Introduction
I’ve always loved animation. How it brings stories to life that could never have been done the way it was if it was a live action. One of my favorites is the Japanese animation powerhouse, Studio Ghibli. Seeing it at first, you might think these types of movies are for kids, yet they can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Each movie made by this studio tells a story that carries great significance.
What are Studio Ghibli films?
According to Elle, “Studio Ghibli films depict what is to be human,” which means in all of the movies, a story about a human experience is being told. Hayao Mayazaki, the director of the studio, tries to portray such human emotions of grief, happiness, or fear through a creative way. That’s one of the reasons these movies are so attractive to viewers.
“The movies are very pretty and the animation is unique. It has a very meaningful background,” said senior Zaul Guiler.
The attractiveness
Studio Ghibli films are said to specifically describe feelings in different ways than any other animation studio. The style of animation can also bring childhood nostalgia, which many viewers enjoy. Usually, a Miyazaki’s movie has a moral at the end that gets people to think. The musical scores, created with care by composer Joe Hisaishi, are brilliant and pair well with the vibe of every movie.
Movie examples
- One of my personal favorites is The Wind Rises, which follows the life of an aircraft designer during World War II. The main character, Jiro Horikoshi, represents the issue people face when they want to avoid an unsatisfying and inevitable future. His dream was to make airplanes for people to enjoy, but they ended up getting used for war. His wife is also dying of tuberculosis, and he has no choice but to accept and spend the time he has left with her.
- Nausicaa, another Studio Ghibli film, is about a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world where humans live in isolated territories due to certain parts of the earth becoming too toxic. The story revolves around a pacifist princess named Nausicaa who tries her best to prevent war from happening between the different territories. The main theme that is displayed in this movie is the importance of environmental protection and the respect of all creatures.
- The most popular of all Studio Ghibli movies, Spirited Away, is about a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro who comes to find out that the amusement park she visited with her parents is actually a resort for supernatural creatures. She finds herself trapped in this spirit world and her main goal is to escape. The main message of Spirited Away is the fearful transition from childhood to adulthood, portrayed through Chihiro being afraid to grow up, which I can definitely relate to.
This studio is like no other. A new movie from this studio came out in December 2023, called The Boy and the Heron, and I can confirm that it is just as masterful as the rest.
“They’re classics and have immersive story-telling and smooth animation, especially for the time they were made. They also have amazing soundtracks,” said senior Irene Straw.
Every aspect of Studio Ghibli is captivating: the animation, the storyline, the music, and the characters. Even with the amount of whimsical imagination incorporated into every movie, there is always a hint of realism to every story. I remember when I watched one of Studio Ghibli’s movies for the first time and I fell in love. So, if you want a genre that is fantastical and fun, I highly recommend this studio.
