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Ocean Waves
Studio: Studio Ghibli Format: Movie Released: 12/15/1993 Written by: Face 
John Keats once said, "The imagination of a boy is healthy, and the mature imagination of a man is healthy; but there is a space of life between, in which the soul is in a ferment, the character undecided, the way of life uncertain, the ambition thick-sighted: thence proceeds mawkishness." Ocean Waves is an anime that takes place within that "space of life between", known as adolescence, a time of life in which nothing seems certain, and everything seems feigned. It is in this time that men and women change into the person they will be for the rest of their life; they experience new experiences, new feelings, and heartbreaking upsets. Based off a novel, created as a TV special, and directed by Tomomi Mochizuki, Ocean Waves is as much a success as it was a unique undertaking. Anything by Studio Ghibli has high standards to live up to when it comes to public opinion, and despite their time constraints, this short movie poignantly represents many aspects of the human condition.
The story begins with a post-high school Morisaki Taku reminiscing about his junior year in high school in Kochi, Japan, as he travels back to his home town for a school reunion. It was during this period in which his life took an abrupt left turn when he was first forced to deal with a very intriguing female transfer student from Tokyo, named Rikako. Arrogant, cocky, and unforgiving, it would seem that she'd have difficulty making friends, much less boyfriends, and for the most part that's true. Yet, Taku's best friend, Matsuno is obviously interested in her. Despite his best efforts, Taku can't seem to ignore Rikako; ironically, the trouble begins because of his innate generosity, and his inability to begrudge his fellow classmates. The best way to show people's feelings is to make them real, to make them realistic; the key is to create a character that people can relate to. Studio Ghibli has long since mastered the technique of crafting an entire character out of nothing but personal experiences, and until Ocean Waves, Takahata Isao was the only prominent member at the studio capable of doing such. Anyone whose gone through, or currently experiencing, adolescence will be able to relate to the character's plights, and their feelings. Everyone has felt like the outcast, the source of all the sneers and giggles, at one time or other, and knows what its like to suffer through the hard times of youth; evidently, so does Tomomi Mochizuki. These situations are portrayed with an underlying touch of sincerity, and shocking realism; you can't help but start to believe that these animated characters are real life people.  The classic love triangle struggle is hinted at within the screenplay, and thankfully, isn't ruined with ostentatious endeavors; conversely, it thrives because of a respectful adherence to reality. Taku doesn't blurt out his undying love for Rikako like we see people do on television today. Any sensible teenager would never think of doing such a thing, simply because love is such a strong word of commitment, and selfless devotion to another. Much like every other adolescent, the characters in Ocean Waves go about as if they are thoroughgoing in their thinking and decision making, when in reality their life is as much a fly-by-night venture as ours. In the end, the dedication towards reality is what makes this movie so heart-rending.
The combination of probable events, down to earth rationale, and altruistic ambiguity gives this personal anecdote a wonderful sense of authenticity, along with a lifelike ambiance; it's a beautiful application of restraint. Whether or not you care for love stories is irrelevant. Any human containing a soul will inevitably be able to relate to the story. Love, friendship, and life in its truest forms are the central themes of Ocean Waves, and couldn't ring truer in any other fashion. * * * * (Very Good) Posted: December 27, 2003
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