Miyazaki wanted to portray a relationship in his movie where a boy and a girl could simply inspire each to live, without the need for romance. Hayao Miyazaki is known and fond of creating heroines who need no man to prove themselves capable. But still, you find reasons to keep on living.” We are also reminded of cherish the time we spend with our family My Neighbor Totoro is a light-hearted film for kids which reminded us to love nature and live life to the fullest just like how the kids did. Satsuki and Mei continued to experience fun with Totoro and even rode the The youngest of the sisters, Mei, tried to show her father where Totoro resides, but she fails every time, leading for her father to console her and tell her that the ‘keeper of the forest’ will reveal himself when he wants to. The two kids then explore the nearby woods where they meet a colossal but gentle forest spirit that resembles a cat and a rabbit called Totoro who can only be seen by children. The protagonists, Satsuki and her sister Mei move with their father to their new home in the countryside, they discover that life isn’t really as simple as it seems. “Trees and people used to be good friends.”Īnother notable animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki is a classic story of magic and adventure. "Once you’ve met someone, you never really forget them." Along the way, we won’t forget what and who changed us, with the saying ‘life is an adventure’ in mind. This teaches us to embrace change as it is the only way we will grow as individuals. In her journey to save her parents from the curse, Chihiro set her fears aside and realized the value of remembering. She took us through all her hardships when she worked in a bathhouse that is run by a witch named Yubaba who took her name. When her father tries to follow a shortcut, they accidentally enter the world of Kami (spirits) and Chihiro’s parents morph into pigs after eating foods at the stalls in what seemed to be an abandoned park.Ĭhihiro met Haku who helped her in her journey in an unknown world. Produced in 2001, the Academy Award winner animated film Spirited Away is a coming-of-age movie that centers on a moody kid Chihiro who is moving into a new town together with her parents. “Once you do something, you never forget. And so here are 10 of the most loved Studio Ghibli films and the timeless quotes that have inspired us and taught us vital lessons about life. We have all fallen in love with the cute animated characters and have looked up to some of them.Īside from the admirable visuals and animation, each movie has a valuable lesson or two to impart to its viewers, each has a story to tell. Growing up watching these movies and loving the characters as kids, some of us may not have really understood what these movies are trying to imply. Along with the dreamlike scores by the likes of Joe Hisaishi and Yuji Nomi, everything is indeed magical. They focus more on fantastical genres and motifs that highlight serious takes on world issues. So are your children.For fans of any animated movies or feature films, works from Studio Ghibli is distinguished for its out of the box themes in their creation.
If you haven’t yet seen a Miyazaki film, you’re in for a treat. 5, 6 and 9): Forest spirits become friends with the two girls who come to the country to live with their ill mother. 14, 15 and 18): Magic is the key to this tale of a young boy and girl fighting pirates while trying to find a floating castle. 24, 25 and 28): Another tale involving witchcraft, this 2004 film follows a young woman’s quest to break the spell of a spiteful witch who has cursed her with an old body. It tells the story of a young girl who must rescue her parents when they, improbably, are turned into animals. 3,4 and 6): Winner of the 2003 Oscar for Best Animated Feature, this film is one of the great works of animation. This year’s festival, a limited engagement event, will feature only four films – all directed by Miyazaki. Which is why I always look forward to the annual Studio Ghibli Fest. The 80-year-old Miyazaki is now in the process of shooting a movie tentatively titled “How Do You Live?”Īnd while the studio may turn out good films in future, there’s little doubt that Miyzaki produced – and oversaw production of – some of the greatest animated films ever made. I say “supposed” because although he has more than once claimed to have retired, he keeps churning out films. With the supposed retirement of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, the golden age of Studio Ghibli has passed.
Above: The 2001 film "Spirited Away" is the opening feature of Studio Ghibli Festival 2021.