Review: If this sounds familiar, it should. Ponyo is Miyazaki's modernized version of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid. I found this spin on the classic story enjoyable and adorable. The story has a whimsical quality and I recommend it for anyone with very young children.




Music
The music set the tone well and was quite whimsical. My favorite bit was when Ponyo was running on the waves and a piece that was vaguely reminiscent of "Ride of the Valkyries". There's also a cheerful piece of music that serves as Ponyo's theme.

Sub vs Dub
Either version works, but I prefer the dub. Oh, and I want to get this out right now, since I've heard some outcry: Frankie Jonas was just fine as Sosuke.So what if he's a Jonas brother? And yes, the ending song was kind of annoying, but I guess children would like it.

Manga
none

Related Movies
Unless you count the other films by Studio Ghibli, there aren't any.

Violence Details
There is hardly any violence in the story

Language Details
No bad language. It's rated G

Nudity Details
none.

Sexual Content Details
When Ponyo gives a mother some milk for her baby, the woman explains that she makes her own because her baby isn't old enough for milk yet.

Religious Material Details
For the most part, the magic in the story is of the typical fairy-tale variety. Ponyo's mother is actually the goddess of the sea. Ponyo tastes human blood when she licks a cut on Sosuke's thumb, which gives her the ability to become human (although she has to revert to an in-between chicken-like form to perform magic). There is a slight environmental theme, but it's not as pronounced as Princess Mononoke or Pom Poko.

Violence: None.

Sex and Nudity: None.

Theological Themes: Ponyo's dad is a sea wizard and her mother appears to be some sort of ocean goddess. After tasting human blood Ponyo gains the ability to become a human, though she has to decide between being magic and being human.

Problematic Themes: None.

Overall: This is a cute movie. It lost its appeal for me, just because my siblings are obsessed. It's probably my least favorite Ghibli movie that I've seen so far, but it's still Ghibli, so I'd say it's worth a watch.

Also, here's a word of random advice: if you watch the English dub, skip the ending song I implore you. It will save your life. It's a family film, suitable for all ages.