Ponyo is a 2008 Japanese animated fantasy film. The film tells the story of Ponyo (Nara), a goldfish who escapes from the ocean and is rescued by a five-year-old human boy, Sōsuke (Doi) after she is washed ashore while trapped in a glass jar. As they bond with each other, the story deals with resolving Ponyos desire to become a human girl, against the devastating circumstances brought about by her acquisition and use of magic. The film was originally released in Japan on July 19, 2008. It was a major commercial success, grossing over $204 million worldwide and becoming the fifth-highest-grossing anime film of all time. It received critical acclaim for its uplifting themes, visual design, and simultaneous appeal towards young children and all audiences. An English-language version of the film was released on August 14, 2009, releasing to 927 theatres across the U.S., the widest opening for a Studio Ghibli film across the U.S.