Common Sense Media Review
By Yvonne Condes
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Simple, slow anime tale about teen relationships in Japan.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ocean Waves
What's the Story?
In OCEAN WAVES, during a trip home from college, Taku (voiced by Nobuo Tobita) looks back on his high school days and the girl who got in the way of his relationship with his best friend. When Rikaku (Yoko Sakamoto) arrives on the scene, Taku and Yutaka (Toshihiko Seki) are both interested -- but it's ultimately Taku she turns to for help (of course, it turns out she's manipulating him, but he doesn't always care...).
Is It Any Good?
Originally released as a TV movie in Japan in 1993, this simple, nostalgic, but slow anime drama is making its way to American audiences decades later. The animation is good, but there's not all that much to Ocean Waves' story. Rikaku is talented and smart; the reason she doesn't have many friends, the film tries to explain, is because her parents moved her out of Tokyo when they divorced.
That's regrettable for her, but she's also selfish and manipulative, and it's frustrating that Taku and Yutaka are both infatuated with her even though she treats them terribly and creates a rift between them. Frankly, it's not at all clear why the boys like her or why we would want to see their relationship play out screen. Fans of Studio Ghibli or the novel Ocean Waves was based on might enjoy it, but other audiences are likely to find it disappointing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way that Rikaku treats Taku and Yutaka in Ocean Waves. She thinks only of herself and her own pain when she lies to Taku and manipulates him. Have you ever been treated that way? How did you feel, and what did you do?
How do anime movies like Ocean Waves compare to more mainstream U.S. animated fare? Which do you prefer? Why?
Have you ever had a girl or boy you liked come between you and a good friend? What should friends do when they both like the same person?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 28, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : April 18, 2017
- Cast : Nobuo Tobita , Toshihiko Seki , Yoko Sakamoto
- Director : Tomomi Mochizuki
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Studio Ghibli
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 72 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some thematic material
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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