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So Porkchop Express and I were chatting about Studio Ghibli yesterday and it got me to thinking that I'd fire out one of these Top 10 lists to cover what I feel are their best films. Keeping in mind that I'm sure many of you have yet to experience the wonder of these truly magical movies, I have decided not to go into any of the plot details but rather just offer a quick little blurb about why I enjoy each of them. In turn, I hope that some of you will take the time to seek these out as they are all wonderful and well deserving of your attention.
Starting us off is this great film which is easily among the most beautifully shot that I have ever seen. The almost dream-like backgrounds were designed by acclaimed Japanese surrealist painter Naohisa Inoue and help to give the film a quality unlike many other before or since.
I just watched this for the first time last night (it comes out in about a month in the US for those interested) and was immediately fascinated by how well the story was told. Being based on a relatively well known children's story (The Borrowers) makes this different than the majority of Ghibli's films, which are almost all original concepts, but it is no less powerful.
The fact that this is one hell of a good film and it only makes the number 8 spot on my list should speak volumes as to the quality of output at Ghibli. This is a film about self-discovery and gaining confidence in oneself to go out and become the person one is meant to be, and while that is an underlying theme in several Ghibli films it is most prevalent here.
This is another of those timeless films that just seems to get better with each repeat viewing. At the heart of it is an emotionally complex tale that is told in such a way as to make everyone understand its importance and significance. The director, Hayao Miyazaki, has already appeared on this list and will again, but this is clearly one of his best efforts.
Not one of Ghibli's most well known films, at least outside of Japan, Porco Rosso is a fantastic adventure film that quickly reminds us how strong the animation medium can be. Hayao Miyazaki (remember him?) crafts a brilliant story from his own original manga and while its not for everyone, those who have seen it can attest to its subtle strengths.
Whimsical, magnificent, beautiful...these are just some of the words that come to mind when I think of this film. Having been a big part of my life for quite some time, I do feel I may overrate it a tad but the truth of the matter is that its simply marvellous. I love everything about it, from the story to the magical character of Totoro himself and his small, woodland sprite friends. Brilliant.
The first official film from Studio Ghibli, it remains one of their best as well. Guess who directed it? If you said Hayao Miyazaki good for you because apparently you've been paying attention. This is the first indication of how the studio would take the fantastical and imaginary and somehow ground it in enough reality to educate and enlighten through story-telling. A definite must see for animation fans everywhere.
Just when I thought they couldn't outdo themselves at Ghibli they came along with this instant classic and a bona fide masterpiece of a film. Once again helmed by Hayao Miyazaki (surprised?) this is a near perfect adventure story that proves all you need is the willingness to take the plunge and allow yourself to be spirited away into the magical world the film creates. Speaking of spirited away........
Not just a great animated film but a great film period, Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away could potentially be considered one of the truly great films of our time. It is the most successful film in the history of the Japanese box office, outgrossing even Titanic, and its thankfully also a lot better than that movie. If you haven't seen it, I really have to say that I think you'll enjoy it, no matter what your personal preferences are towards films.
This is not just a film, its a truly life-altering experience and I cannot emphasize that point enough. If you are the type of person that finds yourself becoming overly emotional while watching movies I would advise you to think long and hard about watching it. There are no words that can describe the power, the depth and the lasting effects that this movie will have on you so I won't even try. I will say this however, it is in my top 10 films of all time and I've only seen it once. I'll never watch it again either, its that poignant that once is enough, but that one time will forever alter your perception of life. Seriously.
So there you have it folks. Agree? Disagree? Has anyone seen any of these films and if so would you like to discuss them further? I'd love to hear from anyone who's interested as they are truly great experiences for people of all ages.
10. Whisper of the Heart
Starting us off is this great film which is easily among the most beautifully shot that I have ever seen. The almost dream-like backgrounds were designed by acclaimed Japanese surrealist painter Naohisa Inoue and help to give the film a quality unlike many other before or since.
9. The Secret World of Arrietty
I just watched this for the first time last night (it comes out in about a month in the US for those interested) and was immediately fascinated by how well the story was told. Being based on a relatively well known children's story (The Borrowers) makes this different than the majority of Ghibli's films, which are almost all original concepts, but it is no less powerful.
8. Kiki's Delivery Service
The fact that this is one hell of a good film and it only makes the number 8 spot on my list should speak volumes as to the quality of output at Ghibli. This is a film about self-discovery and gaining confidence in oneself to go out and become the person one is meant to be, and while that is an underlying theme in several Ghibli films it is most prevalent here.
7. Princess Mononoke
This is another of those timeless films that just seems to get better with each repeat viewing. At the heart of it is an emotionally complex tale that is told in such a way as to make everyone understand its importance and significance. The director, Hayao Miyazaki, has already appeared on this list and will again, but this is clearly one of his best efforts.
6. Porco Rosso
Not one of Ghibli's most well known films, at least outside of Japan, Porco Rosso is a fantastic adventure film that quickly reminds us how strong the animation medium can be. Hayao Miyazaki (remember him?) crafts a brilliant story from his own original manga and while its not for everyone, those who have seen it can attest to its subtle strengths.
5. My Neighbor Totoro
Whimsical, magnificent, beautiful...these are just some of the words that come to mind when I think of this film. Having been a big part of my life for quite some time, I do feel I may overrate it a tad but the truth of the matter is that its simply marvellous. I love everything about it, from the story to the magical character of Totoro himself and his small, woodland sprite friends. Brilliant.
4. Castle in the Sky
The first official film from Studio Ghibli, it remains one of their best as well. Guess who directed it? If you said Hayao Miyazaki good for you because apparently you've been paying attention. This is the first indication of how the studio would take the fantastical and imaginary and somehow ground it in enough reality to educate and enlighten through story-telling. A definite must see for animation fans everywhere.
3. Howl's Moving Castle
Just when I thought they couldn't outdo themselves at Ghibli they came along with this instant classic and a bona fide masterpiece of a film. Once again helmed by Hayao Miyazaki (surprised?) this is a near perfect adventure story that proves all you need is the willingness to take the plunge and allow yourself to be spirited away into the magical world the film creates. Speaking of spirited away........
2. Spirited Away
Not just a great animated film but a great film period, Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away could potentially be considered one of the truly great films of our time. It is the most successful film in the history of the Japanese box office, outgrossing even Titanic, and its thankfully also a lot better than that movie. If you haven't seen it, I really have to say that I think you'll enjoy it, no matter what your personal preferences are towards films.
1. Grave of the Fireflies
This is not just a film, its a truly life-altering experience and I cannot emphasize that point enough. If you are the type of person that finds yourself becoming overly emotional while watching movies I would advise you to think long and hard about watching it. There are no words that can describe the power, the depth and the lasting effects that this movie will have on you so I won't even try. I will say this however, it is in my top 10 films of all time and I've only seen it once. I'll never watch it again either, its that poignant that once is enough, but that one time will forever alter your perception of life. Seriously.
So there you have it folks. Agree? Disagree? Has anyone seen any of these films and if so would you like to discuss them further? I'd love to hear from anyone who's interested as they are truly great experiences for people of all ages.
