Detailed Summary
Jiro’s Early Dreams of Flight
Jiro Horikoshi is a young boy in Japan who dreams of designing beautiful airplanes. His poor eyesight prevents him from becoming a pilot, but he is inspired by the Italian aircraft designer Giovanni Battista Caproni, who appears in his dreams, encouraging him to pursue aircraft design.
The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923
As a young man, Jiro is traveling to Tokyo by train when the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 strikes. Amidst the chaos, he helps a young girl named Nahoko and her maid. This event leaves a lasting impression on him.
Studying and Working at Mitsubishi
Jiro studies aeronautical engineering at university and later joins Mitsubishi, where he works on designing fighter planes. He quickly rises in the ranks due to his talent and dedication. His work takes him to Germany, where he learns about advanced aircraft design.
Reunion with Nahoko
Years later, Jiro encounters Nahoko again at a summer resort. They fall in love and get engaged. However, Nahoko is suffering from tuberculosis, a common and often fatal illness at the time.
The Struggle to Balance Love and Work
Jiro continues his work on designing the Mitsubishi A5M fighter plane while caring for Nahoko. The stress and demands of his career weigh heavily on him, but he remains dedicated to both his work and Nahoko.
Completing the Zero Fighter
Despite numerous challenges, including setbacks in design and Japan’s political climate, Jiro successfully designs the A6M Zero fighter plane, which becomes an iconic aircraft during World War II. His success is bittersweet, knowing that his creation will be used in war.
Nahoko’s Fate
Nahoko’s health deteriorates, and she eventually leaves Jiro to spend her final days at a sanatorium, sparing him the pain of watching her die. Her departure is a poignant moment that underscores the film’s themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
Movie Ending
The film ends with Jiro reflecting on his life and achievements. In a dream sequence, Caproni consoles him, reminding him that he has created something beautiful despite its use for war. Jiro dreams of Nahoko, who tells him to live on. The film concludes with Jiro standing among the ruins of war-torn Japan, looking up at the sky, acknowledging the wind that continues to rise, symbolizing hope and perseverance.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “The Wind Rises” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is an animated historical drama and biographical film, blending elements of romance and historical events.
Cast
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jiro Horikoshi (English)
- Hideaki Anno as Jiro Horikoshi (Japanese)
- Emily Blunt as Nahoko Satomi (English)
- Miori Takimoto as Nahoko Satomi (Japanese)
- Stanley Tucci as Giovanni Battista Caproni (English)
- Mansai Nomura as Giovanni Battista Caproni (Japanese)
Film Music and Composer
The film’s music is composed by Joe Hisaishi, known for his long-standing collaboration with Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. The score beautifully complements the film’s emotional and historical themes.
Filming Locations
As an animated film, “The Wind Rises” recreates various historical and iconic locations in Japan:
- Tokyo: Depicted during the Great Kanto Earthquake and as a bustling city.
- Nagoya: The location of Mitsubishi’s headquarters.
- Karuizawa: The summer resort where Jiro and Nahoko reunite.
These locations are vital for portraying the historical and emotional journey of Jiro Horikoshi.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature.
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.
- Japan Academy Prize: Won Animation of the Year.
- Annie Awards: Multiple nominations, including Best Animated Feature.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- This film marks Hayao Miyazaki’s last feature film before his retirement.
- Miyazaki was inspired by both the real-life story of Jiro Horikoshi and the novel “The Wind Has Risen” by Tatsuo Hori.
- The meticulous research done for the film included historical details about aircraft design and the period setting.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is based on Tatsuo Hori’s novel “The Wind Has Risen” and the real-life story of Jiro Horikoshi.
- Historical Context: The film captures the interwar period and Japan’s industrial growth, with a focus on the ethical implications of creating weapons of war.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes for this film. Miyazaki’s vision was clear and consistently executed in the final cut.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Based on a Novel: The film is inspired by Tatsuo Hori’s novel, which focuses more on the romantic aspect of the story. Miyazaki incorporates the biographical elements of Jiro Horikoshi’s life.
- Creative Liberties: Miyazaki blends fiction and reality, adding dream sequences and fictionalizing Nahoko’s character to enhance the narrative.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Jiro’s Dream with Caproni: Inspirational moments where Caproni encourages Jiro to pursue his dreams.
- Great Kanto Earthquake: The dramatic and impactful depiction of the earthquake.
- Jiro and Nahoko’s Reunion: The touching moment they reconnect and fall in love.
- Completion of the Zero Fighter: Jiro’s triumph and the bittersweet realization of its purpose.
Iconic Quotes
- “Airplanes are beautiful, cursed dreams, waiting for the sky to swallow them up.” – Giovanni Battista Caproni
- “The wind is rising! We must try to live!” – Jiro Horikoshi
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- References to Other Ghibli Films: Subtle nods to Miyazaki’s other works, like the visual style and themes.
- Historical Accuracy: Detailed recreations of period-specific technology and events.
Trivia
- Hayao Miyazaki is a known aviation enthusiast, which greatly influenced his decision to make this film.
- The film’s title and central theme are derived from a line in Paul Valéry’s poem, “Le Cimetière marin” (“The Graveyard by the Sea”): “The wind is rising! We must try to live!”
Why Watch?
“The Wind Rises” offers a beautiful, poignant look at the complexities of creativity, love, and the passage of time. It’s a masterclass in animation, storytelling, and historical reflection, showcasing Miyazaki’s unparalleled skill in blending personal and historical narratives.
Director’s Other Movies
- My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
- Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
- Princess Mononoke (1997)
- Spirited Away (2001)
- Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
