As Ponyo and her father disagree over her ambitions, magical elements become intertwined with the conflict, and it is here that Miyazki’s environmentalism becomes apparent. Friendship and familial bonds are a central aspect of Miyazaki’s stories, and in Ponyo, he explores how these relationships can become a point of contention as a reflection of the difficulties of growing up and apart from one’s family. Rather than taking the usual romantic route, Brunhilde’s desire for independence is sparked by her friendship with the human boy Sōsuke ( Frankie Jonas), who names her Ponyo. Brunhilde ( Noah Cyrus), takes the role of Ariel in the film, right down to her vivid red hair, as a ‘goldfish’ who seeks independence on land, apart from her domineering, wizard/scientist father, Fujimoto ( Liam Neeson). Ponyo is the straightest example of a Western fairytale reinvented by Miyazaki as it is directly based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.
RELATED: A Guide to Studio Ghibli's Lesser-Known Films Ponyo, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle are three such retellings of Western fairytale tropes, inscribed with Miyazaki’s whimsical touch. As such, he forgoes traditional, fairytale villains and instead explores how modernization and industrialization pollute society both literally and figuratively.
His preoccupation with environmentalism is conveyed both through his artistic style and overarching themes. Independent female heroes are often the focal point of Miyazaki’s films rather than turning them into victims or designated love interests. Blending Western stories with Japanese folklore, Hayao Miyazaki imbues his films with his own sensibilities that illustrate his fascination with magical realism, child-like wonder, and the sublimity of nature.
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However, Studio Ghibli remains distinct in style and thematic exploration, with each film resembling a series of vividly-detailed paintings as the focus on natural settings remains eminent. Fairytales have long captured the imaginations of animators both in the Western and Japanese film industries, providing a unique avenue to explore fantastical heroes, menacing villains, and moral dilemmas.
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