by Clive Lee

In short, “The Wind Rises” is Miyazaki’s ultimate masterpiece.

“The Wind Rises” is a fictionalized, animated biopic about the designer of the famed World War II fighter plane, the Zero. As is common with animation director Hayao Miyazaki, the movie melds the everyday-relatable with touches of fantasy – and the result is pure genius.

Aptly eschewing the more controversial aspects of the period, the tale focuses on more innate human desires  – the yearning to fly.

Afflicted with poor vision since childhood, Jiro is unable to become a pilot – but can still design the planes he wishes to fly. With free-ranging imagination and metaphoric dreams, the tale takes us through the defining moments of his life.

***spoilers follow***

As a young boy, Jiro climbs onto the roof of his home, where a mock aircraft fuselage is affixed to the shingles. He climbs in and delves into a spellbinding fantasy sequence where he envisions soaring among the clouds and a multitude of planes. In his dream he meets Caproni, a famed Italian aircraft designer whom he idolizes. The figure becomes a spirit guide and constant companion.

The Great Kanto Earthquake is portrayed not with deafening explosions of Hollywood shock-and-awe, but with an ominous, almost somber feel. As an adult, Jiro derives inspiration from the curve of a mackerel bone during lunch, using the shape in designing a plane wing. There is a touching courtship, then trials and tribulations — widespread poverty in Japan, his wife falls ill with tuberculosis, and a design flaw leads to a tremendous crash on the test yard. Harrowing and heartfelt, the viewer can’t help but share in the odyssey.

Emotionally evocative, the movie instills a sense of wonder. It’s stunning, breathtaking, and touching all at the same time. This fantasy-tinged biopic isn’t one to miss.

Coral’s Conclusion: Five out of five stars. ^_^

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlaW8-...

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