"When you become an artist, you are like that rock. You are in a raw, natural state with hidden gems inside.You have to dig down deep and find the emerald studs way inside you. "

Crossroads. Something we're all familiar with, especially during our adolescent years where expectations may give us the impression that we're running out of time. It doesn't help seeing other people progress whilst we're still unsure on how to really approach the near-future, the lingering fear of disappointment begins to weigh some people down.

Whisper of the Heart is a charming coming-of-age story wrapped around an adorable romance. For some, this Studio Ghibli addition may serve as a warm embrace, reminding viewers that they're not alone in their feeling of doubt and that it's perfectly fine to go at your own pace. This addition is also one of the movies by the studio to not be directed by Hayao Miyazaki but instead by Yoshifumi Kondo, who unfortunately passed away 3 years after it's release.

This movie is one of the more grounded narratives from Studio Ghibli, the hurdles which the main character has to overcome are hurdles which we've all had to face or for some of us, still facing. The movie follows a 14-year old girl who aspires to be a writer as she struggles to transition into a different stage in her life, a stage built upon independence and ambition. A boy who seems to possess a mutual interest in literature is introduced and the two begin to slow-dance around their feelings for each other.

The hand-drawn animation style paired alongside the honesty which the narrative is presented with evokes a nostalgic feeling. Whisper of the Heart successfully comes of as a sincere and thoughtful watch, it is the embodiment of all of Studio Ghibli's intentions regarding the art of film. It exists as a safe space or a pit stop in this long road of existence and self-discovery. We as humans are forever growing and forever discovering the gems which reside within us therefore this movie will forever be relevant.

Overall, Whisper of the Heart is definitely worth the watch and is almost guaranteed to lift your spirit. This story of teenage love, passion and self-discovery is, in my opinion, the greatest movie to come out of Studio Ghibli.