CHUD reviews Whisper of the Heart

CHUD on Whisper of the Heart:

Whisper of the Heart is not at all a bad movie. It’s not on par with Miyazaki’s best character work, but it is sweet and nostalgic. It’s major flaw is that its a collection of inconsequentials, of minutiae of lives the audience has little investment in, rather than a cohesive story.

Personally, the focus on “inconsequentials” and “minutiae” are why I find the movie so endearing and captivating. The film’s plot might not be the most gripping and compelling, but the focus on the minor details, its meandering pace, etc., do more than enough to create a film world that feels lived in, realistic, and honest, but with just enough room left for magic and wonder. For more thoughts, read my review.