Ponyo (2008)
Hayao Miyazaki's luminous Studio Ghibli masterpiece about a goldfish princess who dreams of becoming human.
Ponyo - Movie Information
- Original Title: 崖の上のポニョ
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Fantasy, Family
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 19, 2008 (Japan), August 14, 2009 (United States - G), May 15, 2022 (Canada), February 12, 2010 (United Kingdom - U), September 16, 2010 (Germany - 0), April 8, 2009 (France - TP), September 24, 2009 (New Zealand - G), July 6, 2009 (Australia - G), July 2, 2010 (Brazil - L), November 13, 2009 (Mexico - A), March 20, 2009 (Italy), April 24, 2009 (Spain - Ai), December 18, 2008 (South Korea - ALL), December 31, 2020 (China)
- Alternative Titles: Gake no ue no Ponyo (JP), 悬崖上的金鱼姬 (CN), Ponyo sur la falaise (FR), Рыбка Поньо на утесе (RU), Ponyo on the Cliff (AU), Поньо на кручі (UA), Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (US), Ponjo z útesu nad mořem (CZ)
- Production Companies: Studio Ghibli, TOHO, Nippon Television Network Corporation, dentsu, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, The Walt Disney Company (Japan), Mitsubishi
- Production Countries: Japan
Ponyo - Plot
When Sosuke, a young boy who lives on a clifftop overlooking the sea, rescues a stranded goldfish named Ponyo, he discovers more than he bargained for. Ponyo is a curious, energetic young creature who yearns to be human, but even as she causes chaos around the house, her father, a powerful sorcerer, schemes to return Ponyo to the sea.
Ponyo - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and experience the magic of Ponyo's world:
Welcome to a world where anything is possible.
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Ponyo - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Hayao Miyazaki
Main Cast
- Yuria Kozuki
- Hiroki Doi
- George Tokoro
- Tomoko Yamaguchi
- Yuki Amami
- Kazushige Nagashima
- Akiko Yano
- Shin'ichi Hatori
- Tokie Hidari
- Rumi Hiiragi
Writers
- Hayao Miyazaki
Producers
- Toshio Suzuki
Ponyo - FAQs
Is Ponyo based on The Little Mermaid fairy tale?
Ponyo draws loose inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, but Hayao Miyazaki reimagined the story entirely for a young audience. The film replaces romantic longing with childhood friendship and wonder, resulting in a wholly original narrative rooted in Miyazaki's own themes of nature and human connection.
Where can I stream Ponyo online?
Ponyo is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max). It can also be rented or purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so checking JustWatch for current options in your area is recommended.
What is Ponyo about?
Ponyo follows Sosuke, a young boy living on a seaside cliff, who rescues a magical goldfish named Ponyo. Longing to become human, Ponyo's wish unleashes powerful forces of nature. The film is a whimsical, heartfelt adventure exploring friendship, love, and the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world.
What does the ending of Ponyo mean?
At the film's conclusion, Sosuke must prove his unconditional love for Ponyo, allowing her to permanently become human. The ending affirms the power of pure, selfless love between children. Miyazaki frames it as a hopeful resolution — Ponyo's transformation is accepted by both the ocean's spirit and her father, restoring balance to nature.
Who are the main voice actors in Ponyo?
The Japanese cast features Yuria Kozuki as Ponyo and Hiroki Doi as Sosuke. George Tokoro voices the sorcerer Fujimoto, while Tomoko Yamaguchi plays Risa and Yuki Amami voices the ocean goddess Gran Mamare. The English dub features Noah Cyrus, Frankie Jonas, Liam Neeson, Tina Fey, and Cate Blanchett.
What age rating does Ponyo have?
Ponyo holds a G rating in the United States, making it suitable for all audiences. The film contains no objectionable content and is widely considered one of the most family-friendly entries in the Studio Ghibli catalogue, ideal for young children and adults alike.
Who directed Ponyo and who composed the music?
Ponyo was written and directed by legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. The film's enchanting score was composed by Joe Hisaishi, Miyazaki's longtime musical collaborator, whose work includes the iconic Ponyo theme song that became widely recognized around the world.
Did Ponyo win any major awards?
Ponyo received widespread critical acclaim and won the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year in 2009. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film. The film earned over $200 million worldwide and is consistently praised as one of Miyazaki's most visually inventive and emotionally pure works.
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