Whisper of the Heart

Making a welcome debut on Blu-ray, Whisper of the Heart is a minor classic from Japan's legendary Studio Ghibli, home of the award winning Spirited Away and Princess Monomoke.

A young schoolgirl is determined to prove herself to a talented maker of musical instruments and starts writing stories about a mystical cat known as The Baron. Losing herself totally in the creative process we join her in some spectacular flights of fancy, which help her make big decisions about what to do with her life.

Visually the film does not disappoint, and it's always beautiful and often breath-taking, but some might be disappointed that not a great deal happens. It's really quite a simple story about finding inspiration from the one you love. And what's wrong with that?

It may be quiet and even slow at times, but it's so sweet and sincere that it's hard not to warm to it. A little treasure. [Scotty McKellar]