The Wind Rises
Performance & Direction: The Wind Rises Review
Last updated: February 13, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Wind Rises (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Wind Rises features a noteworthy lineup led by Hideaki Anno . Supported by the likes of Hidetoshi Nishijima and Miori Takimoto , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Wind Rises
Quick Plot Summary: The Wind Rises is a Drama, Animation, Romance, War, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A lifelong love of flight inspires Japanese aviation engineer Jiro Horikoshi, whose storied career includes the creation of the A-6M World War II fighter plane. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Thematic Depth
The film delves into universal human experiences including love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
- Strong performances that bring depth to the characters
- Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
- A few underdeveloped subplots
Ending Explained: The Wind Rises
Ending Breakdown: The Wind Rises resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of The Wind Rises demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Wind Rises Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Wind Rises draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, animation, romance, war, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Wind Rises successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Wind Rises?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: The Wind Rises
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $117.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Wind Rises Budget
The estimated production budget for The Wind Rises is $30.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Wind Rises
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Wind Rises Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
NetflixThe Wind Rises Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about The Wind Rises age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Wind Rises is 126 minutes (2h 6m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Wind Rises is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wind Rises worth watching?
The Wind Rises is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Wind Rises parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Wind Rises identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Wind Rises?
The total duration of The Wind Rises is 126 minutes, which is approximately 2h 6m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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