In 2021, Norwegian director Bjorn-Erik Aschim created something truly remarkable with ‘Dear Alice’—a film that dares to imagine agriculture not as a relic of the past, but as a beacon for our future. The story unfolds as a deeply personal letter from a grandmother to her granddaughter, exploring themes of legacy, hope, and the transformative power of working the land. What makes this intimate narrative even more extraordinary is that it features an original score by Joe Hisaishi, the legendary composer best known for his decades-long collaboration with Studio Ghibli. For those who have wept to the melodies of ‘Spirited Away’ or felt their hearts soar during ‘Howl’s Moving Castle,’ the news of Hisaishi’s involvement in ‘Dear Alice’ felt almost too good to be true.
The film received significant recognition upon its release, particularly within European film festivals and among animation enthusiasts who appreciated its distinctive artistic vision. Critics and audiences alike were struck by the film’s refusal to present either dystopian despair or saccharine fantasy; instead, it offers a grounded yet aspirational view of what humanity could achieve through dedication and environmental stewardship. While the film remained somewhat under the radar compared to mainstream animated features, it cultivated a devoted following among those seeking meaningful, thought-provoking cinema.
Yet it is Hisaishi’s score that truly elevates ‘Dear Alice’ into something transcendent. The composer brings his signature sophistication to this project, crafting a musical landscape that feels both tenderly nostalgic and courageously forward-looking. Hisaishi’s approach here demonstrates remarkable restraint; rather than overwhelming the delicate animation with sweeping orchestral statements, he allows the music to breathe alongside the visuals, creating space for the story’s quiet moments to resonate deeply with viewers.
The compositional themes throughout the score emphasize connection—between generations, between humans and nature, and between past aspirations and future possibilities. Hisaishi employs gentle piano passages that evoke intimacy and reflection, allowing the grandmother’s unspoken wisdom to permeate each frame. Simultaneously, he weaves in subtle orchestral elements that suggest growth and renewal: the gradual swelling of strings as the agricultural vision expands, the incorporation of naturalistic sounds that blur the line between music and environment.
What makes Hisaishi’s contribution particularly masterful is how the score mirrors the film’s central message about optimism grounded in effort. The music never wallows in sentimentality, nor does it adopt a triumphalist tone. Instead, it consistently reinforces the film’s philosophy that our future is something we must actively cultivate, much like the fields depicted on screen. The piano themes return and develop throughout the score, much as crops return seasonally, suggesting cycles of growth and the patient work required for meaningful change.
The orchestration itself reflects the film’s visual aesthetic—beautifully crafted and delicate, yet purposeful. Hisaishi avoids the lush, dramatic scoring he sometimes employs in Ghibli films, instead opting for something more intimate and contemplative. This restraint proves remarkably powerful, allowing viewers to feel the weight of the grandmother’s hopes for her granddaughter and the genuine possibility of agricultural renewal.
‘Dear Alice’ stands as testament to Hisaishi’s continued artistry and his ability to enhance narratives that celebrate human potential. For European fans of the composer, this collaboration represents a beautiful addition to his already extraordinary legacy—a reminder that great art lies not in spectacle, but in genuine emotional truth expressed through masterful craft.