Did you know about the steampunk junk castle that can get up on its feet and travel like a car? Or perhaps you can recognise that one black ghost with a long, white face? Or a vast grey monster with a big smile that is too adorable to be scary? Maybe that one Japanese animation studio that has won an Oscar for 'Best Animated Feature' this year?
Marvel, DC, Disney, Pixar - at least one of these studios has filled most of our childhood with colourful memories and joys. Even in adulthood, many of us still make time from our hustling lives to watch new films and even rewatch the older ones as we have grown a certain amount of attachment to them. If you are someone like that, a timeless treasure trove of cinematic classics is waiting to be explored.
Studio Ghibli films are hand-drawn with creativity, imagination, and unparalleled storytelling. But it is not just the technique of drawing that makes their movies so unique. Much more remarkable is their ability to teleport you to enchanting worlds brimming with wonder and whimsy.
You can visit the lush landscapes in My Neighbor Totoro or the bustling streets in Spirited Away-either way; they are bound to take you on a journey of discovery and adventure. Thanks to Hayao Miyazaki, the director, who is an expert in paying attention to detail, we get to experience immersive worlds that feel both familiar and fantastical.
"I love Ghibli movies for the food!" jokingly comments Meherin Toha, a first-year Fine Arts student at Jagannath University.
"The scrumptious way they draw and animate all the food looks so close to home yet more perfect than real life. And it's not just the food; the environment, the architecture, and, of course, the characters are designed with vibrant colour palettes. Along with the stories, such magical art builds a sense of wonder and enchantment."
She mentions how, in every frame, the fluidity of movement and intricate details are so emphasised that it provokes a sense of warmth and authenticity. She still remembers how she had to pause the film in striking awe to savour the impossibly detailed artistic value of the scene where Howl's room was first shown in Howl's Moving Castle.
But this appreciation of Studio Ghibli's animation is only the first tick on the list of what the films offer. Those who love to watch heroes bring justice, those who love to watch princesses find happiness, and those who love to watch the growth of a relatable character-all of you can find a suitable Ghibli film that will give you free therapy.
They are as intellectually and emotionally stimulating as they are visually stunning. They explore themes that resonate with audiences of all ages and at all times. Even the beloved toddlers around you can find these films entertaining and educational from their perspectives. Children are drawn to the imaginative worlds and relatable characters, while adults can appreciate the more profound meaning and social commentary woven into the storytelling.
However, these colourful films do not always feature sunshine and rainbows. For example, in Grave of the Fireflies, you may witness a heart-wrenching tragedy of war. Each film will take anyone across a broad spectrum of emotions.
The bittersweet nostalgia of Spirited Away or the exhilarating adventure of Kiki's Delivery Service - there is always something for your current mood. You will empathise with the struggles and triumphs of its characters and experience their emotional journey as if it were your own.
Until now, countless viewers have shared stories of how Studio Ghibli films have profoundly touched their lives, from inspiring career choices to providing solace during difficult times.
One is Jannatul Ferdous, an English graduate student at Jahangirnagar University. She shares her experience of roaming around the fantastical worlds filled with magic, wonder, and adventure at times she badly needed to enter a dream world.
"I can't count how many times I have rewatched Studio Ghibli films. They have a certain softness even in the wicked they portray. The wholesomeness, the tap on nostalgia and comfort, the overall innocence in the adventures - they all built a special place in my heart."
She also shares her plan to introduce these films to her toddler niece so they can rewatch them together repeatedly. "I hope my niece will love them and find characters like Princess Mononoke inspiring. Hayao Miyazaki never gender-specifies any of the portrayals of his characters thinking of the audience, which is one of the reasons I love the movies so much."
Characters that defy traditional stereotypes and possess depth and complexity have been a signature trait of Studio Ghibli for decades. "They are not strong, heroic, or from a special background. They are not built to save everyone in the end. Rather, they feel relatable like you and me. So, through their journeys, they teach empathy, courage, and hope, which I believe is more important than a happy ending," adds Jannatul with her previous comment.
Beyond its memorable characters, the studio explores memorable settings that blend times, places, and genres. Medieval Europe-inspired towns, rural Japanese villages, fantastical realms, or post-apocalyptic landscapes-they have it all. Along with the fusion of traditional Japanese festivals and folklore, Studio Ghibli's undeniably original world-building has become an icon in Japan's animation industry.
Through its storytelling, the studio conveys issues such as environmentalism, pacifism, and the power of love in the most magical way possible. They will always give you a thought-provoking exploration beyond cultural and generational boundaries.
Perhaps it is the charm of having faith in life even after having an unfair, bad day; maybe it is the spell that resonates long after the credits roll -- Studio Ghibli films have the rare ability to resonate with us throughout our lives. They are cherished classics that can be passed down from generation to generation with something everyone can discover in their magic.
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