The Wind Rises (Japanese: 風立ちぬ, Hepburn: Kaze Tachinu) is a 2013 Japanese animated historical drama film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki [1]. Produced by Studio Ghibli and distributed by Toho, the film is a fictionalized biography of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Mitsubishi A5M and its successor, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, Japanese fighter aircraft used in World War II [3].
Overview#
The film tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, an aspiring aircraft designer, from his childhood dreams of flight to his eventual success in creating advanced warplanes [1][3]. The narrative blends historical events with fictional elements, including dream sequences where Jiro interacts with famed Italian aircraft designer Giovanni Battista Caproni [1]. Despite his passion for aviation, Jiro is conflicted by the knowledge that his creations are being used for warfare [2]. The film also explores Jiro's personal life, focusing on his relationship with Nahoko Satomi, a young woman he meets and falls in love with, who is suffering from tuberculosis [1].Plot#
Jiro Horikoshi, as a young boy, dreams of becoming a pilot, but his nearsightedness prevents him from realizing this ambition [1]. Inspired by the Italian aircraft designer Giovanni Battista Caproni, Jiro sets his sights on designing airplanes instead [1]. He excels in his studies and joins the aircraft manufacturing company Mitsubishi [1].Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Jiro works on designing increasingly advanced aircraft, travelling to Germany for inspiration. He witnesses the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923, and later, while seeking respite at a mountain resort, he encounters Nahoko Satomi, a girl he had met briefly during the earthquake [1]. They fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by Nahoko's tuberculosis. Despite her illness, Nahoko is determined to support Jiro in his work.
Jiro becomes deeply involved in the development of the Mitsubishi A5M and its successor, the A6M Zero [3]. As World War II begins, Jiro is conflicted knowing the planes he designs are being used as instruments of war [2]. Nahoko's condition worsens, but she insists on marrying Jiro before she succumbs to her illness. They marry and spend a brief but happy time together before Nahoko quietly passes away in a sanatorium [1]. In the end, Jiro sees a vision of Nahoko in a dream, encouraging him to live and continue pursuing his dreams [1].
Production#
Hayao Miyazaki wrote and directed The Wind Rises, basing it on his manga of the same name [1]. The film was produced by Studio Ghibli and distributed by Toho [1]. The film's development began in 2009, and it was released in Japan in 2013 [1].Miyazaki announced that The Wind Rises would be his final film as a director, though he has remained involved with Studio Ghibli in other capacities [1]. The film is a departure from Miyazaki's more fantastical works, being a grounded historical drama [1]. The film's music was composed by Joe Hisaishi, a frequent collaborator with Miyazaki [1]. Hideaki Anno, best known as the director of Neon Genesis Evangelion, voiced the lead character, Jiro Horikoshi [1].