From Up On Poppy Hill (Kokuriko-zaka Kara) is a 2011 Japanese animated movie directed by Gorō Miyazaki and made by Studio Ghibli. The movie is based on a 1980 manga by Tetsuro Sayama and Chizuru Takahashi. It’ a heart touching story set in Japan after World War II, mixing themes of old traditions, new changes, and young love. The film shows Studio Ghibli’s talent for creating beautiful and emotional stories.
Plot Overview
The story takes place in 1963 in the busy port town of Yokohama, as Japan gets ready for the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics. During this time, the country is focused on modernizing and moving forward. The main character is Umi Matsuzaki, a hardworking 16-year-old girl who lives in her family’s boarding house, Coquelicot Manor, on a hill overlooking the harbor. Every morning, Umi raises signal flags that say I pray for safe voyages, in memory of her father who died in the Korean War.
Umi’s life changes when she meets Shun Kazama, a lively 17-year-old boy who is trying to save their school’s old clubhouse, the Latin Quarter, from being torn down. As Umi and Shun work together to save the clubhouse, they discover they share a connection from the past and start to develop feelings for each other. This leads to a heartwarming story about their family ties and growing romance.
Themes
From Up On Poppy Hill beautifully shows the importance of keeping old memories alive while embracing new changes. The Latin Quarter symbolizes cultural heritage and shared memories, standing against the rapid modernization happening in Japan. Umi, Shun, and their friends’ efforts to save the clubhouse highlight the need to value and protect connections to the past while moving forward.
Animation
The movie features stunning hand-drawn animation that brings 1960s Yokohama to life. The detailed cityscapes, from the busy harbor to the cozy interiors of Coquelicot Manor, create an immersive experience. The characters are charming and expressive, capturing the emotional depth of the story with grace.
Voice Acting and Music
The voice acting in From Up On Poppy Hill is excellent. Masami Nagasawa as Umi and Junichi Okada as Shun deliver heartfelt performances, making their journey feel real and touching. The soundtrack, composed by Satoshi Takebe, matches the story beautifully, blending nostalgic tunes with traditional Japanese music to set the right mood.
Personal Thoughts
After watching From Up On Poppy Hill, I was deeply touched by its sweet story and beautiful animation. The film’s themes of family, love, and identity are handled with care and empathy, drawing viewers into Umi and Shun’s world. The historical setting adds richness to the story, making their struggles and victories feel even more meaningful.
One of the best parts of the film is how it balances personal stories with larger social changes. While Umi and Shun’s story is very personal, it also reflects the bigger changes happening in Japan, making their fight to save the Latin Quarter a symbol for Japan’s effort to keep its cultural identity during a time of modernization.
