It seems to be a Studio Ghibli thing, Chihiro's father was an awful and dangerous driver in Spirited Away too!
And that's why.. you always leave a note.

She was going for Mother of the Year award.

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I agree, she left her young child on his own with Ponyo in the middle of a Storm. Also seemed to sleep quite a bit, and seemed highly strung at times

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That part with the massive waves scared the crap out of me! And Lisa's driving reminded me of my ex.
Do not click on this link without my permission:
http://meonvarioustopics.blogspot.com

Not as bad as Yukari from Azumanga Daioh. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS9csiX95dQ She wins as worst driver ever especially with children in the car.

I thought the sig-hating WAS his signature.
In the end, Okonkwo threw the Cat.

I thought Yukari's attempts in picking up the food was funny. The driving thing was more entertaining.
Sonic will be hearty forever.
"Mom, could I get one of these?" - Little Girl

I thought her driving was very entertaining, the funniest since watching Yukari's attempts in
Azumanga Daioh
I'm only going to say this once: stay out of Camberwick Green - Sam Tyler

Which one? the sonic will be hearty forever one or the one with qoutes? The sonic will be hearty forever is true and the qoute is from some stupid little girl in a sonic x episode where Sonic fights Knuckles ane then Amy kicks her across the train. So please don't say "I hate your stupid signature" they're all true.
Sonic will be hearty forever.
"Mom, could I get one of these?" - Little Girl

Every time I watch this with my toddler, when Sosuke's mother drives through that storm, I say, "This is very, very stupid. Don't ever drive like that." She doesn't understand what I'm saying, but it's like I can't help myself. Sosuke's mom is INSANE on the road!
I hate your stupid signature

I agree. How could she do that to a five year old child? He could've got hurt, cried and died. And I wanna beep that mother anyway for ignoring her child and her husband saying "Bug off" and runs away crying now that totally pisses me off. Sosoke's mother is the worst mother who ever nursed her own child! I'd sue her for God's sake than take her license away. Otherwise, the kid would have to live in an orphanage or a foster home.
Sonic will be hearty forever.
"Mom, could I get one of these?" - Little Girl

This is a very amusing thread! I did think her driving was pretty erratic too, when I was watching it..
Ponyo review:
http://iheartthetalkies.wordpress.com/2010/03/01/film-review-ponyo/
http://iheartthetalkies.wordpress.com

I thought the fact that she's a mighty reckless driver showed an affinity between Sousuke's mother and Ponyo's personalities. They're both ardent, impetuous, and affectionate women; and they both like ham. But maybe Ponyo shouldn't be let drive when she grows up.

asians cant drive

Is there any commentary on the DVD about her driving skills?

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She was clearly an extremely skilled asphalt driver; Sbastien Loeb had better watch out!

I totally agree. She was the worst driver. Then she leaves her 5 year old home alone with a strange girl. LOL. Too funny - I guess you have to go with the fantasy part of it.

What is your problem? Take the license away from a cartoon? Yes, she drives like a maniac, but she is by no means unique.

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It looks like anti-driving propaganda really. Trying to scare kids into never wanting to start driving in the first place to prop up the public transit system.
Quit exhaling! You are contributing to global warming.

I would have drawn the similarity with Castle of Cagliostro as well; the way Sosuke loses Ponyo on the shore reminded me somewhat of the way Lupin lost Clarisse on a similar shore.
I think Lisa is intended to be an American, hence her hot-tempered impulsiveness. The only thing that she did that I found really questionable is her leaving Sosuke and Ponyo alone at the house, losing the ability to return home because of rising sea levels. I would expect such a mother to completely freak out and insist on commandeering a boat to take her back to her house; unless she had already met Fujimoto and Granmamare at that point.
The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters.