The Wind Rises is a captivating and thought-provoking film directed by the renowned Japanese filmmaker, Hayao Miyazaki. Released in 2013, the movie tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, a young aspiring aeronautical engineer, and his journey towards designing the infamous Zero fighter plane during World War II. The ending of The Wind Rises has left many viewers pondering its deeper meaning and seeking clarification. In this article, we will delve into The Wind Rises ending, providing an explanation along with eight interesting facts about the film and its production.
Ending Explained:
The Wind Rises takes a poignant turn in its closing moments, leaving viewers with a mix of emotions and a sense of reflection. After successfully designing the Zero fighter plane, Jiro’s dreams of creating beautiful aircraft are overshadowed by the realization that his creations will be used for war. The film ends with Jiro embracing Naoko, his wife, and the manifestation of his dream girl, in a beautiful dream-like sequence. The scene signifies Jiro’s acceptance of the consequences of his work and his desire to find solace in the love he shares with Naoko.
Jiro’s dreams throughout the film serve as a metaphor for his ambition and creative genius. By concluding the movie with a dream-like sequence, Miyazaki allows Jiro to find solace in a world free from the horrors of war. This ending also represents the bittersweet nature of dreams and the sacrifices one must make to achieve them.
Interestingly, Miyazaki’s decision to end the film with a dream sequence has sparked debate among fans and critics. Some argue that it diminishes the impact of the harsh realities of war, while others believe it provides a necessary escape for Jiro and the audience. Ultimately, The Wind Rises’ ending is open to interpretation and invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of ambition, love, and the consequences of one’s actions.
8 Interesting Facts about The Wind Rises:
1. Miyazaki’s Farewell: The Wind Rises was initially announced as Hayao Miyazaki’s final film before his retirement. However, he later returned to filmmaking, directing the 2020 film “How Do You Live?”
2. Historical Inspiration: The character of Jiro Horikoshi was inspired by the real-life aeronautical engineer of the same name, who designed the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane during World War II.
3. Hand-drawn Animation: Like many of Miyazaki’s films, The Wind Rises was predominantly hand-drawn. The attention to detail and the stunning visuals contribute to the film’s immersive experience.
4. International Recognition: The Wind Rises received critical acclaim worldwide and was nominated for numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
5. Controversial Reception: Despite its critical success, the film received mixed reactions in Japan due to its portrayal of Jiro Horikoshi, who was seen by some as a controversial historical figure.
6. Metaphorical Elements: Throughout the film, Miyazaki incorporates several symbolic elements, such as recurring earthquakes, to represent the political and social turbulence of the time.
7. Collaborative Effort: The Wind Rises marked the first collaboration between Hayao Miyazaki and Martin Scorsese, who provided the voice for a character in the English-dubbed version of the film.
8. Box Office Success: The Wind Rises was a commercial success, grossing over $136 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing Japanese films of 2013.
15 Common Questions about The Wind Rises:
1. What is the significance of the title, “The Wind Rises”?
The title refers to a line from a French poem by Paul Valéry, which signifies the unstoppable force of progress and the inevitability of change.
2. Is The Wind Rises based on a true story?
While the film incorporates elements of Jiro Horikoshi’s life, it is a fictionalized account rather than a strict biographical representation.
3. Why did Miyazaki choose to focus on the design of warplanes?
Miyazaki’s fascination with flight and aircraft is well-known, and he wanted to explore the complexities of creating beauty in a world driven by destruction.
4. What is the significance of the earthquake scenes in the film?
The earthquakes serve as a metaphor for the instability and uncertainty of the time period, reflecting the political and social upheaval of pre-war Japan.
5. What does the dream sequence at the end represent?
The dream sequence represents Jiro’s escape from the harsh realities of his work and his desire to find solace in the love he shares with Naoko.
6. Why did the film receive mixed reactions in Japan?
The portrayal of Jiro Horikoshi as a sympathetic character was controversial for some, as he played a crucial role in designing warplanes used during World War II.
7. What is the message behind The Wind Rises?
The film explores the themes of ambition, creativity, and the consequences of one’s actions, urging viewers to reflect on the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in pursuit of their dreams.
8. How did the collaboration between Miyazaki and Scorsese come about?
Martin Scorsese, a fellow admirer of Miyazaki’s work, approached him to express his interest in voicing a character. Miyazaki gladly accepted the offer.
9. What sets The Wind Rises apart from other Miyazaki films?
While many of Miyazaki’s films contain fantastical elements, The Wind Rises is a more grounded and realistic portrayal of history and human emotions.
10. Did The Wind Rises win any awards?
While the film was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, it did not win in that category.
11. How did Miyazaki’s decision to retire affect the film’s production?
Miyazaki’s retirement announcement had a profound impact on the film’s promotion, generating significant attention and anticipation among fans and critics.
12. Did The Wind Rises perform well at the box office?
Yes, the film was a commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Japanese films of 2013.
13. Are there any hidden messages in The Wind Rises?
As with many of Miyazaki’s films, The Wind Rises contains subtle messages and symbolism that invite deeper analysis and interpretation.
14. What makes The Wind Rises a standout film in Miyazaki’s career?
The film showcases Miyazaki’s ability to tackle complex themes and present morally ambiguous characters, further solidifying his reputation as a master storyteller.
15. How does The Wind Rises compare to Miyazaki’s other films?
While each of Miyazaki’s films has its own unique charm, The Wind Rises stands out for its mature and introspective narrative, exploring themes not often addressed in his other works.
Final Thoughts:
The Wind Rises is a captivating and emotionally charged film that delves into the complexities of ambition, love, and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in pursuit of their dreams. Its ending, marked by a dream sequence, offers a contemplative conclusion that invites viewers to reflect on the significance of their own aspirations and the consequences that may come with them. As Hayao Miyazaki’s alleged farewell film, The Wind Rises serves as a poignant reminder of his unparalleled talent and the lasting impact of his storytelling. In the words of a renowned film critic, “Miyazaki’s ability to blend history, fantasy, and emotion is masterful, and The Wind Rises is a testament to his artistic genius.”