Nick Hornby writes romcoms for guys. Thanks for that, Nick. The film does a good job of resolving its various threads, even if the ending did feel a little sudden. I like it when a film name-checks my favourite band - The Kinks. And I've been to Waterloo Station.

This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

Troubled young girl is sent to the country to help her recuperate. Let the healing begin! A beautiful variation on that theme. Story reminds me of Tom's Midnight Garden by Phillipa Pearce, though this one was originally written by Joan Robinson and set in the English fens. I watched the dub. Geena Davis excels in a small role as the auntie/mother. The scene where the girl Anne finally calls her 'mother' is just the best. It's so subtle, almost throwaway,but boy it works. What a swansong for Ghibli!

I re-watched this in preparation for the new one because I'd forgotten much of it. It's still full of plot holes and seat of the pants 'science', but those old characters still resonate. Luke in the Millenium Falcon galley ruminating about Han's death and being reminded by R2 of young Leia's original message to Obi Wan. I like how he rejects the Jedi way in this one. A bold move for this franchise. I wonder how they'll resolve it.