This was always going to be a fun one! Ponyo is one of my favourite films ever (up there with Mean Girls, A Clockwork Orange, and Amelie – she’s in good company) so I was really looking forward to sharing it with those of you who might not have had the delight of Ponyo in your life for October’s World Cinema Club. Ham!

Had you seen any other Ghibli films before watching Ponyo?

Only snippets. I think I’d seen most of Spirited Away but I’d never watched one in full before Ponyo. After watching Ponyo, me and Ashley (who had seen some more Ghibli before) used a LoveFilm subscription to watch most of the others! Ponyo is still my favourite though!

Did you feel that it was just for children?

I would say it’s more of a family film than a children’s film. It’s definitely aimed at children but can be enjoyed by adults too – mainly because Ponyo is just too flipping cute to ignore!

Ponyo is inspired by The Little Mermaid. Could you guess this while watching the film?

Ok, embarrassing but no. I really didn’t get The Little Mermaid links until I read it..or someone told me…I forget! But still, for me, the film stands very much on its own.

Why do you think Ponyo wants to become human?

I think Ponyo wants to become human because she feels it would be a way to escape her father. But mainly because she is infinitely curious!

Is Lisa, Sosuke’s mum the craziest driver ever?

Yes. Undoubtedly. Next question!

Why do you think Sosuke likes Ponyo?

I feel that Sosuke is looking for a friend. As an only child and with his father working at sea a lot, I imagine he would get lonely and enjoy some more company from someone his age. Also…as I may have mentioned, she’s adorable. Who wouldn’t like Ponyo?

Do you have a stand out clip from the film?

A couple! I love the bit when she grows her little legs and arms and her sister Ponyos are all like “woah! we’ll help you!” and there’s light and they’re all just too cute. Also when she gets too excited to see ham. HAM!Adorable.

I hope you’ve also enjoyed Ponyo this month! Be sure to check out next month’s film, Let The Right One In, which I’ll be discussing at the end of November. In the meantime, share your thoughts on Ponyo and answer some of the questions I asked myself in the comments. I can’t wait to read what you think about it!