Ocean Waves, also called I Can Hear the Sea, is a hidden gem from Studio Ghibli. Directed by Tomomi Mochizuki and based on a novel by Saeko Himuro, this film is different from the usual Ghibli movies. Instead of magic and fantasy, it focuses on real-life teenage experiences. But is Ocean Waves worth watching? Let’s find out.
Story and Characters
Ocean Waves tells the story of Taku Morisaki and his complicated feelings for Rikako Muto, a new student from Tokyo. Set in the beautiful town of Kōchi, the story is shown through Taku’s memories of high school. The movie explores themes like friendship, hidden feelings, and the ups and downs of being a teenager.
The characters feel real and relatable. Taku is an ordinary high school boy whose life changes when Rikako arrives. Rikako is smart and athletic but also has a difficult personality and family issues. The interactions between Taku, Rikako, and Taku’s best friend Yutaka Matsuno create the main drama of the story, showing the conflicts and misunderstandings that often happen in teenage friendships and first loves.
Animation and Art Style
The animation in Ocean Waves isn’t as flashy as some other Ghibli films, but it’s still beautiful. Katsuya Kondō, who also worked on Kiki’s Delivery Service, designed the characters and scenes with a gentle touch. The town of Kōchi looks charming and nostalgic, fitting well with the story’s mood. Even though the animation is simpler compared to Ghibli’s big movies, it’s still impressive for a TV movie and captures the characters’ emotions well.
Themes and Nostalgia
One of the best parts of the film is how it makes you feel nostalgic. The story about everyday life and teenage emotions feels very real, especially if you remember feeling confused or having a crush in high school. The realistic way it shows school life, from exciting trips to the pain of a crush, makes Ocean Waves a touching story about growing up.
Pacing and Storytelling
However, Ocean Waves does have some problems. Sometimes the movie feels slow, and other times it goes too fast. The way the story jumps back and forth in time can be a bit confusing at first. Also, the ending feels a bit rushed and might leave you wanting more closure.
Personal Opinion
I found it to be a nice change from the usual Ghibli movies. The realistic story and relatable characters drew me in, and the simple animation added to its charm. While it doesn’t have the magic of movies like Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro, it’s a heartfelt story about growing up and feeling nostalgic. If you like Studio Ghibli or enjoy stories about teenage life, Ocean Waves is worth watching.
In short, Ocean Waves is a good anime to watch. It’s a quiet and thoughtful film that shows the beauty of being young and the challenges of growing up. If you’re into character-driven stories and realistic portrayals of teenage life, give Ocean Waves a try.
