A return to epics

Rating: 10/10 (22 July 2019)

Miyazaki makes his return to creating epics with this film. While I can't say I like it more than "Nausicaä," I can definitely understand why this film was as popular and successful as it was.
Let me just say though, it's probably Miyazaki's darkest, and most pessimistic, film. Severed heads, severed limbs, and a surprising amount of blood amd gore are featured in the film. No problem with this really, but it can be shocking coming off films like, "My Neighbor Totoro."
Miyazaki counters this pessimism with his usual happy ending though, and it makes great use of his two major themes. Love, and respect for nature. In fact, the respect for nature theme may come off as heavy-handed for some, but it never bothered me.
The film also has a wonderful English dub. A classic for a reason! Check it out!