When Sosuke, a young boy who lives on a clifftop overlooking the sea, rescues a stranded goldfish named Ponyo, he discovers more than he bargained for. Ponyo is a curious, energetic young creature who yearns to be human, but even as she causes chaos around the house, her father, a powerful sorcerer, schemes to return Ponyo to the sea.
Even when the film feels murky, Miyazaki's painterly eye keeps things afloat
– Rafer Guzman,
Newsday,
6 Jul 2010
fresh:
We're drawn under the waves of the sea to a hidden enclave of neon-hued aqualife more vibrant, surreal and enchanting than any of the floating 3D whatsits in 'Avatar'.
– David Jenkins,
Time Out,
16 Feb 2010
fresh:
Children will love this. It's classic Miyazaki.
– Ruth Hessey,
MovieTime, ABC Radio National,
27 Aug 2009
rotten:
One of the anime master's weaker efforts.
– Andrea Gronvall,
Chicago Reader,
20 Aug 2009
fresh:
Ponyo hasn't changed my mind about Miyazaki. But I'm willing to accept and enjoy this little window into the dream life of fish.