Summary
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Studio Ghibli films blend fantasy and reality, making them suitable for all ages and uniquely representing ordinary tasks.
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The studio focuses on aesthetic appeal, world-building, and storytelling with strong female protagonists and important messages at the end.
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Studio Ghibli films portray the beauty of everyday life with whimsical imagery, intricate detail, and a blend of fantasy and reality.
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What makes Studio Ghibli films so different
Influence and popularity by Studio Ghibli the films' hold in both the East and the West is quite evident. In the anime industry, where trends continue to evolve, there are very few directors whose every single film manages to impress audiences. Hayao Miyazaki is one such name whose films continue to bring magical experiences to audiences with visuals unlike any other, regardless of age or generation.
Studio Ghibli films romanticize the little things one experiences in everyday life, which encourages viewers to look for beauty in the ordinary. With masterpieces like Princess Mononoke's Moving Castle Howl, Kiki's Delivery ServiceAND The enchanted citythese films bring a kind of nostalgic experience, and with their refreshing visuals, you will find yourself coming back to them again.
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What makes Studio Ghibli films so different
A genre all its own
Studio Ghibli films focus a lot on the aesthetic aspect, which is why they put a lot of detail into each frame. The whimsical style followed by each of Miyazaki's films is very distinctive and easily recognizable.
These films do a great job of portraying the perfect combination of fantasy and reality. This fusion gives us a magical world that isn't too overwhelming with fantastical elements and feels quite familiar, which makes each of Studio Ghibli's films suitable for any age.
Environment and setting
Studio Ghibli films, especially the likes of My Neighbor TotoroKiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away, and Ponyo focus heavily on world building and putting a lot of detail into your surroundings. The use of traditional hand-drawn elements in a creative way makes the setting almost fairytale-like, extremely intriguing to watch.
Totoro is a forest spirit, and that's a secret! He is the guardian of the trees and the protector of the forest. But it's not something you just find. You have to believe it – Mei
For example, in The enchanted cityyou will be able to witness a mysterious world full of spirits. However, the way lifestyles are depicted is no less different from how daily life is observed in Japan. From the maintenance of the crowded beach resorts to the journey into the ethereal world of being transported on a magical train, everything seems otherworldly.
Spirits are just like people, they're not all good and they're not all bad – Chihiro (Sen)
Studio Ghibli does a great job of turning mundane and simple tasks into an extraordinary experience. Even though the characters cook everything in the film, the animation is very engaging, from the cracking of eggs to the chopping of vegetables; every detail seems like a visual feast.
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Plot and characters
Studio Ghibli films focus not only on graphics but also on narrative. The studio does not hesitate to use films to express its position on political situations. The use of sensitive themes such as war and violence in some of their works is truly enlightening.
Especially inside Tomb of the Fireflieswhere the effects of World War II are shown extremely accurately and heartbreakingly. Another thing Miyazaki is praised for is his use of strong female protagonists in almost all of his works. May it be Kiki inside Kiki's delivery serviceChihiro in Spirited Away or Arrietty in The Secret World of Arrietty, all prove to be extremely brave, face dangers head on and use all means necessary to protect and save their loved ones.
I'll become a great witch! I will continue to do my best! – Kiki
Each work by Studio Ghibli always leaves us with an important message in the end. In the anime Kiki's Delivery Service, we get the message of how the transition to practical life can be quite difficult, but with sheer determination, just like Kiki, you can overcome anything. In Princess Mononoke there is the symbolism of how beautiful nature is and how humans with their carelessness can destroy it.
Despite how old these films are, they remain unbeatable in their genre and are still just as enjoyable to watch. It's safe to say that Studio Ghibli films will always remain timeless and a source of inspiration for many anime studios.
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