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Whisper of the Heart
耳をすませば
1995 111 min Japan G 16+
★8.2
Animation, Drama, Family
Director: Yoshifumi Kondô
💬 Based on the comic
«Whisper of the Heart»
byAoi Hiiragi
Trailers
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Teaser
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Teaser
Description
Shizuku lives a simple life, dominated by her love for stories and writing. One day she notices that all the library books she has have been previously checked out by the same person: "Seiji Amasawa."
US Gross:
$498,156
Starring
Yoko Honna
Actor
Issei Takahashi
Actor
Takashi Tachibana
Actor
Key opinion
Whisper of the Heart is a celebrated Studio Ghibli coming-of-age story that eschews overt fantasy for a grounded, poetic exploration of adolescent ambition and first love. While some viewers find its measured, realistic pace less compelling than the studio’s more fantastical works, most audiences find its detailed portrayal of ordinary life both deeply moving and emotionally resonant.
| Production | The animation features remarkably detailed, near-photorealistic backgrounds that effectively capture the atmosphere of 1990s Japanese neighborhoods. | |
| Theme | The film successfully frames the internal journey of self-discovery alongside a tender, believable first romance. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative benefits from a strong, sincere screenplay that balances youthful idealism with the practical challenges of choosing a life path. | |
| Pacing | The film's tranquil, contemplative tempo rewards those who appreciate subtle character development, while others find it lacking in momentum or spectacular stakes. |