Gake no ue no Ponyo (Ponyo) (2009)
Well, once again Miyazaki has proven to me that he is a master of storytelling (and not to mention animation). Far from the broad, complex, and sometimes grotesque films he's made in the past,
Ponyo is one thing above all: simple. Even in its animation style, Miyazaki has reduced significantly not only the color palate, but the finer artistic detail of his other work. But that is not to say it's not still gorgeous, because it
is, but with his focus so honed in on the two main characters, it's appropriate. What's even better is that he uses the narrative
itself to focus in on the two main characters. There's a quote towards the beginning of the film; Sosuke's (the main boy) mother says to him regarding dinner, "Let's eat dessert first, and work backwards. It's been a backwards sort of day." And that's how I feel about the film. The first act holds all of the action and theatrics, but progressively Miyazaki strips away all the excess around Sosuke and Ponyo, leaving only their relationship and the love between them to witness. There's plenty of back-story hinted at regarding a few of the more important characters, but Miyazaki wisely leaves it at that; mere hints. It's not a their story. It's about Sosuke and Ponyo. And it's a wonderful way to tell a story, especially one so delicate and sincere.
Highly recommended for pretty much anyone. Especially if you've never seen a Miyazaki film on the big screen, because it is a singular, dazzling experience.