Hoshi Wo Katta Hi Day I Bought A Star The
Hoshi wo katta hi Day I Bought a Star The
Hoshi wo katta hi (星をかった日, lit. "The Day I Bought a Star") is a Japanese animated short film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbor Totoro. It was released in 2006 and produced by Studio Ghibli for their exclusive use in the Saturn Theatre at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo . The film is based on a story by Naohisa Inoue, a Japanese artist known for his surreal paintings of the Iblard world.
Plot Summary
The film follows a young boy named Nono, who lives on the countryside and sells vegetables in the city. One day, he meets two mysterious strangers who offer him a gem that looks like a flower seed in exchange for his produce. He accepts the trade and plants the seed in a small pot at home. To his surprise, a tiny planet emerges from the soil, and he decides to take care of it. He waters the planet, watches it grow, and sees three moons orbiting around it. He also discovers that the planet has a life of its own, and can communicate with him through sounds and lights. He names the planet Pucci (プッチ) and becomes attached to it.
Hoshi wo katta hi Day I Bought a Star The
One day, he encounters the two strangers again, who have one last request for him. They ask him to give them Pucci, as they claim to be its rightful owners. They explain that they are from a distant star system, where they collect planets and stars as their hobby. They tell him that Pucci is a very rare and valuable planet, and that they will reward him generously if he agrees to part with it. Nono is reluctant to give up his friend, but he also wonders what kind of life Pucci would have with them. He decides to ask Pucci what it wants, and Pucci responds by shining brightly and making a joyful sound. Nono interprets this as Pucci's wish to go with the strangers, and reluctantly hands over the pot. The strangers thank him and leave with Pucci, promising to take good care of it.
Nono returns home feeling sad and lonely, but he soon finds a new surprise waiting for him. He sees that the pot has sprouted another seed, which grows into another tiny planet. He realizes that Pucci has left him a gift, and smiles as he welcomes his new friend.
Themes and Analysis
Hoshi wo katta hi is a simple but charming story that explores the themes of friendship, curiosity, and letting go. It shows how Nono forms a bond with Pucci, despite their differences in size and nature. It also shows how Nono learns about the wonders of the universe through his interactions with Pucci and the strangers. The film portrays the strangers as benevolent and respectful collectors, who appreciate the beauty and diversity of planets and stars. They do not force Nono to give up Pucci, but rather respect his decision and offer him a fair compensation. They also show gratitude and care for Pucci, suggesting that they will treat it well in their star system.
The film also depicts Nono's dilemma of choosing between keeping Pucci or letting it go. He faces a conflict between his attachment to Pucci and his curiosity about its origin and destiny. He ultimately decides to let Pucci go, believing that it is what Pucci wants and what is best for it. He shows courage and generosity in sacrificing his own happiness for Pucci's sake. He also shows optimism and resilience in accepting his loss and moving on with his life. He finds comfort in knowing that Pucci is happy and safe with its new owners, and that it has left him a parting gift.
Reception and Availability
Hoshi wo katta hi received positive reviews from critics and audiences who watched it at the Ghibli Museum or other special screenings. It was praised for its whimsical animation, heartwarming story, and soothing music. It was also compared to Miyazaki's other works, such as Kiki's Delivery Service and Howl's Moving Castle, for its depiction of flying objects and fantasy worlds. However, the film is not widely available to the public, as it can only be seen at the Ghibli Museum or other selected venues. It has not been released on DVD or online streaming platforms, and it does not have an official English translation or subtitles. Therefore, it remains a rare and elusive gem for Miyazaki and Ghibli fans around the world.
References
[Hoshi o Katta Hi - Wikipedia]
[Hoshi wo Katta Hi (The Day I Bought a Star) - MyAnimeList.net]
[Hoshi o Katta Hi Ghibli Wiki Fandom]