The Wind Rises

The Wind Rises is a 2013 Japanese animated historical drama film, directed and co-produced by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. The film stars Hideaki Anno, Hidetoshi Nishijima, and Miori Takimoto in leading roles. The film is not your regular light-hearted animation, but rather a compelling biographical drama, narrating the tale of a man whose imagination took him beyond the boundaries of time. It is a fictionalized biography of Jiro Horikoshi, designer of the fighter planes that Japan used during World War II, with a focus on his passion for aircraft design.

The film begins with the principal character, Jiro (voiced by Hideaki Anno), dreaming of flying and designing marvelous flying machines. Despite being myopic, which prevents him from becoming a qualified pilot, Jiro's love for planes does not fade. Instead, he channels it into the sphere of engineering and architectural marvels that could challenge the wind itself. As he grows older, he is inspired by the Italian aeronautical designer Caproni. These dreams and aspirations shape Jiro's future as he decides to dedicate his life to designing aircraft.

Portrayed as a man of intellect and resilience, Jiro heads towards university to pursue his dream during the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. His journey is portrayed realistically, with the natural disaster leaving an impactful beginning on his journey. In one of the unexpected turns of events, he meets Naoko (voiced by Miori Takimoto), a young girl whom he rescues during the earthquake aftermath, leaving a significant impression on him. Their encounter drives part of the narrative, adding a layer of emotional complexity to it.

While Jiro climbs up the ladder in his professional life, he is confronted with numerous challenges. Finding the perfect balance between technical superiority and artistic design becomes his most exceptional task. The film shows the evolution of his groundbreaking yet controversial designs that ultimately lead to the creation of the A6M World War II fighter plane, also known as 'Zero.'

Jiro's life later intersects again with Naoko and their shared moments provide a heart-rending emotional aspect to the film. While the story is full of earnest scientific pursuit and profound romantic subplots, it doesn't shy away from the ethical questions that Jiro's work raises. The film subtly hints at Jiro's moral conflict over his creations being used for war. The introduction of characters such as his colleague Honjo (Hidetoshi Nishijima) and his boss Kurokawa offer multiple perspectives on the matter, bridging the gap between aspiration and the harsh reality of warfare.

The Wind Rises remains faithful to its historical context. The setting is depicted beautifully, capturing the period from the early 1900s through the end of World War II. The film encompasses significant historical events and their impact on Japanese society, depicting a nation grappling with modernization, a shadow of impending war, and the growing fervor of nationalism.

One of the fundamental aspects of the film is its excellent animation. The combination of 2D and 3D animation, coupled with extraordinary attention to detail, brings out the beauty of both natural phenomena and mechanical designs alike. The sound design is phenomenal, using human voices to mimic mechanical sounds ingeniously, adding another layer to the atmospheric experience of the film.

Despite being labeled as an animated film, The Wind Rises is an emotionally complex movie that draws out deep emotions and asks profound questions. It is a tribute to the spirit of innovation and ambition, and also a subtle examination of the ethics and implications of technological advancement, making it a remarkable narrative for adult audiences.

Through the touching and compelling story of Jiro, we see Miyazaki's own reflections on creation, responsibility, and legacy. The Wind Rises serves as a bittersweet farewell to Hayao Miyazaki's phenomenal career in animation, epitomizing his legendary storytelling and stunning animation while reminding us of the unintended consequences of human creativity. With engaging characters, detailed animation, and a poignant story, the film leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-watch for animation and history enthusiasts alike.