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Whisper of the Heart is my number one favorite Ghibli movie. I relate a lot to the main protagonist. I remember in my high school years how I so badly wanted to do all these artistic careers. Be a writer, manga artist, painter, etc. But my mom and step father were incredibly unsupportive, calling it just a 'hobby', lazy, unrealistic. (If they were willing to pay for art classes at the college instead of shitty 'special' classes, then my goals WOULD HAVE become realistic!) Real life was always boring to me, so I would escape into my own imagination like Shizuku did when she started writing her perfect story. I'd go for long walks, wander through neighborhoods or scenic hiking trails looking for anything to inspire me.
The old man, the owner of the antique shop Shizuku visits, reminded me so much of my Grandad. I'd visit him a lot, go out for ice cream or visit the petting zoo, he'd nourish my artistic talent with encouragement, gave me his old easel, books on painting, a whole bunch of canvases, he'd tell me stories of his past (which motivated me to pick up a history book and learn more.). And just like when Shizuku lets the Antique shop owner read her first manuscript she worked tooth and nail over, it was just like when I showed my Grandad my very first large canvas painting I really put my whole heart into. It was of a baby horse sitting with two baby deers in a garden of spring flowers. He was so happy and proud to see it. That was about a year before he passed away. So I tear up a little at the scenes with the old Antique shop owner. I miss Grandad a whole lot.
I love this movie a whole lot. And I do kinda hope I reach that point in the story where a sweet guy I can really connect with proposes to me with a huge, cheesy I LOVE YOU!!