Directed by Goro Miyazaki, son of the founder, the film is loosely based on the fantasy novels by American author Ursula K. Though different from a lot of other soundtracks across the films, Porco Rosso does share some similarities with Tales from Earthsea. Of course, Porco Rosso still retains a typical flare for the fantastical, but with its wartime narrative rooted in reality, a believable soundtrack only helps suspend one’s disbelief. Something of a caper, its European setting lends much to its soundtrack, as sections of brass, string and woodwind take on a much more prominent role than in other films a heavy classical Italian influence befitting of the Mediterranean locales featured feels a far cry from other Miyazaki films within the cannon. Porco Rosso for example, harbours much more bombast than the aforementioned Only Yesterday. This duality of understated Eastern influence, and that of something much more westernised is something that appears time and again across the course of the studio’s catalogue. Childhood flashbacks are backboned by playful woodwind and an almost circus-esque refrain, while a dream sequence sees that from the opening credits return.Įlsewhere another flashback scene in which main character Taeko Okajima’s childhood love interest Shuji Hirota is playing baseball, offers up a soundtrack of duelling Spanish guitars, a playful nod to spaghetti westerns while suggesting the seriousness of this moment for the character. Despite the understated nature of the film itself, music plays a strong role throughout. With its entire narrative hinged on memories, even the opening credits offer up a wistful sense of nostalgia, as a subtle piano is augmented through stronger swells of strings. The understated Only Yesterday is a prime example. In the latter however, Studio Ghibli seem far more understanding of the emotional gravitas a nuanced soundtrack can provide to a scene, or indeed an entire movie. Where Ghibli’s quiet introspection, conscience and thematic consistencies are arguably a far cry from that of their now Western counterpart, the two animation giants also share much in common.īoth provide unquestionable levels of escapism, young and often female protagonists, bold and brash colour palates and, perhaps most importantly here, strong and emotive soundtracks. They’ll say, ‘Did you gain weight?’ It’s quite straightforward, and in Japan, it might be considered rude, but I appreciate this sort of friendliness and relative lack of boundaries among people here.From environmentalism (Nausicca: Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke), history (Grave of the Fireflies), coming-of-age sentimentalism (Whisper of the Heart, Only Yesterday) to fairy tale fantasy (Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away), there really is something for everyone to love regardless of age or gender. I know so many hawkers who treat me like they are my real aunties and uncles. The food is fantastic, for one thing, but ultimately, it’s the people that I enjoy the most. When asked what his favourite thing about living here is, he says: “It’s a combination of so many things. Mr Ken, who bought a resale four-room HDB flat with his wife in 2020 and received permanent residency here in 2022, has no plans to return to Japan or leave Singapore any time soon. I’m a pretty positive person and I just know that what I’m doing is good for me and my viewers.” He adds: “On the flip side, I also get comments that say I’m too positive, that I show only the good side of things in Singapore. “Some people are like, ‘Hey, why are you making these videos? Are you trying to inspire people to leave Singapore?’ But I think it’s good, sometimes people start to appreciate a place only after they leave.” In the pipeline are plans to interview more Singaporeans living abroad, which has attracted a bit of criticism from his detractors. “It talks about the reality of leaving Singapore, and I really liked it because I feel like the couple I interviewed were very intentional about their lives and I think it gives hope to my viewers that you can pursue the life you want, and it will be okay.” He also sometimes addresses hot-button issues like cost-of-living concerns here.Īmong his favourite videos is one he uploaded in January, interviewing a Singaporean couple who chose to retire in Penang for its lower cost of living.
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