From Up on Poppy Hill

Year: 2011Director: MIYAZAKI Goro

From Up on Poppy Hill is a film directed by MIYAZAKI Goro. It follows the story of Umi, a high school student living in Yokohama. At school, she meets Shun, who has been her admirer. Shun and his group of friends are hoping to prevent the board of education from demolishing the house being used for after school activities. With Umi's help, the girls of the school help to fix up the house and make it more presentable for inspection. During this time, Umi and Shun become close to one another. However, upon finding out that they might be brother and sister, their relationship becomes strained. The two struggle with their emotions before a friend of Umi's father and Shun's adoptive father can clarify Shun's past. The film ends on a high note, with the two becoming good friends and the clubhouse remaining intact.

Topics for Discussion

• youth culture/role of student clubs

• gender roles

• evidence of postwar ambition

External Links

1. "From Up on Poppy Hill" at Wikipedia.

2. "From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)" at IMDB.