Synopsis:
Taku Morisaki and Yutaka Matsuno were the best of friends... until Rikako Muto came along. Matsuno has been attracted to Rikako ever since the first time he saw her, but Rikako seems more drawn to Morisaki. Morisaki thinks of Rikako as nothing more than a nuisance... but is that how he really feels?

Review:
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. It's kind of like a less angsty and more pragmatic episode of Dawson's Creek... but a lot more tasteful and better done in all aspects. What I liked best about Ocean Waves was the characterization. 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. It's something along the lines of "Whisper of the Heart", and even "Boys Be..." to a certain extent. Recommended for those who are into realistic anime.

Miscellanies:
Ocean Waves is about an hour long, since it was made for TV. It has not yet been released in the United States.

Screenshots:

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J-List Ocean Waves (Import bilingual DVD)

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