Ponyo Poster
Adventure
Animation
Family

Ponyo (2008) Review in 2025

8.5/10
Blockbuster

Ponyo is a heartwarming animated film about a young boy who befriends a magical goldfish named Ponyo, who wants to become human. The movie is a beautiful and imaginative tale of friendship and growth.

1 hour 35 minutes
Japanese (Dubbed: English)
Age group: 4-14, Interests: Animation, Adventure
Director:
Hayao Miyazaki
Budget: 30 million USD
Gross: 204 million USD

Family-Friendly Rating

Is this movie suitable for family viewing?

Ponyo is a great movie to watch with your family, especially if you have young children. The movie is suitable for all ages and is a great way to introduce your kids to the world of animation.

CineReview Recommendation

Ponyo is a must-watch for fans of animation and adventure movies. It's a great movie to watch with your family, especially if you have young children. If you enjoyed movies like Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro, you'll love Ponyo.

Spoiler Alert!

Hover to reveal spoiler summary

The movie follows Sosuke, a young boy who befriends Ponyo, a magical goldfish who wants to become human. As Ponyo's powers grow stronger, she starts to cause chaos in the ocean, and Sosuke must find a way to stop her and help her become human. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, responsibility, and the importance of taking care of the environment.

Review Details

story9.00/10

The story is imaginative and engaging, with a unique blend of fantasy and reality. The movie explores themes of friendship, growth, and responsibility, making it a great watch for both children and adults.

acting8.00/10

The voice acting in the movie is good, with the actors bringing their characters to life. However, the acting is not the strongest aspect of the movie, and some scenes feel a bit forced or awkward.

characters8.50/10

The characters in the movie are well-developed and relatable, with Sosuke being a particularly endearing protagonist. Ponyo is also a lovable and memorable character, and the supporting cast adds to the movie's charm.

direction9.50/10

Hayao Miyazaki's direction is as usual, masterful. He brings the world of Ponyo to life with his unique animation style and storytelling ability, making the movie a visual treat.

cinematography9.00/10

The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful animation and vibrant colors. The movie's use of water and ocean imagery is particularly impressive, making the underwater world feel immersive and realistic.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Imaginative story, beautiful animation, memorable characters, and a heartwarming message.

Cons

Some scenes feel a bit forced or awkward, and the acting is not the strongest aspect of the movie.

Notable Quotes

"I want to be human!"
"The ocean is a big place, but it's not as big as the love in our hearts."
"The sea is my home, but I want to be with you, Sosuke."

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