Kaze Tachinu (The Wind Rises)

The Wind Rises (Kaze Tachinu)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
In US Cinemas February 21st, 2014
In UK Cinemans May 9th, 2014

Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli had taken the opportunity at the 70th Venice Film Festival to announce his retirement.  His work with Studio Ghibli and its beautiful classic anime style and stories have fascinated and moved audiences for nearly 30 years.  After nearly 20 films, Miyazaki bows out with his final effort Kaze Tachinu (The Wind Rises).  We are reviewing this film based on the Japanese language version of the film which was screened at the 70th Venice Film Festival.  There is also an English language release available.

After such a prolific career, it is sad that this will be Miyazaki’s last film, not only because he has done such honorable work in his time, but also because this film is not of the same calibre as his previous work.  In fact, both of us reviewers fell asleep and left the cinema before the screening had finished.  I did not expect this to happen as I am generally a fan of Miyazaki’s work, but this film’s slow pace, lengthy duration and lack of plot had us suffering.  There are beautiful moments as one would expect from a Miyazaki film with the visuals and audio working together artistically and stunningly.  Alas, it was not enough to keep us going, and sadly, I am no longer wanting more from Miyazaki and wish him well in his retirement.