Whether it's a whimsical adventure story, a heart-pounding plot development, or pure love, Ghibli's animations are for people of all ages. Ghibli has always used their healing style to bring us the ultimate rare, pure kindness and love. Today, let Blackstone lead you into the fairy tale world that Ghibli has created for us!
Hal's Moving Castle (2004)
The film is based on the novel by British children's novelist Diana M. W. Jones's Harwell the Sorcerer and the Devil of Fire tells the story of a young hatter named Sophie who is cursed by a vicious witch to become an old woman. In search of a cure, she breaks into the mobile castle next to the town and becomes friends with Hal, the fortress's owner. Miyazaki has commented that the film is his favorite Ghibli work, and in addition to being as high quality as ever, the fantasy film openly touches on several complex topics such as war, aging and loyalty.
Totoro (1988)
Totoro, brought about by Miyazaki's first comeback, was born at a time when Ghibli was facing bankruptcy and is one of Ghibli's most famous works. Released in 1988, the film tells the story of the fantasy adventures of Xiao Yue and Xiao Mei sisters. Totoro is a cute monster that is always smiling and squinting, and its prototype now lives in Studio Ghibli, which has become the mascot of Studio Ghibli. While this classic film is primarily about the delightful interaction between cute elves and characters, there are also many tense scenes that make it a fascinating work for all ages.
Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away is another masterpiece by Miyazaki, the first and only animated film in Japan to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film, as a film that has been the highest box office film in Japanese history for 19 years. Chihiro's story is thought-provoking, and she is forced to work in a bathhouse in order to free her parents from the world of ghosts and gods. Cleverly and successfully reflecting on some of the heavier topics such as conformity, growth, and pity, coupled with masterful narrative technique and cute characters like "The Faceless Man," the animation is truly a legend.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
The story is set in the Muromachi period in Japan, a period of transition from the Middle Ages into modern times, depicting the struggle between man and nature. It is also the first animated film to win the Japan Academy Award for Best Picture, known as the "Oscars of the Island Nation". Princess Mononoke is a perfect blend of action-filled adventures and brutal environmental messages, and Miyazaki once said, "I want to live another 30 years." I want to see Tokyo submerged by the sea and NTV's TV tower become an island. I want to see Manhattan become an underwater city... I'm excited about it all, because money and desire, all of this is going to collapse and the green weeds are going to take over the world. ”
The Goldfish Princess on the Cliff (2008)
Unlike many of Miyazaki's past works, which tend to be suitable for all ages, "The Goldfish Princess on the Cliff" adopts a children's animation style, attracting more children. Similar to The Little Mermaid, the film tells the story of an innocent love affair between a 5-year-old boy, Sosuke, and a goldfish princess who aspires to become human. The plot is very simple, but this masterpiece is still popular around the world because of some wonderful visual effects concocted by Ghibli. After all, who doesn't love Hayao Miyazaki's movies paired with catchy songs?
Castle in the Sky (1986)
In 1986, Studio Ghibli produced its first official film, Castle in the Sky, an influential film that was a benchmark for animation in Japan and around the world. Each frame showcases Miyazaki's enduring artistic philosophy, an adventure film that chronicles the journey of two young orphans, Parker and Hida, as they attempt to uncover the secrets of the ancient empire of Rabida. Although Ghibli later added more groundbreaking works to the screen, Castle in the Sky remains a classic among the studio's many masterpieces.
Arietti the Little Man Who Borrowed Things (2010)
Based on the original book "The Little Man Who Borrowed Things" by British writer Mary Norton, the film is about a small person named Arietti of the "Borrowed Things Family", who lives with her family under the floor of a villa in the jungle and lives a life that is not detected by humans. Occasionally, Arietti would borrow some sugar cubes and other daily necessities, and on an adventure, she and The Boy Xiang became friends, but their unique friendship could pose a danger to the "Borrowers".
"Kiki's Delivery Service" (1989)
Witch House Rush tells a moving story about growing up and discovering yourself. The story revolves around the young witch Kiki, who is out for a year practicing, and eventually she starts the express delivery business, and she slowly grows up. Although the plot is simple, this classic of the coming-of-age genre has won the hearts of many people because of its cute characters, comfortable humor points and some beautiful and gorgeous action shots.
Ear-to-Ear Listening (1995)
Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo and based on the manga of the same name by Kuwa Aoi, "Side Ear Listening" tells the love story of high school students Wen Tsukishima and Sekiji Tenzawa encouraging each other to chase their dreams. While other animated Ghibli films captivate audiences with fantastical scenes and funny action, this lesser-known classic stands out for the emotional journey it brings to the audience, making it an ordinary but unique presence in Ghibli films.
The Mutant Tanuki (1994)
"The Changeable Tanuki" is an eco-friendly film written and directed by Studio Ghibli co-founder Takahata Hoon, featuring a group of tanuki cats who can change. This heavy-themed animation openly conveys a powerful message about the impact of deforestation and urban development, and cute characters and snappy voices make this animation lighthearted and fun. While some may find the film's rhythm clumsy, it's definitely a great fit given its originality, humor, and visuals.
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Set in Japan in World War II, the story tells the story of 14-year-old Kiyota, who runs for her life with her young sister as they struggle to survive in a war-torn society. Brutal but touching, the film proves Studio Ghibli's ability to make not only great fantasy films, but also gripping, grounded films.
Porco Rosso (1992)
This underrated Miyazaki classic tells the story of an ace pilot of the Italian Air Force during World War I who was magically transformed into a pig, but he became a bounty hunter who specialized in fighting air robbers who committed evil in the airspace of the Adriatic Sea. While it may not be as popular as other Ghibli animations, this lighthearted animation is still remarkable, highlighting Miyazaki's admiration for early aviation, from creative character designs and meticulous aircraft drawings to heart-pounding aerial combat.