Verdict:NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 0.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary genre.
Answer: Maybe not, NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 49 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 2008, NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on Nippon TV's NEWS ZERO program produced an hour long documentary on the making of Ponyo, known in Japan by it's full title "Ponyo on the Cliff. Under the direction of 鴨井義明, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Hayao Miyazaki. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of early 2026, NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. Nippon TV's NEWS ZERO program produced an hour long documentary on the making of Ponyo, known in Japan by it's full title "Ponyo on the Cliff." A rare look behind the scenes of Studio Ghibli. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2008 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen (2008): with an audience rating of 0/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Documentary cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2008 cinematic year.
NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 0/10, NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 0/10, NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen is a Documentary movie that follows: Nippon TV's NEWS ZERO program produced an hour long documentary on the making of Ponyo, known in Japan by it's full title "Ponyo on the Cliff." A rare look behind the scenes of Studio Ghibli....
NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen is classified as Documentary. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
NEWS ZERO Spinoff: "Ponyo on the Cliff" Close-Up! Five Genius Craftmen is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Nippon TV's NEWS ZERO program produced an hour long documentary on the making of Ponyo, known in Japan by it's full title "Ponyo on the Cliff." A rare look behind the scenes of Studio Ghibli.
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