If you have reasonable expectations and don't mind that the movie seems to have a very slow and meandering plot, then you'll no doubt enjoy this well-made film. However, if you are a bit of a snob and assume that Japanese animated movies are somehow second-rate, then this isn't a movie that will quickly convert you (for that, see MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO or SPIRITED AWAY). Now this isn't meant as a negative criticism, but people who are quick to dismiss films that are different or foreign will probably not change their minds just because of this film because of its very leisurely pace and plot.

The film is essentially a love story between a girl of 15 and a classmate who is bent on leaving the country and learning the craft of violin making. Because this is such an unusual thing to do in Japanese society (where most teens are just about killing themselves studying to get into the best high schools and colleges),this makes his career choice problematic. At the same time, it also makes their slowly blossoming romance very difficult as well.

As I mentioned above, all this is revealed very slowly and gently. Because of this, the film isn't heavy on plot but it also has no cute characters you might expect to find in other full-length cartoons. This sets this movie apart from Disney films but also from most other Studio Gibli productions. There are no spirits, witches, totoros or anthropomorphic pigs to adorn the screen--just very normal people and the film could have been just as easily been made as a live action film. However, I'm glad it was a cartoon, as the artwork is among the finest I've seen in any cartoon. It's good stuff but it's best just to sit back and allow it all to slowly unfold.before your eyes.

Shizuku Tsukishima is a young girl. Her favorite place is the library for the books and where her father worked. She notices the name Seiji Amasawa on the card of every book she signs out. She encounters a boy who infuriates her and made fun of her rewriting lyrics. To her dismay, he turns out to be Seiji. Her best friend Yuko has a crush on a boy but he likes Shizuku instead. One day, she follows a chubby cat from the train to a shop. The shop owner tells her about the cat statue named Baron Humbert von Joekkingen and its lost soulmate Louise. Seiji is trying to learn violin making in Italy. When he gets an interview, Shizuku resolves to test her skills and write a story.

Unlike other Studio Ghibli, this is much more of a teen romance with less of the usual fantasy. There is one dream sequence. This does get the confused adolescent sense and the uncertainty of ambition. It's not the usual Ghibli and one can get a little frustrated when it never comes. It does share Ghibli's general coming-of-age theme.

I was blown away by Whisper of the Heart. It is perhaps slow and simple, but it is also charming and poignant with great characters especially. The animation as always is wonderful, the stunning backgrounds and colours especially look absolutely amazing. And the visual effects are great too and do a great job of enhancing the story. The music is gorgeous and never feels obtrusive, and the song is absolutely lovely. The script is memorable too, while the simple yet very rich story still manages to touch me, as do the beautiful, subtle messaging and great characters here. Shizuku and Seiji are both likable characters with real warmth to them. The voice acting is excellent from all involved, especially Cary Elwes who is perfect as the charming handsome Baron. All in all, stunning and one of my favourites. 10/10 Bethany Cox