The movie Ponyo is an animated Japanese film by Studio Ghibli and its director Hayao Miyazaki. The movie is about how a young boy becomes friends with a fish that possesses human-like features and behavior and decides to name her Ponyo. In the film, Ponyo temporarily becomes human after tasting human blood and has a strong desire to permanently become human just like the boy. However, there are many obstacles and steps to finally achieve this dream. The film is anime-style, with beautiful and vibrant visuals that make the movie very aesthetically pleasing. The movie is very memorable and has been my favorite movie ever since I first watched it. Ponyo is a touching film that is moving through its great story and pretty colors.

1: Something very interesting about this film is the unique story of it. I find it very interesting along with the colorful visuals of it. It is very different from any other movie I have watched especially because of the setting of the story taking place in a town in Japan surrounded by water. There are so many important characters that all make up the story and create strong bonds throughout the movie. One of the main characters Ponyo, shows incredible dedication to achieve her dream and goes through a lot even though she is only a little girl.

2: What stands out the most is that Ponyo and Sosuke, the boy, come from two different worlds, yet the children go through many challenges to unite forever. Not only do they do this, but since they are children, their parents are bound to get involved. So, throughout the movie their parents are involved with their children, protecting them as well as trying to teach them that they must work for these large decisions as well as giving them the independence and opportunity to do things themselves

3: Some things that repeat are many characters in the story not willing to accept Ponyo. They judge her as a fish and show fear toward her since she is not your usual fish. They say mean things about her, yet Sosuke constantly defends her. Additionally, Ponyo and Sosuke throughout the movie go against rules in order to protect each other, unite, and reach the goal they have agreed on. It is mutual how emotional and strong their feelings can get. In contrast, Ponyo’s father is not in favor of his daughter’s dream, because it would mean almost losing his daughter. But Ponyo’s mother tries to help him understand that she is growing and needs to make decisions for herself too.

4&5: If children were given the opportunity to make more of their own decisions, what lengths would they go? Would this make them more independent and mature? Would they create stronger values?