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Whisper of the Heart
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Whisper of the Heart

1995
Romance
Drama
1h 51m
A young girl finds that all the books she chooses in the library have been previously checked out by the same boy... (imdb)
Directed by:
Yoshifumi Kondo
Written by:
Hayao Miyazaki Hayao Miyazaki Aoi Hîragi
+1 more
Starring:
Shigeru Tsuyuguchi Keiju Kobayashi Keiju Kobayashi Youko Honna Kazuo Takahashi Takashi Tachibana Shigeru Muroi Shigeru Muroi
More
Genres:
Romance, Drama, Animation, Music
AKAs:
Mimi wo Sumaseba , Mimi wo sumaseba
Country:
Japan
Language:
Japanese
imdb More information at IMDb
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Whisper of the Heart

1995
Romance
Drama
1h 51m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 69.27% from 1596 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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ozymandius10ozymandius10
Rated 14 Aug 2007
83
84th
It's really odd to watch a love story between 13 year olds, but it's touching nevertheless. Slow moving in some spots, but another direct hit from Studio Ghibli.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
saptaSapta
Rated 23 Aug 2010
92
93rd
This movie made me feel so relaxed, cheerful and light, it was an amazing feeling. I've never felt like that watching a movie. This movie will always have a special place in my heart.
Rated 23 Aug 2010
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 23 Dec 2011
87
93rd
It's strange that an animated film, where actually very little happens, and is mainly focused on a first-love story between two 13 year olds could be so incredibly captivating!? "Whisper of the Heart" is though! It's undoubtedly one of most charming, sweet and delicately beautiful movies you will ever come across. It is one of those Ghibli movies that just wouldn't work as a live action film, even though the story is so simple. The animation and the musical score are both wonderful too.
Rated 23 Dec 2011
eee_e
Rated 29 Sep 2008
95
97th
One of the loveliest films ever, with a richly detailed environment that is impossible to ignore.
Rated 29 Sep 2008
kavuKavu
Rated 22 Apr 2010
85
85th
Just didn't do it for me. I guess I'm just too far from the target audience, which seems to be japanese teenage girls. (44) On second viewing ten years later, this worked much better. Growing up helped a bit I guess.
Rated 22 Apr 2010
mohanmohan
Rated 22 Oct 2008
100
97th
Would give 200 / 100, if the system permits. Compared to other films, I loved it so much..
Rated 22 Oct 2008
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 16 Oct 2009
4
74th
Goes along at such a leisurely pace, sweeping the viewer into what proves to be a very moving romance. I usually don't go for these uplifting, picture perfect love stories, but here it's pulled off with the right amount of charm and without any overwrought sentimentality. Beautifully animated and scored, it's just an all-around extremely pleasant film to watch.
Rated 16 Oct 2009
muetiMueti
Rated 20 Dec 2008
94
92nd
The best Ghibli emits an unmatched quiet warmness. Stunning in it's effortless beauty.
Rated 20 Dec 2008
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 28 Feb 2007
86
87th
Absolutely stunning artwork and animation, a real pleasure to watch. It's a simple story, but one told deftly, with a great deal of charm and sweetness and rich characterization.
Rated 28 Feb 2007
snallygastersnallygaster
Rated 10 Feb 2016
40
34th
The detail of the animation is probably the strongest point. The story starts off interesting but seems to lose focus as the more conventional romance subplot takes over.
Rated 10 Feb 2016
rhuttonrhutton
Rated 05 Jul 2012
9
82nd
A charming, almost ethereal film about the exchange of stories and passions. Despite the realistic setting, it still has the patented Ghibli sense of magic and adventure. This is a lovely movie, and I wish Kondo had been able to make more like it.
Rated 05 Jul 2012
corbadCorbad
Rated 12 Aug 2020
80
79th
Filled with excellent animation, delightful characters, and soft sensitivity, its extra minutes are certainly not unpleasant, but it does feel a little overlong. An adorably lovely and uniquely touching little coming-of-age slice of life.
Rated 12 Aug 2020
damildamil
Rated 16 Jan 2012
60
43rd
It's quite sweet and cute, but I can't say I thought it was anything special. Not one of my favourite Studio Ghibli productions, but by no means a bad film.
Rated 16 Jan 2012
naotaNaota
Rated 02 Jul 2008
92
95th
A simple yet touching movie.
Rated 02 Jul 2008
overratedoverrated
Rated 02 May 2021
83
92nd
The origin story of the lofi beats girl.
Rated 02 May 2021
nepetaNepeta
Rated 17 Jan 2013
90
90th
It's so great that a film can be so uplifting, idealistic and fun without ever seeming emotionally untruthful or excessively sugary. Despite being a family film the romance is presented in a far more mature and believable manner than the vast, vast majority of romances made for adults. Utterly lovely.
Rated 17 Jan 2013
hotsakehotsake
Rated 25 Jun 2012
94
99th
It seems like my wife and I watch this around once every couple months or so (more like monthly for her) and I still like it as much every time I see it. It's a classic beautifully realized story both fantastic and realistic.
Rated 25 Jun 2012
kramyessevKramYessev
Rated 11 Apr 2013
64
44th
I'm far too miserable and cold to enjoy nearly any romance flicks (with the exception of unique gems like "Before Sunset/Sunrise"), even ones as genuine and thoughtful as this. It's very slow moving, overly long and doesn't have the charm of even the worst Ghiblis, but it does have one of the best soundtracks I've heard in an animated film, and is, ironically, more realistic than most live-action romantic bullshit.
Rated 11 Apr 2013
filliganFilligan
Rated 17 Jul 2020
91
82nd
Don't often find Ghibli films set in cities, nor Ghibli films that center on reality above fantasy. This is totally absorbing and endearing. The compromise of who you are and your place in the world. Beautiful. Everyone should watch this.
Rated 17 Jul 2020
chadarnookchadarnook
Rated 06 Dec 2020
84
76th
Some nice meditations on the creative process and those who are compelled to create.
Rated 06 Dec 2020
bartbaardBartbaard
Rated 28 Jul 2018
86
95th
Motivational! A simple yet striking classic. If your not sure what you are doing with your life be sure to watch this if you can. It has played a huge part in me taking control of my future.
Rated 28 Jul 2018
krf7krf7
Rated 05 Mar 2012
60
35th
Lesser Ghibli. Delighted that Country Road was played 18 different times.
Rated 05 Mar 2012
lylechipasonLyleChipason
Rated 01 Feb 2014
69
0th
why not shout of the soul? tss
Rated 01 Feb 2014
kasperlKasperL
Rated 24 Feb 2021
80
86th
A pretty great animé drama about making difficult choices and finding one's purpose in life. It might get a bit corny at times, but the story is heartfelt and engaging.
Rated 24 Feb 2021
hisblobhisblob
Rated 20 Mar 2015
100
98th
"Alright Shizuku, go ahead and do what your heart tells you! But it's never easy when you do things differently from everyone else. If things don't go well you have only yourself to blame."
Rated 20 Mar 2015
thehynesthehynes
Rated 28 Jun 2013
40
12th
slow
Rated 28 Jun 2013
nathandarkoNathanDarko
Rated 12 Nov 2008
72
34th
I've seen better Miyazaki movies. Nice but not outstanding like his masterpieces Chihiro or Howl's Castle for example.
Rated 12 Nov 2008
insan3Insan3
Rated 07 Dec 2010
88
86th
Great stuff, my favorite Ghibli movie as of yet. The characters felt real, the romance felt "right", and it has so many great scenes. The so-so ending sort of hurts the deal, but oh well.
Rated 07 Dec 2010
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 19 Apr 2010
53
41st
Mellow coming-of-age piece, with a fair dose of kitsch, nothing overwhelming though. It's sort of average for Ghibli. Most of my points go to the cat (nekoku!) whom there should have been more of.
Rated 19 Apr 2010
gogolitgogolit
Rated 26 May 2014
87
92nd
Really beautiful, unpretentious, frequently charming and funny. Captures so much about teenage (or adult) romance, crossing into adulthood, and the simple yet extreme emotions that brings. Really thoughtful vibe, gorgeous and stunningly realized artwork, another special and different Ghibli film.
Rated 26 May 2014
bakcheiabakcheia
Rated 07 Jan 2012
95
92nd
This film is sincere and fantastic, while somehow maintaining an immense awareness about its characters that permits them to feel real. I love the romance in this too. The whole thing is just wonderful.
Rated 07 Jan 2012
tamcamTamCam
Rated 27 Feb 2013
64
30th
Sweet idea and also very well animated, yet a bit lengthy in some parts...
Rated 27 Feb 2013
shadrikShadrik
Rated 24 Apr 2010
80
83rd
Amazing how such a simple movie that is even targeted at a completly different audience can be that compelling. It isn't very complex but with the impressing animation, a lovely story and a nice score (I loved the singing part) there isn't much to dislike.
Rated 24 Apr 2010
makiMaki
Rated 20 Mar 2008
100
99th
absolutely heartwarming story which reminds me of old school days and first love and anxious about future.
Rated 20 Mar 2008
wezzoWezzo
Rated 08 Mar 2013
91
83rd
Lesser-known Ghibli, but as strong as many of their high-profile classics. A well-observed look at creative struggles, the perils of adolesence, and the importance of finding a kindred spirit. Lovely blend of realism and fantasy.
Rated 08 Mar 2013
karamazovkaramazov.
Rated 22 Jul 2018
77
95th
As rich a commentary on human relationships as you'll find in some goddamn Rohmer movie or whatever the hell. Another reviewer says they don't generally like "romance flicks" such as this, with the exception of "unique gems"... like Linklater's BEFORE trilogy. damn, dude im truly sorry to hear about your incurable case of garbagetasteitis RIP
Rated 22 Jul 2018
bigsimoBigSimo
Rated 19 Dec 2010
80
75th
japanese teenage girl signing in
Rated 19 Dec 2010
volumeswellVolumeswell
Rated 31 Jul 2011
65
58th
Has the makings of a good story until the main protagonist becomes too whiny and angsty to become relatable to.
Rated 31 Jul 2011
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 05 May 2018
90
83rd
Sweet and charming romantic fantasy is more grounded and reality based than other Ghibli films, which is to it's credit; the core story is much warmer and more empathetic than the studio's usual outlandish fantasy films - it's telling that this film bogs down during the fantastical flashbacks, and soars when focussing on the 'natural' beauty of the real world. Gorgeous recurring use of 'Take Me Home (Country Roads)' on the soundtrack. Viewed with the excellent (and boisterous) 2006 English dub.
Rated 05 May 2018
dommulldommull
Rated 14 Aug 2023
71
57th
Some really lovely and inspiring moments, let down a little by a jarring ending. It's got the Ghibli magic, despite its setting in the real world
Rated 14 Aug 2023
emtiltemtilt
Rated 22 Aug 2021
84
87th
Some scenes near the end do feel rushed, but really nice overall. The scene with the musical number is masterful.
Rated 22 Aug 2021
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 29 Aug 2008
85
81st
The cityscapes are really pretty and the story is quite touching. It's not especially deep or complex, but it captures the feelings of a young teenager quite well with relatively little drama or hysterics.
Rated 29 Aug 2008
groovysoulsGroovy_Souls
Rated 18 Feb 2016
95
97th
Touching and lovely. Though I can't say I love this in the same way that I do Spirited Away or Howl's Moving Castle, Whisper of the Heart is more subtle and more approachable. With moments affecting me personally and scenes that seem hard to forget, Whisper of the Heart is an emotional roller coaster of a Ghibli film that I hope to take again.
Rated 18 Feb 2016
fliersFliers
Rated 20 Nov 2012
85
74th
Simple but well told story. Enjoyed it thoroughly when watching.
Rated 20 Nov 2012
muutanetmuutanet
Rated 16 Oct 2008
74
72nd
A beautifully animated love story. Brilliant Hayao Miyazaki style and quality. Less fantasy than he used to put into his stories.
Rated 16 Oct 2008
ryan_luedersRyan Lueders
Rated 05 Oct 2014
95
94th
I've heard the whisper and my heart is glad. This movie is incredibly touching. It's not the kind of film you would see made here in America. How often do you see a film where a girl works incredibly hard to better herself so she feels worthy to be with the person she loves. You normally see the opposite in films... guys have to bend themselves backwards for a girl to notice them and sometimes it doesn't even work!...
Rated 05 Oct 2014
maddogmaddog
Rated 20 Aug 2020
86
89th
Some of the gems in here need a bit more polish; the pacing is a bit slow, and you're not sure where this is all leading for a while. By the end, not knowing where it's leading almost feels like the point of the first half. Knowing how to latch onto inspiration and see its production is something so many of us struggle with. Some scenes carried more meaning than all others- like the bike ride up the hill near the end. There's a lot of depth here, if you just peer inside long enough.
Rated 20 Aug 2020
tombomtombom
Rated 13 Jun 2016
85
87th
i think i liked this better than spirited away but it's been a while since i saw both
Rated 13 Jun 2016
ttoshittoshi
Rated 07 Jun 2020
60
77th
Another Studio Ghibli film that shows that you don't need huge battles and good versus evil plots to be enjoyable and meaningful.
Rated 07 Jun 2020
pigwicklePigwickle
Rated 16 Jun 2014
80
62nd
Really cute! textbook hopeless romantic. enjoyable. Innocent fun!
Rated 16 Jun 2014
ceekay19Ceekay19
Rated 29 Jan 2020
70
53rd
Shizuku: "When the afternoon air currents mix, we can even touch the stars without fear!"
Rated 29 Jan 2020
notitlenotitle
Rated 25 Jan 2021
85
87th
Country roads.. :)
Rated 25 Jan 2021
sinnermaSinnerMa
Rated 05 Oct 2016
100
99th
Lovely old school coming of age teen romance. Some of the old style animation is breathtaking. A big personal fav.
Rated 05 Oct 2016
phantom_nookPhantom Nook
Rated 07 Jun 2016
100
99th
A wonderful, relateable coming-of-age story. It's awful that Yoshifumi Kondô was only able to put this masterpiece out before his untimely death. With time, he could have been up there with Miyazaki as a Studio Ghibli legend.
Rated 07 Jun 2016
faveryfavery
Rated 12 Dec 2020
40
20th
I thought the dapper cat baron was gonna have a bigger part in the story. I was instead met with a boring coming-of-age romance and I have to say I'm disappointed. But I guess I'm expecting too much from a shojo manga.
Rated 12 Dec 2020
nargNarg
Rated 23 May 2021
73
75th
Absolutely adorable. Super specific thing: the basement workshop that looks over the city is awesome and cozy and I want to live there.
Rated 23 May 2021
brrrpbrrrp
Rated 19 Feb 2024
70
63rd
A well animated and cute drama.
Rated 19 Feb 2024
hsncrspywlhsncrspywl
Rated 08 Sep 2013
66
39th
Beautiful art direction and animation, with a nice, realistic romance which gives modern Tokyo as a backdrop - while still introducing some lovely fantasy sequences. Nice and slowly paced with a good message, it has charm but feels maybe a little disposable in a way. Well-directed and has a good score but I fear that it won't be sticking in my mind in the way it has many others.
Rated 08 Sep 2013
vengefulkbmVengefulKBM
Rated 08 Feb 2015
60
35th
Unfortunately, for as well-put-together as it is, this turns out to be a pretty standard, predictable outing for the usually wonderful Miyazaki (who did not direct the film, only assisted in penning the script). I enjoyed the protagonist because I can relate to the "obsessive artist" archetype, but it just doesn't manage to hit the same kind of emotional peaks that Ghibli's stronger material does.
Rated 08 Feb 2015
gokhanincegokhanince
Rated 16 Aug 2007
92
94th
A heartwarming story combined with spectacular details that attach you to your seat... Depicting an almost identical life pattern I have taken many years ago...--Sigh--
Rated 16 Aug 2007
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 29 Jun 2017
68
46th
Rvw. Liked how he inspired her. Shoulda got to the romance faster and had better romance
Rated 29 Jun 2017
sheldrakeSheldrake
Rated 27 Aug 2014
90
97th
This is my shit.
Rated 27 Aug 2014
brellbrell
Rated 07 Nov 2020
40
77th
but what if I hate West Virginia
Rated 07 Nov 2020
roastbeefRoastbeef
Rated 05 Sep 2008
0
4th
bad movie worse anime
Rated 05 Sep 2008
glm01glm01
Rated 13 Jan 2013
84
79th
84.000
Rated 13 Jan 2013
chow25chow25
Rated 14 Aug 2007
91
92nd
Touching animation wiht a good lesson to be learned.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
theescapistTheEscapist
Rated 15 May 2021
75
77th
I found this to be surprisingly mature and layered. The ending could have been better, but as a whole it's pretty good with a few great scenes. Recommended.
Rated 15 May 2021
tathieltathiel
Rated 23 Sep 2009
80
67th
A very cute movie, simple but nice story. A "feel-good-movie". The subplot with the cat shares ties with Howl's castle. And to make 'Country roads' into 'Concrete road' is very interesting.^^
Rated 23 Sep 2009
ytadelYtadel
Rated 10 Feb 2014
8
93rd
It didn't, like, blow my mind or anything, but it was very sweet and cute and pleasant, and the kind of story you'd simply never see in American animation. "Country Road" is hardcore stuck in my head now.
Rated 10 Feb 2014
troothTrooth
Rated 17 Mar 2019
77
75th
It's full of beautifully detailed animation and background art, but it's not a movie where very much... happens. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing. It makes for a very relaxing experience that is not very conflict-heavy.
Rated 17 Mar 2019
metismetis
Rated 06 Aug 2021
88
87th
?????????????????????/????/????
Rated 06 Aug 2021
ottott
Rated 16 May 2020
70
57th
i read this film as a picture of class strife between these two ambitious artist lovers
Rated 16 May 2020
boomdiddlyboomdiddly
Rated 12 Jun 2021
65
56th
Teenybopper drama with occasional Miyazaki magic.
Rated 12 Jun 2021
driscarpindriscarpin
Rated 16 Jul 2020
82
70th
Sussuros do Coração estreava há 25 anos no Japão. Estava perfeito com a exatidão do amor adolescente e a fissura literária de ler e escrever, mas aquele pedido de casamento foi tão desproposital que nem sei. Plus: Muta e Baron! Que a gente também conhece d'O Reino dos Gatos. BlurayRip no MakingOff.
Rated 16 Jul 2020
mr_rigardmr rigard
Rated 29 Oct 2008
53
39th
Though the animation of Whisper of the Heart is nice to admire, it is questionable why the movie was animated in the first place. There are really no gimmicks or scenes that required the hand of an artist. That being said, the story is sweet and the characterization is thorough. However, there is little intrigue here. Not recommended for rental.
Rated 29 Oct 2008
silviosilvio
Rated 13 Aug 2010
75
73rd
Even and simple, charming and honest. Delightful direction.
Rated 13 Aug 2010
psychedelicrpsychedelicr
Rated 05 Jul 2008
85
75th
Country Road...!
Rated 05 Jul 2008
comradebertComrade_Bert
Rated 31 Jul 2022
99
60th
Fave Ghibli outing , it doesn't have the vast grandeur of Spirited away's world and monster design , nor the fluid movement and world of Ponyo , nor the imagination of Castle in the sky , but it has the heart and the vibes to match them all overall , excellent.
Rated 31 Jul 2022
psimpsim
Rated 29 Mar 2018
87
95th
Despite recent competition possibly the best use of Take Me Home Country Road in a movie. The characters are great and believable. A heartwarming depiction of first love, the power of creativity and passion. Several scenes really moved me, especially the spontaneous music performance. The fantasy elements also really make good use of the animation in an otherwise quite down to earth movie.
Rated 29 Mar 2018
harukoHaruko
Rated 09 Oct 2009
71
51st
Being set in a modern Tokyo suburb makes it a bit different from all the other Studio Ghibli productions. Characters where sweet but the story was too plain. Too much blushing and teenage drama for my anime-taist.
Rated 09 Oct 2009
tj_monsterTJ monster
Rated 01 Nov 2022
84
92nd
A fantasy fairy tale story based in the real world, it faces some sad setbacks but the classical soundtrack and honest voice acting makes the story shine
Rated 01 Nov 2022
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 13 Jun 2008
92
98th
Great
Rated 13 Jun 2008
doyler29doyler29
Rated 05 Oct 2020
100
96th
This is a beautiful animated film about finding your way in life and becoming who you want to be. Like all of Studio Ghibli's best output, there's really no conflict between good and bad people, but a story about resolving the mild conflicts that pop up in everyday life. If made in the West, this would be a small indie drama, and it's all the more extraordinary for being brought to life by vivid detailed animation.
Rated 05 Oct 2020
telemecusTelemecus
Rated 20 Feb 2015
46
51st
Sweet and sentimental - but not too consequential!
Rated 20 Feb 2015
jerkyJerky
Rated 16 Apr 2020
55
58th
Watching this reminded me of my experience watching "Say Anything..." It's supposed to be this grandiose romance that hits you in the feels, but I felt little to nothing. Maybe because both films are heavily targeted to teenage girls, or maybe I just never had a heart (I could have sworn I did during the 80's) The "Country Roads" bits were good, especially when they were jamming at the antique shop. Made me smile, though I expected more fantasy. ChilledCow totally stole the animation from this.
Rated 16 Apr 2020
stevekimesstevekimes
Rated 31 Jul 2012
81
55th
Great Miyazaki characters, but without the imagination that I adore.
Rated 31 Jul 2012
bitz2008bitz_2008
Rated 06 May 2021
87
90th
A very heartwarming snapshot of young love. I even loved the ending. Ghibli doesn't ever miss, huh.
Rated 06 May 2021
nuotionuotio
Rated 01 Aug 2018
58
60th
Not in the same league as Miyazaki's best films, but still a heart-warming film from Ghibli. The target audience might be too narrow as it's probably too slow for kids and too childish for adults, but it's definitely worth a watch and it's a real pity that the director passed away before getting to direct more of these.
Rated 01 Aug 2018
larmorlarmor
Rated 05 May 2020
42
31st
While it's cute, I like personal-development-Miyazaki much less than relationship-with-nature-Miyazaki. While the latter is always balanced and insightful, I find the former unoriginal and full of clichés about success.
Rated 05 May 2020
zoomineeZoominee
Rated 18 Apr 2008
100
97th
??????
Rated 18 Apr 2008
boxcarsBoxcars
Rated 06 Sep 2015
9
89th
'Whisper of the Heart' succeeds as a romantic drama in spite of both its leisurely pace and young protagonists for two major reasons: it both sincerely represents the lives and dilemmas of its adolescent characters while also focusing on the dreams and passions of said characters just as much as it does their courting.
Rated 06 Sep 2015
gokseltuzungokseltuzun
Rated 05 Nov 2021
89
69th
gerçek film gibiydi guzeldi be
Rated 05 Nov 2021
shinysingershinySinger
Rated 02 Apr 2020
93
90th
country roads take me home,,,,,,,
Rated 02 Apr 2020

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