I look up as I walk…|Jul. 16, 2011|Japan|91 Min.|PG
Genre: Animation;Drama
Description: **From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)** tells the story of Umi Matsuzaki, a 16-year-old high school student living in Coquelicot Manor, a boarding house overlooking the Port of Yokohama, Japan. With her mother studying in the United States, Umi takes care of her younger siblings and grandmother while managing the household. Each morning, she raises signal flags with the message “I pray for safe voyages.”
One day, a poem about the flags is published in her school’s newspaper, written by Shun Kazama, a fellow student. Initially, Umi misunderstands Shun due to a daring stunt he performs to protect the “Latin Quarter,” an old building housing school clubs that faces demolition. When Umi visits the Latin Quarter, she becomes involved in its renovation, working alongside Shun and others. As they grow closer, romantic feelings begin to develop between them.
However, their relationship faces a challenge when Shun discovers a photograph of Umi’s late father, a naval officer killed during the Korean War. Shunned realizes he has the same photo, leading to the revelation that he was adopted. Believing they might be siblings, Shun and Umi distance themselves romantically but remain close as friends.
Despite the students’ efforts to save the Latin Quarter, the school board decides to proceed with its demolition. Determined, Umi, Shun, and their friends convince the board chairman to reconsider. Meanwhile, Umi’s mother returns from the U.S. and reveals that Shun’s biological father was a different man, allowing Umi and Shun to reunite romantically.
Set against the backdrop of Japan’s preparations for the 1964 Summer Olympics, *From Up on Poppy Hill* is a heartfelt tale of love, family, and the power of community.
Cast director: Gorō Miyazaki
Cast actor: Masami Nagasawa, Junichi Okada, Keiko Takeshita, Yuriko Ishida, Rumi Hiiragi, Jun Fubuki, Takashi Naitō, Shunsuke Kazama, Nao Ōmori, Teruyuki Kagawa
Original name: コクリコ坂から