Jiro Horikoshi and his friend Kiro Honjo, two aeronautical engineers who designed fighter planes for Japan during World War II, are described in this biography. The story follows Jiro from when he was young and loved flying to when he started designing aeroplanes. Jiro faces ethical dilemmas as he becomes aware of the destructive potential of his creations. Alongside, Jiro also experiences a sorrowful love story with Nahoko, who dies of tuberculosis. The story alternates between reality and Jiro’s fantasies, often featuring the Italian aircraft designer Giovanni Battista Caproni. I found that this Miyazaki, very orientated around aeroplanes, misses the magical vibe normally present in his films. However, it was interesting to see the other side of the war after watching Oppenheimer the other day.
“Who has seen the wind ? Neither I nor you. But when the leaves hang trembling, the wind is passing through.”
Titre original : 風立ちぬ
Original version in Japanese – Watched with English subtitles