Hello all! Hope you all had a Merry Christmas because 2016 is fast approaching. It's time for a brand new season of opportunities, fandoms, and hopefully miracles. Now that we are about to celebrate the New Year, resolutions are going to be a thing again right? But of course, we are not going to end up following them because reasons. How about thinking about a resolution that you can surely make? And if you guys are assuming it's fandom-related, why yes it is. If you consider yourself a film geek, then this post is most definitely for you because your movie adventure is not going to be complete until you've seen...the works of Studio Ghibli. For today's Scrambler's List, I shall explain why you need to consider putting a film by Studio Ghibli in your watch list and I will also list out my favorite films as my recommendations.
If you're best friend tells you to go crazy in parties and your parents expect you to get a decent job with high pay, then Tama-chan here expects you to watch at least five movies of Studio Ghibli. I think they're good enough to be resolutions because these films will teach you many things about life. They are packed with many beautiful life lessons as well as breathtaking animation. They are so good that even professors and teachers ends up having one Studio Ghibli film viewing in their curriculum. They are that crucial and vital in one's development of mind.
First, what is Studio Ghibli? Well if America has Disney, then Japan has Studio Ghibli. It's an animation film studio in Tokyo founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Toshio Suzuki, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma. They've created one of the best animation films such as Spirited Away (Academy Award for Best Animated Feature), The Tale of Princess Kaguya (Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Nominee. Thanks, Big Hero 6), Princess Mononoke (National Academy Award for Best Picture of the Year), and they constantly got recognized for having the highest-grossing films particularly Kiki's Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, and Pom Poko. But one of the significant classics are My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in The Sky, Howl's Moving Castle, and so much more actually. Now why are these movies so special? What do they do to your minds? Is it healthy? Will it change your life somehow? Well here are my reasons:
1.)
It gives you an open mind. Studio Ghibli films have a lot of similar elements, and it's mostly nature-related. The setting would usually involve forests, trees, water, fire, air, and all that jazz. What I love most about these films is how the characters here interact with their surroundings and how simple things such as a tree can give so much weight and depth to the story. Most of the time, the stories created by Studio Ghibli teaches us how we always take things for granted such as the environment and that we need to appreciate the things that are already there. And this lesson will be shown in a way that will blow your mind. It has a very interesting and twisted way of showing reality and you will be able to feel that the issues they talk about are happening and real.
2.)
It can encourage you. If you're feeling down in the dumps, then watching Totoro or even a few talking cats will be enough to lift your spirits. The premise of these movies look very innocent, but as you progress through the story, you will soon realize that it is deeper than that. The characters will teach you many things about what you do when life knocks you down in so many ways and what would happen when you experience an existential crisis. Most of the characters are so relatable in that sense, and I love how they portray struggles, playfulness, sorrow, and happiness. Having a Studio Ghibli film marathon will be like watching Inside Out three times in a row, or at least that's the best way I can describe their works. The messages they show are so powerful that I think even younger kids should try watching these, growing up. So if you are a starting parent or you already have little children, I implore you to give these films a try for your kids. They can learn a lot from these films
3.)
They are realistic and fun to watch at the same time. Now these films are not just blind entertainment. Aside from the messages and learnings you can get from these movies, you will be amazed by how intricate and realistic the art can be. Although they stick to the traditional two-dimensional animation style (which I will always enjoy), I love how the animation attempts to look and feel real. The surroundings are just as what you expect in real life, and the expressions and physical features of the characters are raw and not glamorized. Not every character created in Studio Ghibli are super attractive nor are they majestic looking. They look like legit people or legit creatures. Now, this is what separates Studio Ghibli film from almost every other Animation studio. Because everything they put in their content is legit, direct, and accurate.
4.)
The stories of "love" are beautiful. A lot of people say that Disney is the ultimate animation studio for families. After watching a few movies from Studio Ghibli, I started to disagree with that perception. The love stories in Studio Ghibli films are a variety. They show what love is in family, friends, and in yourself. Yes, Studio Ghibli has a lot of early films that will teach you about self-empowerment. So again, I will repeat this. One day when I have kids on my own, I will let them watch Studio Ghibli first before any other Disney classic. The way love is portrayed in these movies are so pure, but at the same very strong. The relationships in each film are genuine and not forced. Yes, there are movies with love stories in them and you will enjoy watching them. They are very direct to the point, and they are not so complicated nor petty. One thing it will definitely teach the next generation that love is not always expressed with true love's kiss. Sorry Disney fans, but Studio Ghibli was first in showing off that concept.
5.)
It will purify you. Kinda. Like I said earlier, the films of Studio Ghibli have an innocent premise, but it will eventually have depth. The feeling I got whilst watching their films is the feeling of rejuvenation. I feel like I learned a lot, at the same time, I feel young and that I can start over. I don't know. Now that I am in twenties and the fact that I started seeing these films one by one in senior high school, seeing traditional animation will always replenish the fountain of youth within my system. I don't mean to sound biased, but watching Studio Ghibli is also perfect for any moment. I'm serious. They will always give you this very positive feeling you get when you watch other western cartoons, but it will give you the weight and analytical feel you get when you attempt to watch whatever won an Academy Award. So in the end, you feel purified. You can watch it when your long-term boyfriend dumps you, when you really have nothing to do on a Friday night, or when there's nothing to choose from on Netflix. Oh, and if you need a movie to change you in 2016 then you can start with a Studio Ghibli marathon.
Now that you know what watching these films are like, I think it's time to get acquainted with these movies. If you consider yourself a loyal Disney fan, then I'm sure you have come across a few of their movies already. But for those who have no idea what kind of movies they have, then allow me to give you a few recommendations. So here are my top seven picks of Studio Ghibli that you can possibly watch before or after the New Year! Also, if you are a Studio Ghibli film fan, sorry if your favorite has not been included in my list. It's possible that I haven't seen it yet.
10.)
The Secret World of Arriety- Now it is one of these films I would personally recommend to children. It brings you to a whole new world within the tiny blades of grass and I think it gives a fresh perspective on what it is like when you are literally (or figuratively) small.
9.)
Whisper of the Heart/ The Cat Returns- Now I can't decide between the two because they both speak of self-empowerment. The stories are not really connected, but at the same time they are. You will be able to relive the importance of believing in yourself in two different ways; in an ordinary way and in a extraordinary way. Also, if you are an eccentric bookworm or a cat lover such as I, then it's best to watch these two films at the same time.
8.)
Howl's Moving Castle- Now this story has a beautiful world that will make you wish traveling between different worlds is real. It is based on the book of the same title, and it is about this very insecure girl who gets cursed of old age and she travels with Howl, a famous wizard to find a way to break the spell. This is another story of self-empowerment with a love story on the side.
7.)
The Tale of Princess Kaguya- This story focuses on the old Japanese tale of Princess Kaguya and yes, I have made a
review about this a while back. I recommend this movie to anyone who wants a fresh animation, because everything about this movie is gorgeous. The watercolor effects made me feel like I was watching porn because I could not stop staring at every detail.
6.)
Spirited Away- I know. The Best Animated Feature that defeated Titanic on the box office is in sixth place in my list. It doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it, because I most certainly did. It is like the Japanese Alice in Wonderland, but in this case you are somehow able to grasp what is going on. Aside from the beautiful and strange animation, you will enjoy the adventure this girl has to go through in order to go home.
5.)
Kiki's Delivery Service- This is personally my favorite movie about self-empowerment and the coming of age. The story is about young witch named Kiki, who comes of age and it was time for her to travel to another town so she can hone her "witchcraft". I recommend this for people my age to watch this (which is pretty ironic because Kiki is a very young girl in this movie), because it shows what it is like to learn how to live on your own, developing your talents, to discover what you are meant to do with your life. I believe anyone will be able to relate to Kiki when it comes to finding oneself and it gives more meaning to the word inspiration.
4.)
Grave of the Fireflies- This is the very first Studio Ghibli I have ever seen and if you are looking for a damn good reason to cry, then I personally recommend this. It is a heart-wrenching film about what hardship really looks like. The story takes place in World War II, and you will be able to see what the war was also like in the side of Japan.
3.)
My Neighbor Totoro- Yes, the iconic Totoro has to be on my list! It is a very simple and innocent story about two girls who moved to the countryside and they encounter many odd guardian spirits such as Totoro. That's it. That's the story. I think this movie is for anyone who wishes to steam down because it is the most positive movie I have ever seen. Everything is so cute and happy, that there is no way you can say anything mean or critical about it.
2.)
Princess Mononoke- I think this movie is very phenomenal and I think it has a strong lesson about the environment. It's about a boy who is looking for a cure for a curse he has and he gets caught in a middle of a war between forest gods and a mining colony. Also he falls meets this wolf girl named San, who is obviously Princess Mononoke. Everything about what we do to the forests is shown in a dark and twisted way, and I blame the animation for being just really on point with the brutality. The setting of this movie is also really good, because it will immediately get you drawn to what is happening.
1.)
When Marnie Was There- This movie is just heart-wrenching, but also very mysterious and that's what kept me watching. A girl encounters this abandoned mansion surrounded by marsh and for some reason, she is very drawn to it and she even has no idea why. She constantly visits the abandoned mansion until she noticed in a quick glimpse that there is a blonde girl living inside. This girl eventually revealed herself as Marnie. You will be enchanted by their friendship, but at the same time you will be confused by who Marnie is, whether she is a ghost or just a pigment of the main character's imagination. But then you will have no time to ponder on that mystery because you will get your heart broken as it unfolds little by little right before your eyes. Now its kinda funny that my top 1 is the very last film of Studio Ghibli (I hope not). So, I recommend everyone to go and buy the Blu-ray and see this. It is mysterious and emotional, and I hope it gets much more appreciation.
And that is it for the last blog post...for the year! The reason why I put this as my last post because I think Studio Ghibli deserves more recognition, as well as more opportunities to create fantastic films. Make it a goal for you guys to try these films, because I am certain your time will not be wasted. They are as good as any western film and I think that should be well-recognized. Anyway, congratulations this blog now has reached the
100th post! I've never been so diligent about doing something in a very long time and I really intend to keep up with this blog. So if you're reading this, thank you for the views and support. I pray and declare this will become a bigger medium and I will be able to create bigger and better content. But for now, I hope everyone had a great 2015 and let us hope and pray for a fruitful year ahead. So happy new year guys and till the next post~
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