A sweet love story about a boy and his fish, Ponyo is a weird yet wonderful children’s fantasy, and marks another milestone in the career of Hayao Miyazaki.

Literally a fish out of water tale, Ponyo tells the often baffling story of a young boy named Sosuke (Hiroki Doi) who befriends an odd goldfish named Ponyo (Yuria Nara).

Unbeknownst to Sosuke, Ponyo is a princess of the ocean who holds great powers that can bring balance to the world. Her father (Joji Tokoro), a sorcerer who holds contempt for mankind’s mistreatment of the sea, tries to track her down.

After Ponyo transforms into a human girl, the weird shit-o-meter hits 11 and the fun begins.  

While the plot will and does confuse, Miyazaki’s breathtaking visuals leaves all notion of rationale in the dust and sweeps the viewer into an awe-inspiring world of marine life as displayed under Miyazaki’s pen.  

Hand drawn and presented in 2D animation, Miyazaki proves that while 3D is the norm for most feature animation films, 2D is still relevant and still spectacular if given the right treatment. Miyazaki’s vibrant underwater sequences especially are a trip, lending even more of an edge to an already alien world.       

Miyazaki’s characters are extremely well voiced by its cast, with particular mention to young Yuria Nara who brings an infectious cuteness to the title character.

Plenty of humour will be found in Ponyo’s feeling her way through human customs, and there is never a short supply of affection for the little tot with the high voice.  

An exhilarating adventure fantasy that viewers will wish to be a part of, and have a Ponyo of their own.