The Wind Rises

Anyone who loves flight will recognize Jiro Horikoshi as a dreamer driven by the mechanics of air and the beauty of wind. The Wind Rises follows him from boyhood curiosity through a career that pushes his talents toward real world machines. Set in early to mid 20th century Japan, he juggles friendships, romance with Naoko Satomi, and the competing pressures of ambition and responsibility. As his designs take shape, the message remains clear that invention can bring both wonder and consequence. The film avoids sensational twists, instead tracking a creator’s quiet struggle to balance dreams with duty. The film foregrounds Jiro's inner life, with moments of quiet reflection, mentor conversations, and romantic pangs that haunt him without melodrama.

Released in 2013, The Wind Rises was directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. It unfolds as an original screenplay inspired by the life of aviation designer Jiro Horikoshi rather than a direct adaptation. The film premiered to critical acclaim at festivals and was celebrated as a contemplative departure from typical war films, underscoring Miyazaki's interest in imagination, ethics, and the human side of invention.

Worldwide, the film grossed 117,932,401 dollars against a 30 million dollar budget, demonstrating strong international appeal for Miyazaki's work and its accessible, human approach to a wartime era. The result solidified Studio Ghibli's reputation for thoughtful period drama, performing particularly well in Japan, Europe, and North America.

It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, highlighting its craftsmanship and emotional depth. The nomination placed Miyazaki among a generation of filmmakers who blend personal vision with historical context, and it helped elevate anime as serious cinema on the world stage.

Produced by Studio Ghibli, The Wind Rises showcases hand drawn animation that fans associate with Miyazaki's signature style. The film features an original screenplay by Miyazaki, with music by Joe Hisaishi and a voice cast led by Hideaki Anno, Hidetoshi Nishijima and Miori Takimoto. It continues Ghibli's tradition of meticulous mechanical design paired with lyrical landscapes.