Umi ga Kikoeru

In the city of Kouchi, high school student Taku Morisaki is going about his work when his friend Yutaka Matsuno calls and asks him to get to their school as soon as possible. Taku arrives, and Matsuno introduces him to Rikako Muto, a beautiful girl from Tokyo who recently transferred to their school. Although Rikako is academically and athletically gifted, her generally unpleasant attitude leaves her with virtually no friends outside of Matsuno and another girl from her class.

After a chance encounter during their class trip, Taku suddenly finds himself more involved in Rikako's personal life, much to Matsuno's dismay. Struggling to balance his friendship with Matsuno and his own budding infatuation for Rikako, Taku must come to terms with his feelings and understand how a girl with a troubled past is having such a massive effect on his life.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Morisaki, Taku Main

Tobita, Nobuo Japanese

Muto, Rikako Main

Sakamoto, Youko Japanese

Matsuno, Yutaka Main

Seki, Toshihiko Japanese

Shimizu, Akiko Supporting

Amano, Yuri Japanese

Morisaki Taku's Mother Supporting

Satou, Ai Japanese

Mrs. Okami Supporting

Suzuki, Reiko Japanese

Apprentice Supporting

Seki, Tomokazu Japanese

Okada Supporting

Kanemaru, Junichi Japanese

Kawamura Supporting

Tokumaru, Kan Japanese

Kohama, Yumi Supporting

Araki, Kae Japanese

Mochizuki, Tomomi Director, Storyboard, Theme Song Lyrics

Urakami, Yasuo Sound Director

Murata, Kazuya Episode Director

Niwa, Keiko Script

Reviews

Feb 21, 2009

Strife91

Recommended

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.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Aug 5, 2009

Kurremkarmerruk

Mixed Feelings

Ocean Waves is not trying to be anything more than it is, and what it is, is absolutely fine. The story moves very smoothly and the perspective of our young protagonist Taku is set lucid immediately, showing classic hero potential in challenging his school on a decision he finds unfair. He is rational, hard working and emotionally moral. He takes a sight of Rikako, a fiery, athletic beauty and childishly does not realise that he is mad about her, fine, however:-

As a strong upholder of ROMANCE, Ocean Waves is not critical enough in delivering the heart wrenching moments which it clearly builds up for, as ... the characters are endearing and well developed in emotional integrity. For me, it borders irritatingly on adolescent, as there are far too many missed opportunities for real love to blossom on screen. It would be argued that this is not what the film or original story ever set about doing, however, one cannot help but feel bitter not seeing the climax of humanity's better emotions, in neither words or embrace.

A friend of mine said that Studio Ghibli is practically a Japanese Disney, and with this in some area's I would wholly agree, though I have found at times all of their films to be incredibly mature and perhaps beyond the reach of younger audiences. Ocean Waves is no exception to this, as the ever impending love anti-climax is noticeable only when it's too late to be called subtle.

It is high school, she is a vulnerable beauty, for God's sake man, kiss her, just do it, do you not realise that she wants you to?

It makes me wonder, is it worth dedicating your own emotions to more than capable story lines if there are not fire works at the end, merely a screeching bottle rocket, slowly fading into a dismal silent fart.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Jul 12, 2013

Stillwaters

Not Recommended

Honestly, I think this was one giant, spectacular flop. You're constantly waiting for something to happen, and then its over. There is absolutely no plot at all, no arc. Stuff just happens.

The main character is a complete doormat, she treats him like a sucker and he KEEPS TAKING IT. Every encounter they have, she takes advantage of him and insults him, she's rude and condescending. Then, at the end, all of a sudden they have some sort of bond and he's wistfully thinking about her, realizing that he's "crazy" about her. Of course the movie ends right there though. Don't bother fleshing that out.

I ... honestly don't understand why people liked this. I can appreciate slow plots, but NO PLOT?? NOTHING EVER HAPPENS!!!

Reviewer’s Rating: 3

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	Poll: Umi ga Kikoeru Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Veethorn - Nov 8, 2009	95 replies	by shirley1994 »» Jun 27, 3:58 AM
	Change the Entry Picture request RandomGuyScott - Aug 23, 2022	4 replies	by Y_O_U_V_A »» Aug 22, 2023 3:16 AM
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