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Studio Ghibli films are renowned for their enchanting storytelling and the sense of magical realism that blows one away. Ghibli’s works not only have breathtaking animation, but they also have extremely profound underlying themes.
Hayao Miyazaki might have won the Oscar twice, but there is one recurring trend in many of Studio Ghibli’s works that has given the studio a bad reputation. The usual way that the themes start to show is after the portrayal of parents as either absent, flawed, or deeply troubled.
This has been a constant, going fromSpirited AwaytoPrincess Mononoke.The parents in the Miyazaki world often fall short of traditional ideals, leaving their children to navigate complex worlds all on their own without any idea or support.
Ponyo depicts the magic of parenthood
Ponyo, Ghibli’s work from 2008 stands out as a rare exception to this pattern. While the movie has a somewhat realisticdepiction of the complexities of parenthood, it definitely respects and celebrates the magic and resilience of the maternal figures.
InPonyo, the story starts off with a fish girl who shares the same name as the title. She dreams of becoming human, and a young boy, Sosuke, befriends her. While the film can be seen as a whimsical fairy tale meant for kids, it subtly explores the transformative power of motherhood and thetrust required from parents while raising children.
For instance, Lisa, Sosuke’s mother, has been given a lot of prominence in the story. She embodies the nurturing yet resilient spirit of motherhood. She is loving but does not curtail her child’s freedom.
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She has the ability to turn a simple packet of instant ramen into a hearty meal for both Sosuke and Ponyo; this can be seen as the power of a mother’s love, always wishing for the safety and happiness of her children.
The struggles of parenthood in a chaotic world
InPonyo, the challenges of parenthood are not just limited to mothers as well. vividly. Fujimoto, Ponyo’s father, is a former human turned sea wizard who has seen the true nature of people and is deeply distrustful of humanity. This leads him to attempt to control Ponyoby using magic to subdue her.
While Fujimoto acts out in this manner due to the fear of the unknown and losing his child, Granmamare, Ponyo’s mother and the goddess of the sea, does the opposite. She wishes for the well-being of her child, trusting humans to care for Ponyo.
This struggle mirrors the real-world difficulties parents face. Parents are going through the phases of growth with their children, always changing and worrying about them. The main problem arises on where to draw the line to protect their children while also allowing them the freedom to grow.
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Ponyoplaces parents at the heart of its narrative, showcasing the importance of getting good care during early childhood while, on the other hand, pointing to the difficulties of being a parent.
You can streamPonyoon Netflix.
Chandra Shekhar
Anime Writer
Articles Published :856
Chandra Shekhar is an Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 800 published articles under his belt. A law student by training but a storyteller at heart, he blends his sharp analysis with a deep love for all things anime. From the old-school Yu Yu Hakusho to the eldritch horrors of Lord of the Mysteries, his knowledge spans decades and genres. When he’s not writing, he’s likely buried in webnovels, silently hoping his favorite ones get the anime adaptation they deserve.
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