Miyazaki’s ‘Ponyo’ Trailer Makes Absolutely No Sense

Posted by Dr. Cole Abaius (cole.abaius@filmschoolrejects.com) on June 23, 2009

ponyo-header

I should point out that the trailer for Ponyo could have been three Japanese men reciting bad translations of 17th century Welsh poetry for four minutes, and I’d still be interested in seeing it. Miyazaki is the Japanese version of Pixar (or more correctly – Pixar is like an American Miyazaki). He continually puts out animated films with epic, complex stories that work for all age-ranges and garner widespread praise. So I have full faith that the filmmaker will deliver yet again with Ponyo – a story adapted from Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Little Mermaid.” When it comes out, it will simply be a matter of seeing where it stacks up against his other films.

But, as you can see by the trailer, there’s no indication of what this movie is actually about:



I think it’s probably the grandiose statement that only Ponyo can save the world that comes at the beginning followed by a bunch of nonsensical scenes of Ponyo running on waves and being giggly that throws me the most. It sounds like imminent danger is afoot and he just wants to surf without a board. Which is pretty much what I did growing up during hurricane season, but I was never a goldfish that turned into a human.

So I’m definitely excited, but now I feel funny. Is there a Japanese trailer somewhere out there that’s better than this? I feel like there has to be.

What do you think?



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  • Chris
    Alright, what's the story behind the "Dr.", Cole? Is it an inside joke that only the Rejects get, or did you actually get a Ph. D in something. Judging from your picture you look to be in your early 20's, so I doubt it....no offense.
  • mlledufarge
    It may not make sense, but it sure does look amazing.
  • nono
    as long as they keep that catchy song from the japanese version...it'll all be ok.
  • Who else got the vibe that Disney is trying to sell this as another Finding Nemo? Just how the trailer is cut reminded me of Pixar's movie.
  • w00t let's keep the streak of detrimental, horrible, and unnecessary celebrity voice acting for Studio Ghibli (and nearly all other anime) rolling! lord knows kids get pissed off when true voice talent dares to sully these animated works. (apologies to Liam Neeson - i like your voice. "Ponyo, listen to me, because what happens next is very important. They're going to take you.")
  • I was unable to find a link to the trailer from this post. Even if I could find it, the ridiculous number of dhtml and pop-up ads on your site would make it difficult to click.
  • Mladen
    Ponyo is a girl... The trailer seems to suggest otherwise...
    I like how Miyazaki's films usually have female lead protagonists. Very rare in western animation or movies in general.

    Hope it doesn't suck as much as Tales from Earthsea.
  • Tales from Earthsea was his son. IIRC Miyazaki claimed he was disappointed with it too
  • Correction: Studio Ghibli is the Japanese Pixar, and vice versa.
  • daviedave47
    Wow...a whole "cinematic experience" devoted to something that should air on Cartoon Network...
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