My love and excitement for this studio is real.
The magical world of Studio Ghibli is an animation studio with gripping stories and incredible visuals that pull you into their world. This animation giant has made countless great movies, but here are just three that I will always love.
“Grave of the Fireflies”
I’ve never cried so hard in my life.
This is the type of great film that you do not want to watch again. I haven’t met someone who is willing to watch it again, because it is just a depressing film.
In this war film we follow Seita and Setsuko, siblings, in Japan who are trying to survive World War II. After the Americans drop the atomic bomb on Japan, the nation is left in chaos. The war turns those who are alive into selfish people. The siblings quickly learn that all they have is each other and they must learn to survive on their own.
Why it’s great:
- Great Anti War film: It shows the other side of war. We see the lives of innocents destroyed by war. No one is left unaffected.
- Great story: A disheartening story of war through the eyes of siblings trying to overcome adversity.
- Great Animation: The visuals are stunning for a film that was made in 1988. The grim style only helps the tone of the film.
Cons: I was depressed after I watched this film.
“Spirited Away”
Fun times getting lost, just like my childhood, except not in a magical land.
A children’s classic and a distant cousin to the Disney family; “Spirited Away” is an adventure film filled with incredible character design and story.
We go into a magical land where Chihiro Ogino gets lost and has to find her way back home. In this world she is put to work the second she gets there. She must now find a way to escape this world and return to her own world.
Why it’s great:
- Brings you back to childhood memories: Our main character is Chihiro Ogino, a 10-year-old girl whose curiosity gets her into trouble. When we were about that age we got curious and went off on our own adventure. It just reminds me of good times.
- Beautiful animation:
I wonder how long this took to animate.
This scene gets me every time.
I wish I had a garden that looked that good.
I mean do I even have to say anything for this.
Cons: I wish he had made a sequel.
It feel this way with most Studio Ghibli films
“Howl’ Moving Castle”
My first exposure to Studio Ghibli
Another classic that is part of the Disney family.
In this film we meet Sophie, a young hat maker and Howl, a young wizard, who try to help one another with their curses from an evil witch.
Why it’s great:
Great Story: In this film we have action, adventure, and romance; without a single romantic cliché.
Character Development: By the end of this film, our main characters get a new outlook on life. None of their story lines are cut short. This doesn’t seem like much but when you look at the amount of characters in this film you will appreciate that they have a resolution.
Animation:
The only time when I don’t like anime is when it makes me hungry.
The sequence alone is amazing.
Simple and so effective.
no one will ever say bad animation in conjunction with Studio Ghibli.
Cons: I wish it had a bit more romance.
kanyouanime 