You are here:

The Wind Rises

Name: The Wind Rises
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Released: 2013
Duration: 126 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2013

PG-13

Director

Hayao Miyazaki

Runtime

126 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Wind Rises is a sophisticated historical drama that prioritizes thematic depth over demographic variety. It succeeds by examining the relationship between individual passion and the oppressive machinery of the state. While the film lacks LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender identities, it excels in its nuanced portrayal of character struggles. The film's critique of military expansionism and its depiction of illness provide a level of emotional and moral complexity often missing in period pieces. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its ability to frame the pursuit of beauty within a flawed historical context, rather than simply glorifying technological progress.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Wind Rises have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a traditional romance between Jiro and Naoko, with no visible queer subtext or non-cisgender identities.

How does The Wind Rises portray gender?

Fair

Naoko provides a dignified emotional presence that avoids reductive clichés. Despite the male protagonist's career focus, the female lead maintains a significant intellectual role.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Wind Rises?

Fair

Set in early 20th century Japan, the film portrays a culturally homogeneous society. It offers an authentic depiction of Japanese identity without relying on racial stereotypes.

How does The Wind Rises represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques the military-industrial complex by showing how individual dreams are co-opted for warfare. It presents technological progress through a lens of tragic moral relativism.

Does The Wind Rises include disability representation?

Good

Naoko’s struggle with tuberculosis is handled with nuance and dignity. The film avoids sentimentality, focusing instead on the lived reality of her chronic illness and its impact.

Present on Screen

Nuanced and dignified portrayal of chronic illness through Naoko's character arc.
Sophisticated critique of how individual dreams are co-opted by the military-industrial complex.
Authentic and specific depiction of Japanese identity within its historical setting.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender identities within the narrative.
Limited racial and ethnic diversity due to the homogeneous historical setting.
Maintains traditional gender hierarchies rather than actively challenging them.

Official Synopsis

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.

How are these scores produced? →