Watch Whisper of the Heart

Whisper of the Heart, a Japanese animated movie based on a manga by Aoi Hiiragi, was re-released in English language in 2006. Directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, the movie tells a whimsical tale of self-discovery, romance, and artistic passion. The protagonist of the movie is Shizuku Tsukishima, a fourteen-year-old junior high school student who lives in Tokyo with her family. Though an excellent student, Shizuku is often lost in her thoughts, contemplating the mysteries of life and the purpose of her existence. She dreams of becoming a writer one day, but lacks the confidence to pursue her passion seriously.

One day, while traveling on a train, Shizuku notices that someone had borrowed all the same books that she had recently returned at the library. Piqued by curiosity, she decides to investigate and finds out that the person who borrowed those books is a boy named Seiji Amasawa. She meets Seiji at his grandfather's antique shop, and despite their initial squabbles, they soon develop a friendship based on their mutual love for books and music.

Seiji, a talented violin maker, dreams of becoming a professional musician and traveling to Italy to study violin making. Inspired by his determination and passion, Shizuku becomes determined to follow her heart's desire and become a writer. With Seiji's encouragement, she starts writing an adventurous story about a cat figurine named The Baron.

As Shizuku becomes increasingly engrossed in her writing, her relationship with Seiji grows complicated. Seiji decides to pursue his dream of becoming a musician, and Shizuku fears that she would never catch up with his ambitions. Amidst their turbulent emotions, the two teenagers begin to realize their deep feelings for each other.

While Whisper of the Heart is a coming-of-age story, it also doubles as an ode to Tokyo, the city that shaped Shizuku's and Seiji's identity. The movie beautifully captures the everyday nuances of life in Tokyo - from bustling trains and crowded streets to the peaceful parks and serene temples. The characters also visit various landmarks of Tokyo, including the iconic Tokyo Tower, which serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Shizuku.

The English version of Whisper of the Heart features an excellent voice cast ensemble, led by Brittany Snow as Shizuku and David Gallagher as Seiji. Courtney Thorne-Smith and Cary Elwes voice Shizuku's parents, while veteran actors Harold Gould, James Sikking, and Jean Smart provide the voices for supporting characters. Martin Spanjers and Ashley Tisdale also lend their voices to minor characters, adding to the movie's charm and appeal.

Apart from its engrossing storyline and delightful characters, Whisper of the Heart is also lauded for its stunning animation and lively soundtrack. The movie's animation is a testament to Studio Ghibli's unparalleled creativity and attention to detail, capturing the vibrancy of Tokyo's cityscape and the magic of Shizuku's imagination. The soundtrack features a mix of Japanese and English songs, including "Country Roads" by John Denver, which is sung in both languages by the characters in the movie.

In summary, Whisper of the Heart is a must-watch movie for anyone who loves coming-of-age tales, romance stories, or animation movies. Its strong themes of self-discovery, artistic passion, and young love make it a timeless classic that resonates with audiences of all ages. If you're looking for a heartwarming and uplifting movie that celebrates the beauty of life and the power of human relationships, Whisper of the Heart is the perfect choice for you.

Whisper of the Heart is a 1995 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 75.