Anthony Peronto’s review published on Letterboxd:
I forgot how this is not only a polar opposite to Miyazaki’s previous caper, Cagliostro, but also to most anime and post-apocalyptic cinema in general. Mono no aware, or the sensitivity to ephemera, is deeply embedded in the DNA of this film. The soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi, combines piano, orchestral, electronic, & Indian music to create a mood of acceptance and mourning. Looking up at the sky while protected from deadly spores falling like snowflakes. Breathing free underneath The Sea Of Decay. Gazing from a gunship at a herd of titan-sized insects. I forget how many silent beautiful moments of reflection there are here. No wonder an American company chopped it up to focus on the action scenes and literally erased the title character from the marketing. And while there are small moments of joy, smaller cuddly creatures, and thrilling action on the ground and in the air, this is a somber and singular creation announcing a titan of animation for decades to come.