Fathom Events recently brought Ponyo back to the big screen
as part of this year’s Studio Ghibli Fest. For more information on upcoming dates,click here.
When young Sosuke finds a goldfish trapped in a glass jar,
he rescues her, takes her home, and names her Ponyo. This is a magical
goldfish, though; she has healing powers, loves eating ham – and learns how to
talk. Ponyo decides that she loves Sosuke, and she would be content to live on
land with him. However, her father, Fujimoto, wants to get her back. Fujimoto
is a wizard and scientist who was once human, but now lives underwater. He is
eager to reclaim Ponyo. Ponyo desires to return to Sosuke, and the strength of
her desire combines with her magical abilities to create a great storm – and to
turn Ponyo into a human. Will she be able to stay that way?
** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **
The Adoption
Connection
Sosuke finds Ponyo in a dangerous situation. He provides her
safety, and names her Ponyo. When Ponyo returns to her home, she refuses to
allow her father to call her by her birth name. Sosuke, Ponyo, and their
families must make sense of what has happened, and Ponyo’s parents must decide
whether Ponyo can remain a human.
Strong Points
Sosuke and Ponyo are both brave.
We learn that Ponyo’s father is caring – even though he
seems creepy and even though Ponyo describes him in frightening ways.
Sosuke and Ponyo become friends in spite of their
differences. Aware that Ponyo has been a human and a fish, Sosuke says that he
loves Ponyo, “whatever she is.”
Challenges
Some frightening storm images could be unpleasant for young viewers.
The uncertainty that surrounds whether Ponyo can stay with Sosuke
or if she must return to her birth family could be difficult for some viewers
who have had instability of family status.
For a season, Sosuke is separated from his parents. Even though
he is only five years old, his mother leaves him and Ponyo alone during a storm
while she goes off to check on the seniors at the center where she works.
Recommendations
Ponyo is a charming but sometimes scary story about an unlikely,
magical friendship. Some viewers who have been touched by adoption may find
parallels as Ponyo adjusts to being in a new world and as she takes ownership
of her new name. Although some frightening scenes could make this one uncomfortable
for some young viewers, Ponyo seems likely to be OK for most kids ages 10 and
up.
Questions for
Discussion
Why did Ponyo love Sosuke? Why did Sosuke love Ponyo?
What do you think it was like for Ponyo to be in a new home?
Do you think Ponyo will miss Fujimoto and Granmamare? Do you
imagine that they’ll find ways to see each other?
Other Ideas
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