Of Ghibli and Sushi, And Other Heart Wrenching Things

[the_raccoondog]

I just finished watching Howl's Moving Castle, and, well, as Howl said by the end of the movie, "I feel terrible, like there's a weight in my chest" from all these feelings I got, hahaha. Although half if not most of that is the ending song's fault, 世界の約束 (Promise of the World). Here's the instrumental version I found on YouTube. Maybe I should warn you to listen at your own risk.

Click to view

And as if that wasn't heart-wrenching enough, try listening to that while reading the lyrics:
涙の奥にゆらぐほほえみは
時の始めからの世界の約束
Beyond these tears my flickering smile
Holds the promise of love from the beginning of time

いまは一人でも二人の昨日から今日は生まれきらめく
初めて会った日のように
Even though I'm alone now this day is born aglow with the light of our yesterdays
Like the first time we spoke

思い出のうちにあなたはいない
そよかぜとなって頬に触れてくる
Somehow I lost you among all my memories
You brush past my face softly as the breeze

木漏れ日の午後の別れのあとも
決して終わらない世界の約束
Though we slipped apart like sunlight through the leaves
The promise of love will live on endlessly

いまは一人でも明日は限りない
あなたが教えてくれた夜にひそむやさしさ
Even though I'm alone now my tomorrows are boundless
Like the kindness you showed me hidden in the night

思い出のうちにあなたはいない
せせらぎの歌にこの空の色に
花の香りにいつまでも生きて
Somehow I lost you among all my memories
In a brooke's gentle melody, in the color of the sky
In the scent of a flower, you will live on eternally

--- Yes, I am a sap. Shoo. B( I can't take credit for the translation, although I did take liberty in editing it a tiny bit around the parts that I figured would make more sense, given the kanji. (Of course, I am no expert.)

I ought to get my hands on a copy of the book where the movie's based from. If anyone can point me to the direction of where I can buy this book locally, it would be greatly appreciated! o/

You really have to hand it to Studio Ghibli for finding/making the best songs to end their movies with, among other things. I pretty much felt the same way after rewatching Spirited Away the other week. And because I like to torture myself with painfully beautiful music Here's a string version of いつも何度でも (Always With Me):

Click to view

Lyrics and translation over here.

There's also Grave of the Fireflies, but let's not go there. I have no desire to needlessly spiral down into depression again. :|

In other movie-watching related news - I finally got around to watching Jiro Dreams of Sushi with Jen yesterday. I HAVE NO WORDS. Well, actually I have a LOT but they're coupled with spazzes and flails that you wouldn't understand me anyway. You can see some of those said spazzing here but I must say, even if you're not a fan of sushi (or food, in which case, WHAT THE HELL?) you should still watch this documentary. Every professional mentioned in it is beyond inspiring, not just Jiro. Five minutes into it and you're already bombarded with thought-provoking quotes. It's not just about Jiro and sushi, really. It's about dedicating your life and yourself not to a job but to a career, a craft, no matter what it is. (Is it obvious why I love this documentary so much?)



Plus Jiro totally looks like a turtle. A lovable master of a turtle. Like Oogwai.

I should be making myself scarce after this. There are things to be done! (I'll fill you guys in with the details when things are more concrete.) Or you know, I might continue my Studio Ghibli marathon with Ponyo... whose theme song is now ringing in my head. Great. ;;;;

Pooonyo Ponyo Ponyo onna no ko~ Manmaru ona kano genko na kooo~

oTL