The Wind Rises Apr 2026

Pass the Popcorn: The Wind Rises * (Guest post by Greg Forster) I hadn't intended to time a review of Hayao Miyazaki's final film, jaypgreene.com

The Cursed Dream: Reflections on "The Wind Rises" Hayao Miyazaki’s 2013 film, The Wind Rises , stands as a striking departure from the whimsical forests and bathhouses of his earlier work. It is a grounded, historical biopic that explores the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the aeronautical engineer who designed the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane. More than just a history lesson, it is a deeply personal meditation on the burden of talent and the inherent "curse" of the creator. The Beauty of Flight vs. the Reality of War The Wind Rises

At its core, the film examines the tragic irony of Jiro’s ambition. From childhood, he is enamored with the elegance of aviation, viewing aircraft as "beautiful dreams". However, his pursuit of this beauty occurs during Japan’s descent into militarism, meaning his creations are destined to become instruments of destruction. Pass the Popcorn: The Wind Rises * (Guest