This week in Aussie cinemas we have the long-awaited new film from famed Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, The Wind Rises (風立ちぬ, Kaze Tachinu). The story follows an aircraft engineer in pre-war Japan, loosely based on Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Zero fighter plane used in WWII, and Miyazaki had said at one point that it would be his final film.
(I believe I’ve read somewhere that he’s since decided not to retire quite so soon — here’s hoping there’s another few celluloid wonders from the great director!)
Buzz for this one is strong, even for a Ghibli picture: it was the highest-grossing Japanese film domestically in 2013, and it has been nominated for the Oscan for Best Animated Feature as well.
The Wind Rises opens Australia-wide on Thursday February 27. Details on screenings can be found on distributor Madman’s page for the film and the official site at thewindrises.com.au.
Here’s a trailer: