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**This review is mostly spoiler free, but proceed with caution.**

Studio Ghibli has been known for its amazing imagery and intricate storytelling, incorporating everything from the supernatural (Kiki's Delivery Service), to the futuristically natural (Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind), to the anachronistically wonderful (Castle in the Sky). However, every once in a while they do something a little different. Similar in tone and approach as Only Yesterday, From Up on Poppy Hill is a rarity in the world of animated films. It attempts to balance a coming-of-age romance story, with the pivotal self discovery of our two protagonists. 

*The original article can be seen here.*

 
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I would like to preface this article by saying that I have thought long and hard about this and by no means is anything following this meant to offend any nation or institution. This is an article of pure opinion with a foundation of research and serious, sensitive contemplative thought. (Also, please note this article will only focus on Pocahontas and not the sequel as that lends for enough material to fill an entire novel.)

I was only 6 or 7 years old, and already in love with animation when my parents took me to the cinema for the first time. As we walked down the darkened isle to find our seats, an electric feeling of overwhelming excitement took me over. The Disney logo lit the screen and I was soon submerged in the story that I have now, many years later, come to love, and hate with a conflicting passion:Pocahantas. Having spent my childhood and adolescence romanticizing this film, and now my adulthood rationalizing and deciphering every inch of it, I am no closer to feeling resolved about it. I have, however, finally begun to articulate my mixed feelings about one of the most topical films Disney has ever released.

*The original article can be seen here.*