With a charm like no other, it’s a world of wonder, creativity, and inspiration. Being the winner of two Academy Awards and numerous other prestigious accolades, this film studio has produced a number of timeless Japanese animation classics that have captured the hearts of audiences. The studio in question? The one and only Studio Ghibli! Ghibli’s iconic movies feature a wide range of compelling characters and fascinating, imaginative storylines for audiences of all ages to enjoy. Let’s explore the magical fantasy film world of Studio Ghibli.
Where Magic is Made: The Origins of Studio Ghibli
The following information was obtained from My Modern Met.
Studio Ghibli was founded by filmmakers Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki. Miyazaki and Takahata met in 1964 when they worked for the animation studio Tôei Dôga. They worked on many productions together prior to 1984. That year, Miyazaki’s first original feature film as a director, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, became a critically acclaimed box office success.
Suzuki was a member of the production team of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. It was in the mid 1980s that Miyazaki, Takahata, and Suzuki decided to create their own studio. In 1985, they received funding for this project from the publishing company Tokuma Shoten, and thus Studio Ghibli was formed.
In 1986, they released Laputa: Castle in the Sky, the studio’s first film, and one which became Japan’s highest grossing anime film that year. It was a film that was largely defined by Miyazaki’s interest in flight and the combination of it with magical fantasy. In 1988, Laputa: Castle in the Sky, was succeeded by two films simultaneously: Grave of the Fireflies, and My Neighbor Totoro.
Though it is now a cult classic, My Neighbor Totoro initially wasn’t a major commercial success. However, the themed merchandise sold well, and today the film is one of the most beloved Studio Ghibli productions.
In 1989, the studio released an adaptation of the novel Kiki’s Delivery Service. The beautiful, hand painted scenery in a riveting coming-of-age story lead it to become Japan’s highest grossing movie of the year.
Throughout the next decade, Studio Ghibli continued to cement its position as one of the most loved animation studios in Japan with movies such as the commercial and critical success, Princess Mononoke, which won the Japan Academy Prize for Picture of the Year.
In 2001, Spirited Away became the highest grossing Japanese movie of all time, a place it held for 19 years. The film was the recipient of considerable international acclaim, winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and the Golden Bear prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
A World of Wonder: The Fantasy Film Studio’s Unique Approach
Praised as a boundlessly engaging and inspiring film, Spirited Away has been widely acclaimed as one of Miyazaki’s greatest productions. (My Modern Met) Despite being a fantasy film, the main character, Chihiro Ogino, exemplifies realistic qualities often possessed by children her age. She is sometimes selfish, and sometimes selfless, yet also enduring and caring for those around her. It’s a riveting portrayal of a complex character and a huge part of what makes Ghibli characters so enchanting.
Though the movie plots are set in fantasy worlds, the portrayal of every Ghibli protagonist’s characterization is realistic in its qualities. They are not one dimensional in a way where they only showcase a clearly defined positive or negative side. They are made up of many aspects, both good and bad, making for enthralling storylines with incredible leading personalities.
Wisdom from Studio Ghibli: Lessons We Can Learn
The following information contains spoilers.
Ghibli films explore various themes of environmentalism, love, acceptance, and self discovery. There is much to be learned from each unique story, and these lessons can be incorporated beyond the fantasy world.
Studio Ghibli productions perpetuate a deep respect and appreciation for nature. The tranquil, often nature oriented settings emphasize the importance of preserving its beauty. With climate change on the rise, a greater awareness of our environment can encourage more people to support efforts to protect the planet.
One of my personal favorites among Ghibli films is Princess Mononoke. The setting in the film symbolizes how the over exploitation of nature and its resources will eventually destroy it. It demonstrates how crucial it is for nature to continue thriving for us to have a clean, vibrant planet.
In addition to teaching us the value of nature, we can also learn a lot from Princess Mononoke when it comes to embracing love and rejecting hate. One of the main characters, Prince Ashitaka, has had a supernatural curse inflicted upon him as a punishment for his previous harsh actions. He desperately tries to resist it, but his attempts are futile. The more he pushes back on the curse, the more it corrodes him from the inside out. The only way to free himself from the curse is to “see with eyes unclouded by hate.” In other words, to look upon others with understanding and acceptance.
Studio Ghibli has had a profound impact on iUP students as well.
Ninth grader Samantha Budati’s favorite Ghibli movie is Spirited Away, which follows the main character, Chihiro Ogino, as she embarks on a journey to free herself and her parents from a supernatural curse. Samantha says the story “teaches us about self-discovery and finding one’s strength in the face of challenges.”
Another iUP student, Kyler, enjoys various Ghibli films such as Ponyo, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Spirited Away. “I love how Ghibli displays family relationships and friendships. It truly showcases how your actions can affect others and how you can take comfort in your peers during hard times,” Kyler says.
A Whimsical Sensation: Studio Ghibli’s Lasting Impact
Throughout its existence, Studio Ghibli has touched hearts around the world through creative, ingenious storylines and masterfully taught life lessons. Directed with an imaginative vision in mind, each and every film’s unique characteristics make for an enthralling script that is sure to enchant audiences. Are you ready to get spirited away to Studio Ghibli?
Works Cited:
Taggart, Emma. “Studio Ghibli: Everything You Need to Know about Legendary Japanese Animation House.” My Modern Met, 6 July 2023, https://mymodernmet.com/history-of-studio-ghibli/.
Tiernan, Jonny. “Studio Ghibli: The Japanese Animation Powerhouse That Conquered the World.” Linearity.Io, Linearity blog, 9 Feb. 2022, https://www.linearity.io/blog/studio-ghibli/.
