Ocean Waves, also known as I Can Hear the Sea, is a Japanese television anime film released in 1993. The film centers around Taku Morisaki, a high school student who works part-time at a restaurant to save for his school trip to Hawaii. Along with his friend Yutaka Matsuno, a standout student and class leader, they become embroiled in a love triangle with Rikako Muto, a new student who recently transferred to their school.
The film begins with Taku finishing his shift at the restaurant in Kochi, Japan, when he receives a call from Yutaka to come to school immediately. Upon arriving, Yutaka takes him to a classroom window to observe a new transfer student that caught their attention. The girl’s name is Rikako Muto, a smart and academically gifted student who excels in tennis but struggles with socializing with her classmates.
While on their school trip to Hawaii, Taku lends Rikako 60,000 yen after she loses her money. However, Rikako quickly becomes angry with Taku after he accidentally reveals to Yutaka that it was only a loan. Rikako had also borrowed 20,000 yen from Yutaka, but Taku had no knowledge of this. After the trip, Rikako and Yutaka become closer while Taku is left to deal with his feelings for Rikako.
Rikako eventually uses the money that she borrowed from Taku and Yutaka to buy a plane ticket to Tokyo to see her father after he has divorced her mother. Taku follows Rikako to Tokyo and discovers that her father has a new girlfriend. Rikako’s father then pays back the money she borrowed from Taku and Yutaka, and he allows Taku to stay at a hotel he had reserved.
During Taku’s stay, Rikako suddenly shows up at his hotel room and confides in him about her family problems. After returning to school, Rikako begins distancing herself from Taku and ignoring him. The rumor mill in school starts spinning, and the other students begin spreading gossip that Taku and Rikako spent the night together in Tokyo.
Yutaka reveals to Taku that he had tried to confess his feelings to Rikako but was rejected. He then advises Taku to be patient and not give up on Rikako.
Ocean Waves is a coming-of-age drama film that is quite different from the typical Studio Ghibli films. This film is unique because its plot revolves around an everyday teenage love triangle that is devoid of magic, fantasy, or spirits. It is a realistic portrayal of the lives of teenagers and their struggles in love and friendship.
In conclusion, Ocean Waves is a captivating blend of animation, drama, and romance that perfectly captures the intricacies of a teenage love triangle. It is a must-watch for lovers of anime and teenage dramas alike.
