Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

A modern take on the Little Mermaid tale, told through the eyes of five-year-olds.

It's a simple story (perhaps too simple for some), which nonetheless unfolds with Miyazaki's trademark charm and lovely, hand-drawn animation. The opening scene, in particular, was joyous, a celebration of the color and diversity of (marine) life.

And so the story continues, with our hero Sosuke meeting the baby-faced and wholly adorable Ponyo as a fish. Triggered by a taste of his blood from a cut on his thumb, and Sosuke's attentive care, Ponyo unwittingly unleashes powerful magics in her quest to become human like her beloved. The ocean rises, Devonian sea creatures come back to life, and ruin threatens the planet... but of course pure-hearted love overcomes all.

All in all, not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon!