From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)

Detailed Summary

Umi’s Daily Routine

Umi Matsuzaki, a high school student in 1960s Yokohama, Japan, raises signal flags every morning in memory of her father, a sailor lost at sea during the Korean War. This act becomes a part of her daily routine as she balances her responsibilities at home, taking care of her siblings and helping run their family’s boarding house.

The Latin Quarter

The story shifts to Umi’s school, where the students are fighting to save the Latin Quarter, an old building housing various clubs, from demolition. Shun Kazama, a member of the journalism club, is leading the charge. Umi becomes involved, and she and Shun begin to form a close bond.

Discovery of Shared Pasts

As Umi and Shun work together, they discover they share a mysterious connection through their parents. Shun finds a photograph of Umi’s father among his adoptive father’s belongings, leading them to believe they might be siblings. This revelation complicates their growing feelings for each other.

Unraveling the Truth

Determined to uncover the truth about their pasts, Umi and Shun visit Shun’s adoptive father, who confirms the connection but reveals a deeper story involving Umi’s mother. They learn that Umi’s father had adopted Shun after his own father died in the war, but Shun is not biologically related to Umi.

Saving the Latin Quarter

Despite the emotional turmoil, Umi and Shun lead the students in a successful effort to renovate the Latin Quarter. Their hard work pays off when the school board decides to preserve the building, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.

Resolution and New Beginnings

With their pasts clarified, Umi and Shun’s relationship grows stronger. Umi continues her daily ritual of raising the flags, now with a sense of hope and new beginnings, as they look towards the future together.

Movie Ending

The film ends on a hopeful note. Umi and Shun, no longer burdened by their uncertain familial connection, embrace their budding romance. The Latin Quarter is saved, symbolizing the preservation of tradition and history amidst modernization. The final scene shows Umi raising her signal flags, a symbol of her enduring connection to her father and her optimism for the future.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “From Up on Poppy Hill” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

This film is an animated romantic drama with elements of coming-of-age and historical reflection.

Cast

• Masami Nagasawa as Umi Matsuzaki (voice)
• Junichi Okada as Shun Kazama (voice)
• Keiko Takeshita as Hana Matsuzaki (voice)
• Yuriko Ishida as Ryoko Matsuzaki (voice)
• Rumi Hiiragi as Sora Matsuzaki (voice)

Film Music and Composer

The music is composed by Satoshi Takebe. The film features a blend of nostalgic and contemporary tunes that enhance the period setting and emotional tone.

Filming Locations

As an animated film, the settings are meticulously illustrated, capturing the essence of 1960s Yokohama. The detailed backgrounds include the bustling port, the Latin Quarter, and the Matsuzaki boarding house, all contributing to the film’s nostalgic ambiance.

Awards and Nominations

• Japanese Academy Awards: Won Animation of the Year
• Annie Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature
• Asia Pacific Screen Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature Film

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Directed by Goro Miyazaki, son of legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, who also contributed to the screenplay.
• The film’s depiction of Yokohama in the 1960s was based on extensive research, including old photographs and testimonies from residents.
• The voice actors recorded their lines together to create more natural interactions, a technique often used in Studio Ghibli films.

Inspirations and References

• Source Material: The film is based on the 1980 manga “Kokuriko-zaka Kara” by Tetsurō Sayama and Chizuru Takahashi.
• Historical Context: Set in the post-war period of Japan, reflecting the country’s transition and modernization efforts during the 1960s.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes for this film. The narrative is tightly constructed, maintaining focus on the central themes of family, heritage, and young love.

Book Adaptations and Differences

• Manga vs. Film: While the film remains faithful to the overall plot of the manga, it condenses certain subplots and character backgrounds to fit the runtime. The core themes and emotional arcs, however, are preserved.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Raising the Flags: Umi’s daily ritual of raising signal flags in memory of her father.
• Discovering the Photograph: Shun finding a photograph of Umi’s father, leading to their shared connection.
• Renovation Efforts: The students’ united effort to clean and renovate the Latin Quarter.

Iconic Quotes

• “Let’s pull it together and make it something we can be proud of.” – Shun Kazama
• “The flags will guide you back home.” – Umi Matsuzaki

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Several background elements and posters in the Latin Quarter reference other Studio Ghibli movies.
• The signal flags Umi raises each morning spell out “I pray for safe voyages,” a poignant message tying back to her father.

Trivia

• The film was produced during the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, impacting its production timeline.
• Goro Miyazaki initially hesitated to direct another film after the mixed reception of “Tales from Earthsea,” but his father, Hayao Miyazaki, encouraged him to take on the project.

Why Watch?

“From Up on Poppy Hill” is a beautifully animated film that weaves a heartfelt story of young love, family ties, and cultural heritage. Its nostalgic portrayal of 1960s Japan, coupled with charming characters and a touching narrative, makes it a delightful and emotionally resonant experience.

Director’s Other Movies

• Tales from Earthsea (2006)
• Earwig and the Witch (2020)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Whisper of the Heart (1995)
• The Wind Rises (2013)
• Ocean Waves (1993)
• Only Yesterday (1991)
• When Marnie Was There (2014)