The Wind Rises

The Wind Rises (風立ちぬ, Kaze Tachinu) is a 2013 Japanese animated historical drama film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. Released on July 20, 2013, in Japan, the film portrays a fictionalized account of the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the engineer behind the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter aircraft used during World War II. The narrative intertwines Jiro's engineering aspirations with a poignant love story, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Japan, including the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake and the nation's descent into war.

The film features a voice cast led by Hideaki Anno, Miori Takimoto, and Hidetoshi Nishijima. Joe Hisaishi composed the evocative score, which complements the film's themes of dreams, ambition, and the moral complexities of creation. The Wind Rises was met with critical acclaim, receiving nominations for Best Animated Feature at the 86th Academy Awards and Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globe Awards. It also won Animation of the Year at the Japan Academy Film Prize and several awards at the Annie Awards, including Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Feature Production.

The film's release was accompanied by some controversy due to its portrayal of a warplane designer, leading to discussions about the ethical implications of Jiro's creations. Despite this, The Wind Rises is celebrated as a masterful blend of historical narrative and personal reflection, marking a significant work in Miyazaki's illustrious career.