I haven't read or seen much about Ponyo. To be honest, I didn't know it existed until about a month ago, when Tactix told me of Miyazaki's magic fish coming to the big screen. I was never excited for it either, even after I heard about it, because to be honest, I didn't know what to expect. I know everyone was going batshit for the film, and I had seen the cast list (Featuring the Jonas Brothers' brother and Miley Cyrus's surprisingly less annoying little sister) and I didn't get it. To be honest, I still don't.
I've never seen anything Hayao Miyazaki has done (I think I caught Kiki's Delivery Service on Cartoon Network once, but I can't remember anything about it.) but I've heard the numerous praises for films like Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away, and how beautiful the music was and how great the animation is, and while the clip I saw for Ponyo looks a lot like previous Miyazaki works, the music is a bit... uh, different.
So, to whoever okay'd the American version of Ponyo (which is out in theatres now)-
Miyazaki's movies are amazing, if you only ever saw Kiki's delivery service then I recommend at least watching Princess Mononoke. The great thing about his work is his sense of movement is unique to him, some scenes feel like roller coasters. It's hard to say why they're amazing though, just go watch one.
First off, I love Miyazaki's work as Princess Mononoke is one of my favorite films of all time. But after seeing it a few weeks ago, Ponyo was just "meh". It was silly and cute, and that Miyazaki flavor was in full force. But the plot was just bad, and the other thing Miyazaki is known for (his crazy settings and characters) are missing. I'd say its a 6/10 in my book. And for all who question, I watched the original Japanese print.
I agree, the American version is just downright awful. But that's the shit that sells here in the States,
I didn't think either song was all that good, but the japanese version did capture more of what I think the overall feel of the film will be. His films tend to focus more on the growth of the characters rather then actual plot.
Princess Mononoke is really the best movie to get you into Miyazaki because it has more story and action then most of his coming of age tales (Kiki, Totoro) and makes you appreciate his method of building his characters more. I still want to see Ponyo, but I'll probably wait to rent it.
I've always hated Disney's Miyazaki dubs. I never understood why people liked them. I can only watch them for 10 minutes before switching language tracks. I can watch other dubs, but Disney's just suck.
This song though XD
The original isn't really that good, but the American... AUTOTUNE WHOOOO
Meh, the American version wasn't that bad. And I say that as in the music isn't bad, but it certainly does no justice to the actual film. It also sounds a bit unoriginal, since it sounds like something anyone could make with Vocaloid. I wouldn't be surprised if that song actually was made using Vocaloid.
But you really do need to see some of Miyazaki's works. I saw Spirited Away three times and still can't get enough of it. Granted, it's due partly to the fact that I don't have a damn clue what's going on, but the stories are really creative, characters are fleshed out well, and it's just so beautiful to look at.
I saw this the other day when I went over to my business partner's house. Her kids had Nickeleodon (or was it Disney? Hell if I know.) and a segment came on with those two kids singing that song for Ponyo. When I put my head down on my laptop, my business partner asked if I was alright. I said, "Give me a moment."
I see they are trying to attract the younger crowd enamored by anything with a Jonas or a Cyrus in it, but they could've done much, much better with the american theme song.
I suppose I should be happy to see Miyazaki's masterful works getting more justice here, but something has definitely been lost in translation in pursuit of cashing in on what's hot now.
First, I'd like to say that I threw up in my mouth a bit when I heard the American version of the song just now.
Second, with respect to Miyazaki dubs, in general I like the work that has been done with them. My only problem is when they throw in a line or two that sounds completely out of place or when they hire some famous celebrity that really does not even find the role. Don't get me wrong: I liked Patrick Stewart in Nausicaa and I liked Gillian Anderson in Mononoke. With both examples though, these were clearly voices that made sense given the character they voice (to be honest, I like Gillian Anderson's take on Moro more than the do the original Japanese). However, as I said in the other blog on Ponyo, I was completely taken out of Howl's Moving Castle by Billy Crystal's Calcifer. Not only did the voice and approach not only sound completely opposite of the original Japanese, but it was just painfully obvious that Billy Crystal is just doing his usual schtick and not at all making a serious attempt at trying to put himself into the role.
To be honest this wasn't one of my favorite Hayao Miyazaki films. I felt like his older movies are much better. I recommend watching these if you haven't::
Totoro
Monoke Hime
The Castle of Cagliostro
Nausicaä
The cat returns
Kiki's delivery service
I almost went to the Arclight and seen this today, but decided to see District-9 instead. However, Miyazaki is INCREDIBLE and I plan on seeing it next week more than likely.
I went to the anime exhibit at the Academy of the Arts Museum in LA and it was AMAZING to see all the lithos and works of Miyazaki's in person.
By the way, the American song SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE THE END CREDITS SONG IN SPEED RACER! HOLY FUCK!
All I know is I will end up wathching this sometime as my GF really wants to watch this.
We bought some DVD in China town with 20 movies on it (all japanse with sub titles) for like $10 and they are ALLL by this dude who did Ponyo and Howles moving castle...some films are not bad mind you.
I dunno who pissed in the youtube author's cheerios but this happens quite often.
I just hope that this isn't an example of the quality of work for the actual dub.
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I agree, the American version is just downright awful. But that's the shit that sells here in the States,
That's absolutely hilarious.
It's awful. But hilarious.
Princess Mononoke is really the best movie to get you into Miyazaki because it has more story and action then most of his coming of age tales (Kiki, Totoro) and makes you appreciate his method of building his characters more. I still want to see Ponyo, but I'll probably wait to rent it.
This song though XD
The original isn't really that good, but the American... AUTOTUNE WHOOOO
ROSIE-ROSIE RED RED!
But you really do need to see some of Miyazaki's works. I saw Spirited Away three times and still can't get enough of it. Granted, it's due partly to the fact that I don't have a damn clue what's going on, but the stories are really creative, characters are fleshed out well, and it's just so beautiful to look at.
I see they are trying to attract the younger crowd enamored by anything with a Jonas or a Cyrus in it, but they could've done much, much better with the american theme song.
I suppose I should be happy to see Miyazaki's masterful works getting more justice here, but something has definitely been lost in translation in pursuit of cashing in on what's hot now.
I'm not kidding!
http://www.japanator.com/michael-jackson-was-killed-by-a-ponyo-overdose-10876.phtml
co-written and directed by him.
Second, with respect to Miyazaki dubs, in general I like the work that has been done with them. My only problem is when they throw in a line or two that sounds completely out of place or when they hire some famous celebrity that really does not even find the role. Don't get me wrong: I liked Patrick Stewart in Nausicaa and I liked Gillian Anderson in Mononoke. With both examples though, these were clearly voices that made sense given the character they voice (to be honest, I like Gillian Anderson's take on Moro more than the do the original Japanese). However, as I said in the other blog on Ponyo, I was completely taken out of Howl's Moving Castle by Billy Crystal's Calcifer. Not only did the voice and approach not only sound completely opposite of the original Japanese, but it was just painfully obvious that Billy Crystal is just doing his usual schtick and not at all making a serious attempt at trying to put himself into the role.
Totoro
Monoke Hime
The Castle of Cagliostro
Nausicaä
The cat returns
Kiki's delivery service
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! >:OD
I'M GOING TO WATCH IT SUBBED!
I went to the anime exhibit at the Academy of the Arts Museum in LA and it was AMAZING to see all the lithos and works of Miyazaki's in person.
By the way, the American song SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE THE END CREDITS SONG IN SPEED RACER! HOLY FUCK!
We bought some DVD in China town with 20 movies on it (all japanse with sub titles) for like $10 and they are ALLL by this dude who did Ponyo and Howles moving castle...some films are not bad mind you.
I just hope that this isn't an example of the quality of work for the actual dub.