While waiting to in line to get into the theater to see Pacific Rim Uprising (come on, did you think I would see anything else this weekend?) my eyes fell upon a poster advertising some of the best films that Studio Ghibli created. The theater was going to be showing them all summer long. My mind went back to when I first saw these films and my amazement that these animated films were just as good or better then the studio created by Walt Disney. I decided to write about some of my favorite Ghibli films. This is not a complete list, as most if not all are great, but these were the ones that stayed with me long after the credits had finished rolling.
My Neighbor Totoro
This charming and cute story about two sisters who find the “keeper of the forest,” the above mentioned Totoro. This story has no real plot, but a series of scenes about the unseen spirit world that might be right outside of our very door. The scenes are so beautiful drawn and have such strange inventions, the cat-bus alone deserves multiple viewings. Totoro became the mascot of Studio Ghibli and many people have seen the rabbit looking creature sold in stores. This is the movie that I always tell people to watch if they don’t know what Ghibli movies are about.
Princess Mononoke
From the cute to a battle between nature and humans. Ashitaka has been cursed and is told that he must find a cure or die. His travels eventually lead him to San, a woman who has been raised by wolfs and who is at war with a neighboring town. This was one of the first movies that showed that nature might fight back if humans continued to take away it’s resources. This movie is action packed, with an army of spirits on one side and humans on the other. More violent then some other Ghibli movies, this animated fare shows that not all movies have to be comedy’s or feature princesses waiting to be rescued.
Grave of the Fireflies
I didn’t see this movie until well after I had become an adult. I am glad for this, because this movie should be seen by everyone, but little children should avoid it until they are old enough to handle it. Seita and Setsuko are brother and sister who are left to survive alone after the Allies bomb Japan near the end of World War II. This movie is bleak and very dark. I remember crying at multiple parts throughout the film and was not prepared for the ending. This movie strayed with me a very long time and I would put it up there with any great drama film. Please go watch it, but be prepared to be taken through the emotional roller coaster.
Spirited Away
Probably Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece and certainly a near perfect film. Chihiro is a ten year old girl who finds herself trapped at a bathhouse that caters to spirits and monsters. She must find a way to survive as well as rescue her parents. This movie is a true treat to watch. The characters are unique and the animation is simply stunning. The story is fantastic and the movie makes you think some characters are one way and then flipping them on their head. The sequence when No-Face is tearing through the bathhouse is one of a hundred great scenes. If you missed this one, you missed out on one of the best. But don’t worry, this movie can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
These are just my personal favorites. Studio Ghibli seems to be able to do it all. If I missed your favorite, drop it the comments and tell me why it worked for you. From history to comedy to action, Studio Ghibli is one of my favorite Japanese movie studios.
