OCEAN WAVES is Studio Ghibli's take on a coming-of-age anime, featuring characters, events, and emotions that are so real you'd feel that at one point you or someone you know had experienced them too.
Taku Morisaki is on his way back to his hometown Kochi for a high school reunion. He remembers how his life was changed forever by a girl named Rikako. Taku narrates as he recalls how he met Rikako and what had transpired between him, Rikako, and his best friend Matsuno. Just about anyone can identify with Morisaki, Matsuno, and Rikako. They're regular people. They're not perfect. They have problems and issues just like everyone else.
The visuals are impeccable, as can be expected of a Studio Ghibli release. As usual, character designs are simplistic but everything else from foliage to vehicles are stunningly detailed. Each scene is meticulously composed with just the right combination of elements, punctuated with an appropriate piano score.
OCEAN WAVES is an elegant piece, offering a wistful trip down memory lane for virtually anyone who's ever been in high school.
Synopsis written by: Rowena Lim Lei