Everything Is Final Fantasy

On this episode we dive into more metaphors from Ponyo from Studio Ghibli. How one key scene reminds us that parents aren't here to control their kids. How growing up, self-discovery, even coming out as LGBTQ requires bravery from the child and understanding from the parent. #studioghibli

On this episode we continue the story of Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, continuing to evaluate the magical realism of the world, environmental themes, and accurate portrayals of parenting. Plus, what are the appropriate parameters for telling what is essentially a love story between two children?

As we dive into the story of Ponyo (on the Cliff by the Sea) we wonder about its unique use of magical realism. Plenty of our favorite fantasy stories are "weird" in many ways but Ponyo feels like the rules of its entire world work like the rules that kids make up when they play.

We spend nearly an hour and a half setting up our conversation about Ponyo, a silly kids movie where a boy falls in love with a fish! But is it so simple? Let's dive into some themes, chat about why my son LOVES this movie, and break down the insanely deep superstar cast.

We dive into a pair of iconic Final Fantasy pieces of music from FFV - Home, Sweet, Home & Dear Friends from FFV. How does Nobuo Uematsu use relatively simple techniques to evoke such deep emotion and nostalgia? And what do these folk tunes gain and/or lose when translated for large orchestras or paired with vocals?