Does anyone have any ideas why the film was called so? I didnt notice any reference at all to being able to hear the ocean (sea). I only noticed one scene even where the sea was even 'mentioned', when Morisaki and Matsuno were reunited for the first time after they went to uni.
I could understand if it was a translation error, where the Japanese title makes a lot more sense. However I think the Japanese title actually means the same thing.
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I think the metaphor can be explained differently.
In my opinion it's when you first tell a kid you can hear the ocean in a sea shell. The kid will either not believe or not comprehend this. But when the kid grows older, it will finally get a chance to grab a sea shell from the beach and try.
<spoiler, sort of>
In a way, it is the same with Taku. He does not seem particularly interested in Rikako and he surely does not understand why she seems to end up with him every time she has a problem. Only when he travels back to the reunion and sees Rikako on the opposite train platform just before he leaves, does he realize he loves her and has always done so. And only at the end of the movie, when Rikako doesn't show up for the reunion and he hears she didn't because she was off to see the guy who would sleep in the bathtub, does he realize she also loves him.
So in a way I think hearing the ocean refers to Taku finally discovering the truth about him and Rikako. But of course, this is just my opinion.
I think this metaphor is still quite difficult to understand, but I think I 'hear' where you are coming from (pun intented).
You're right that it was love. Until the end of the movie, Taku Morisaki is confused about Rikako's behaviour. He doesn't understand why girls seem to act that way.
Then when it gets to the scene when they are staring at the castle, Taku sees all those flashbacks and recognises that it is love.
The film just about hints that love is confusing, and so are boys and girls alike.
And of course, it all becomes clear when you are more mature... or older... and can actually try to hear the sea in a shell yourself. Because, as you suggested, children are more than likely to dismiss the idea that you can her the sea in a shell (I know I did).
It isn't the best metaphor but it is good in the fact that it reaches meaning very slightly, in an abstract and distant, indescribable way.
What kahrdi said, really reminded me of the movie "Love Letter" starring Nakayama Miho.
It is a great movie with a similar atmosphere as Ocean Waves. If you enoyed this movie, I strongly recommend Love Letter as well.
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I think therefore I am,
If I think not, am I not?
http://www.geocities.com/muni_shinobu/mg
I agree that the title makes little sense. I'm kind of changing subjects, but...
What would make a better title? I can't think of anything good, but I don't get the original title. If you don't agree, don't write anything, but if you can think of any better titles, put them down.
anyone know if "waves" is meant as a noun or verb?
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prepare to be boarded
Rikako is an outsider (to Kochi) and doesn't share the background of the others (Taku, etc) being raised on Shikoku, so she doesn't "hear the sea". In the unnecessary sequel (which is like a soap opera) Taku and Rikako are together - she has adjusted to the provincial life - and he muses "I think she heard the sea". (Also see the review by Shane Burridge).
shareThere's a sequel!?
shareYeah, but it was live action, not animated. Actually I think it was both the books jammed together into one movie. I haven't seen it but I read a very detailed plot summary and it really was a bit melodramatic and soapy. It didn't get a good reception from what I've read, so the Ghibli one is still the definitive version.
shareDefinitely a noun. The other one make nearly no sense.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpXwPdJIOJY
Best thing ever.
About the title this is my suggestion: Ocean/ sea is the chilché symbol for freedom, but also for largness of the world and its opportunities.
And that comes together well with what the girl on reunion said: my world was too little.
Perhaps the title is refering the the state of mind people have in their teenage years unable to take a step from their own lifes and and judge others and situations more wise, as they can when they are more experienced.
Or who the hell knows...
It's not just restricted to adolescence, that feeling - it can happen even when one is a youth or young adult (I feel the same way right now).
shareI've nothing to add about the metaphor, except to remark that Kochi is a small, quiet seaside town being contrasted here with the huge metropolis of Tokyo; but the Japanese does mean just that. Umi, the sea, ga, subject marker, kikoeru, (I) am able to hear.