The Wind Rises animation

"It might not be the director's most immediately accessible films, but it's among his most fascinating and beguiling" 

"[A] hauntingly beautiful historical drama (...) Miyazaki is at the peak of his visual craftsmanship here, alternating lush, boldly colored rural vistas with epic, crowded urban canvases." 

"A film about the beauty of flight and the prelude to war, whose astonishing visuals shout that life is wonderful." 

"Mr. Miyazaki renders Jiro’s life and dreams with lyrical elegance and aching poignancy." 

"If the Japanese animation master makes good on his threat to retire, he’s going out on top with this gorgeous, haunting biopic (...) Miyazaki’s films stress perseverance and strength of character and a love of humankind that feel like an oasis in a desert of cynicism." 

"Jiro is a thoughtful engineer and a romantic, not a soldier. And 'The Wind Rises' conveys the visual poetry of its titular reference. (...) Rating: ★★★ (out of four)" 

"It's a big story, and in this landmark film Miyazaki is up to every demand. Sit back and behold. (...) Rating: ★★★½ (out of four)"