This review looks at Whisper of the Heart, a 1995 Studio Ghibli film that Hayao Miyazaki scripted but did not direct, now receiving a UK and Irish cinema release. The reviewer frames it as an early exploration of themes Miyazaki would return to later in his career, though less polished than his acknowledged masterpieces, offering a heartfelt message about committing to a creative life rather than his usual blend of fantasy and reality.

The film follows aspiring schoolgirl writer Shizuku, who becomes intrigued by a boy named Seiji after repeatedly seeing his name on library borrowing slips, with a mysterious cat leading her to a curio shop connected to him. It was the sole directorial credit for Ghibli veteran Yoshifumi Kondō, who died shortly after its completion, and the reviewer notes it stays grounded in realism while delivering motivational messages about artistic discipline and accepting imperfection. Whisper of the Heart is in UK and Irish cinemas from 16 September.