Whisper of the Heart

"Whisper of the Heart (耳をすませば、Mimi o Sumaseba)", is a 1995 Japanese animated drama film directed by Yoshifumi Kondo and wrtten by Hayao Miyazaki besed on the 1989 manga of the same name by Aoi Hiiragi. Yoshifumi Kondo was a very important person in Studio Ghibli, Inc. Unfortunately, He passed away in 1998 at 47, 3 years later from this film. It was a first long film and only one film for him. The meaning of the tiltle is slightly different between the English title and the Japanese title. It is very difficult to translate. It is a subtle nuance between them. The meaning of Japanese title is not like the English title. It often happens that the meaning of the title is different between Japanese and English becuase some words or phrases are in Japan but the words and phrases are not in English. Hayao Kawai also (was a Japanese Jungian psychologist) said "We can not translate Shuntaro Tanikawa (a Japanese poet)'s poem "Mimi o Sumasu". "Mimi (耳)" means ear, and "Sumasu (澄ます)" means clarify so it's "Clarified ear". But the meaning is not like that. "Mimi o Sumasu" is like "listen". But it is not just listen. Maybe "listen carefully". But it sounds a little bit strong. The Japanese title is more thoughtful and calm. I would say "Listen to your heart" instead of "Whisper of the Heart". I think there is no English word like "Whisper" for Listen. Listen is just listen. It is very difficult. 

By the way, this movie is very thoughtful and warm. Shizuku Tsukishima is 14 years old girl who is a bookworm. One day, she found out Seiji Amasawa is reading same books at a library which she read already. There were his name on the check out cards of some books which she was trying to read. He is reading a book which she wants to read and she is reading a book which he wants to read. Shizuku is wondering "who is Seiji Amasawa". She got a feeling that she wants to meet him. This story is a kind of a love story but it is not only the love story. This movie is drawing the youthful dreams and their struggle and conflict for threir dreams and love. This movie makes us realize we should not forget the kind of time forever.

Whisper of the Heart