I'll see your dozen viewings of Totoro and raise you at least 30 more. It is a staple part of a well-balanced cultural diet here in our home!
I agree whole-heartedly with your article. The sheer beauty of Ghibli along with its nostalgia and magical realism is food for the soul. I've often thought about Totoro in particular, an ever-evolving essay growing in my mind concerning all that the film truly encompasses. As a mother, it really resonates with me.
I used the Ghibli filter to transform some photos. It was great fun. Then I stopped because it got boring. Anyway, I think my favourite out them all is Howl’s Moving Castle. Less impressed with Spirited Away. Maybe my expectations were too high and I should revisit. It just didn’t connect emotionally the way so many of the others do.
I wonder if it’s a generational thing. We watched a huge number of Ghibli films with our daughter (now 27) and knew other families who were also fans. You just need to watch out for some of the extremely dark ones like Grave of the Fireflies and Il Porco Rosso.
Two things stick in my mind about the female characters in Ghibli: the time taken with Kiki’s friendship with the young adult artist is sort of the opposite of a plot mover. It is a time for healing and growing. Where else is there a scene like that? And then in Howl, how would you feel to be robbed of 60 years of your life? Would you carry on and make the best of it? That is a true but calm heroism.
Such a keen observation! Thank you! I wholeheartedly agree, Henry. My daughter, now 27, grew up loving Kiki's Delivery Service and I find "the Ghibli way" superior as well.
On the subject of classical music in children's stuff, when I first started playing the piano I remember going "Who did the piece that Tom and Jerry play in the Cat Concerto? I should really look that up." It's so good!
My husband introduced me to Laputa about 20 years ago. He’d seen it on the tv as a child and couldn’t find anyone who had heard of it. But then the Barbican did a ghibli season and he was able to watch it again for the first time since childhood (and introduce me to it). When he got his first book agent, he was thrilled to discover she represented Diana Wynne Jones and had Miyazaki prints everywhere. Later we introduced our kids to Ghibli films, and the eldest especially watches them all the time still (at 15), especially while she’s drawing. They’re absolutely magical
Great, uplifting article, Henry, thank you! With the exceptions you mentioned (and "Bambi", I'd add), I hate Disney's films with a vengeance. I can't stand their sentimentality, the corniness, the songs – oh god, those songs – more to the point, I recognise in them what the Russians call poshlost': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poshlost. I discovered Studio Ghibli in my 50s, and I can only imagine what an enchanting experience they are for a child.
I'll see your dozen viewings of Totoro and raise you at least 30 more. It is a staple part of a well-balanced cultural diet here in our home!
I agree whole-heartedly with your article. The sheer beauty of Ghibli along with its nostalgia and magical realism is food for the soul. I've often thought about Totoro in particular, an ever-evolving essay growing in my mind concerning all that the film truly encompasses. As a mother, it really resonates with me.
Thirty is good! Yes I bet is hits differently as a mother
I used the Ghibli filter to transform some photos. It was great fun. Then I stopped because it got boring. Anyway, I think my favourite out them all is Howl’s Moving Castle. Less impressed with Spirited Away. Maybe my expectations were too high and I should revisit. It just didn’t connect emotionally the way so many of the others do.
Exactly it was a trend not a threat to art
I wonder if it’s a generational thing. We watched a huge number of Ghibli films with our daughter (now 27) and knew other families who were also fans. You just need to watch out for some of the extremely dark ones like Grave of the Fireflies and Il Porco Rosso.
Yeah we have avoided those so far!
Any thoughts on the newest Ghibli film The Boy and the Heron?
I want to see it again. On first viewing I wasn’t persuaded it was as good as the others.
Thats what ive been reading too.
This was great. Your joy and enjoyment is infectious.
Thanks!! That’s the idea!
Thank you for this recommendation. I’m embarrassed to admit my family has never seen any Ghibli! Which would you start with? My boys are 15 and 12.
Embarrassment not required! I would start with Totoro but look at trailers to see what they like?
So pleased to see your work.
I found a picture from Kiki's delivery service in the magazine back when it was first released.
I cut out the picture and stuck it up in my kitchen because I was so taken by the expression and sensitivity.
Thank you x
Thanks!
Two things stick in my mind about the female characters in Ghibli: the time taken with Kiki’s friendship with the young adult artist is sort of the opposite of a plot mover. It is a time for healing and growing. Where else is there a scene like that? And then in Howl, how would you feel to be robbed of 60 years of your life? Would you carry on and make the best of it? That is a true but calm heroism.
Such a keen observation! Thank you! I wholeheartedly agree, Henry. My daughter, now 27, grew up loving Kiki's Delivery Service and I find "the Ghibli way" superior as well.
On the subject of classical music in children's stuff, when I first started playing the piano I remember going "Who did the piece that Tom and Jerry play in the Cat Concerto? I should really look that up." It's so good!
Being back classical music in cartoons!
My husband introduced me to Laputa about 20 years ago. He’d seen it on the tv as a child and couldn’t find anyone who had heard of it. But then the Barbican did a ghibli season and he was able to watch it again for the first time since childhood (and introduce me to it). When he got his first book agent, he was thrilled to discover she represented Diana Wynne Jones and had Miyazaki prints everywhere. Later we introduced our kids to Ghibli films, and the eldest especially watches them all the time still (at 15), especially while she’s drawing. They’re absolutely magical
He was represented by Laura Cecil?
Yes! Until she retired
Great, uplifting article, Henry, thank you! With the exceptions you mentioned (and "Bambi", I'd add), I hate Disney's films with a vengeance. I can't stand their sentimentality, the corniness, the songs – oh god, those songs – more to the point, I recognise in them what the Russians call poshlost': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poshlost. I discovered Studio Ghibli in my 50s, and I can only imagine what an enchanting experience they are for a child.
Interesting link thank you