Taku and Yutaka glancing off the window, basking in their mundane existence. They are not really engaging characters at all. The only compelling factor about them is their relationship (which I actually found quite great and genuine) because I actually thought they’re going to end up together but seeing how Taku and Rikako are the endgame this was concluded with a sour taste in my mouth. The only compelling traits about them is their persistence regarding the school’s decision and nothing else. Taku and Yutaka are quite bland characters.(Photo retrieved from The Mary Sue, ctto) I mean the film writers and director probably never intended for Taku and Yutaka to really like each other romantically and that they were only friends, but one would think twice about it (in which eliquorice’s video discussed this). It’s just sad that the film decided on pursuing a heteronormative path despite the build up between these two male characters and the rather toxic relationship between Taku and Rikako. I thought that the confession would be coming especially when Yutaka said “I hadn’t noticed until that moment…” and expecting it to be followed by “…that you really liked me.” but then I was wrong because he followed it by actually saying, “…that you really liked Rikako.” I actually expected that in their scene in the pier overlooking a beautiful sunset and with a rather romantic background music with a saxophone. Like despite their involvement with Rikako, they will realize (or somehow Yutaka will realize) that Taku actually has feelings for him. Honestly, I actually expected the film to be about them all along. (This is actually cute, wished it lasted longer.) (Gif not mine, ctto). Taku and Yutaka being playful with each other. Taku and Yutaka at the beginning of the film. I would really recommend eliquorice’s video on YouTube: Ocean Waves - Studio Ghibli’s (Accidental) Queer Film as they really went into detail on all the hints and implications of Taku’s feelings towards Yutaka. They also have better build up and there are a lot of subtle hints here and there about the possibility of Taku actually liking Yutaka a little more than he could admit. Unfortunately, Taku has a healthier relationship with Yutaka than with Rikako. Taku and Yutaka should’ve ended up together.I will start with the negative ones because those are my more prominent thoughts about it. So I decided to re-watch some scenes again and take note of the positive and negative observations I had which contributed why I didn’t like it that much. Needless to say, I had high hopes for this film but unfortunately it left me dissatisfied. I figured that since it looks grounded on reality, I thought Studio Ghibli would manage to make it very interesting similar to what they did in Whisper of the Heart (1995) which is also another slice of life film yet very special and engaging. The creations of Studio Ghibli (fave animation studio!) (Photo retrieved from TokyoTreat, ctto) So that gave me the idea that the film has an aesthetic element and it came from the one and only Studio Ghibli (that produced beautiful animated films like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and many others) so I also had some expectations. I have seen the visuals on Twitter and YouTube where it was usually used in lo-fi videos. Honestly, I was keen on seeing this film before. (Photo retrieved from Animation World Network, ctto) Rikako, the third protagonist (or tritagonist). Yutaka, the secondary protagonist (or deuteragonist if we wanted to sound posh). (Photo retrieved from Studio Ghibli Wiki, ctto) Taku, the main protagonist as the film revolves around his point of view. It’s a slice of life and high school film, so that alone is distinguishable among other fantastical Ghibli films. Ocean Waves is a 1993 television film produced by Studio Ghibli which centered on three main characters: two best friends Taku and Yutaka, and a new transferee student Rikako.
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