of-life film that might even be hard to understand. The story pretty much follows two good friends and the girl who enters their lives and turns them upside-down. It's one of the rare movies that has drama and romance, but puts them in a light where they aren't dramatic or romantic, but just part of the flow of life. In the end, the movie is about (as it explains itself) how when a person's world is very small, the things that happen in it can seem like they mean everything when they are really silly or even as much as flippant. It's easy to go into the film expecting a straightforward plot, especially when there seems to be an obvious love triangle forming, but what we get instead is something much more realistic and less obvious. The relationships are never, ever cut and dry and while the events which transpire shape people's actions and emotions, there are no huge pivotal points where a relationship takes on a certain definition. Like in real life, things can be left open-ended, and threads can be untied and retied as people gain a greater understanding of their feelings. It's also one of the few movies where characters really, truly develop all-around from every experience. As I've said, the movie can be hard to get into, but if you accept it for what it is and truly appreciate the message, it can be a wonderfully enriching experience.

ART
It's studio Ghibli. That should be all I have to say.

SOUND
The musical pieces were wonderful and the voice acting was great. It's not a tracklist I immediately think to download, but then I don't get that much into this style of music.

CHARACTER
The characters are definitely one of the most important elements of Ocean Waves. The main character guy is just great. He's a pretty normal guy, but he's sensible and he's the kind of person who steps forth and gets things done. His best friend is just the kind of guy I'd love to have as a best friend. The leading female is incredibly human, and she fits her role to a T. I could go into detail, but really, you should just watch the movie and see for yourself.

ENJOYMENT
I was taken aback by how much I enjoyed this movie. I admit to have questioned it a bit when halfway through it hadn't really pulled out a plot, but I settled in and realized that I was missing the point. The ending was brilliant and tied everything together in a way that it was unforgettable and a nearly moving experience. Strangely, this movie didn't fill me with any emotion - that wasn't it's goal. It just entertained and satisfied and that was all I could want.

OVERALL
A 10 out of 10, definitely what I'd consider a timeless classic. It's certainly not for everyone, but those who can appreciate it will undoubtedly keep it in their heart. read more