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The Magic of Studio Ghibli
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THERESA NGUYEN
perspectives editor/photo editor
It’s the home away from home. With its whimsical characters and captivating animations, Studio Ghibli has become a universal icon of comfort. Its unique aesthetic and portrayal of the beauty in life’s simplest moments have made it a one-of-a-kind studio dedicated to shedding light and positivity in today’s world.
Studio Ghibli was founded on June 15, 1985, by a group of directors and producers, one of the most notable being Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki chose the name “Ghibli,” an Italian word for a hot Saharan wind, to represent the studio’s goal of bringing new, refreshing takes on Japan’s animation industry. The studio’s other main objective is to delve into the human soul and portray its complexity through relatable stories.
With so many different working parts, Studio Ghibli’s ability to bring out the best in its productions while showcasing the many intricacies of life is what makes its animations so memorable, able to switch from heartwarming to heart-wrenching in mere seconds. The three aspects of Studio Ghibli that make it so renowned are its art style, soundtracks, and subtle but powerful messages.
Part of why the studio’s art style is so memorable is the first impressions it creates. Upon starting a Ghibli film, viewers are introduced to dreamy landscapes and detailed depictions of daily life. Depending on what the movie is centered upon, this can range from the crowded streets of a bustling city to the vast plains and skies of the countryside, showcasing the studio’s impeccable ability to incorporate the little details of a multitude of settings. Miyazaki conveys an extensive range of emotion through naturistic aesthetics and soft colors, which complement the scene’s mood and entice the viewer at first glance.
In addition to its carefully crafted art design, Studio Ghibli is notable for its melodic soundtracks, most of which are composed by Joe Hisaishi. Hisaishi’s use of piano and violin creates simple yet expressive melodies that help the viewer fully immerse themselves into each character’s world. Each film’s soundtrack holds deep emotion, capable of bringing a sense of comforting nostalgia – even if they can’t fully relate to the character’s circumstances – that bridges the film’s visuals to the viewer’s memories.
Despite illustrating alternate universes and scenes that seem out of touch with the real world, each Studio Ghibli film holds a powerful, timeless message. Whether it be highlighting the importance of nature or encouraging people to keep moving forward, Studio Ghibli is renowned for its ability to weave thoughtful messages and themes about the complexities of life with its stunning visuals and music, leaving its viewers with a chance to ponder over the film’s meaning and their own lives.
In one of Ghibli’s films, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Kiki is a 13-year-old witch learning how to fly her broomstick. After
THE MAGIC OF STUDIO GHIBLI
creating a flying courier service, she slowly loses her abilities as a witch to self-doubt. In the end, she must overcome her insecurities to save a friend, ultimately conquering her fears. While the film could be read as commentary on growing up and its hardships, it could also be interpreted as the importance of finding one’s true inspiration. Regardless, each Ghibli film is a stepping stone to a different world, taking its viewer on a mystical jour n e y and providing an escape from reality.
Even though the studio originated in Japan, its impact has stretched far past the country’s coastlines.
Given its high prestige, evident by awards like “Best Feature Film” at the 2002 Berlin International Film Festival – won by Spirited Away – and four consecutive Academy Award nominations for “Best Animated Feature Film”, Studio Ghibli has influenced many American animations. Some American favorites that Ghibli’s designs have influenced include Gravity Falls, Adventure Time, Toy Story 3 and even The Simpsons. In Toy Story 3, there are brief appearances of a Totoro plush toy, alluding to the friendship between Pixar and Studio Ghibli. Another reference to My Neighb o r
Totoro is present in T h e Simpsons during scenes that portray a character similar to ‘Cat Bus’.
Looking back on Studio Ghibli’s accomplishments, it’s safe to say that the studio’s films and animations have impacted people worldwide. However, in recent years, rumors concerning the studio’s shutdown have plagued the media. Back in 2014, after Miyazaki’s retirement, the studio suspended production, throwing many fans into a frenzy.
Nevertheless, three years later, Miyazaki came out of retirement to release another feature film. After its release, he retired yet again. Now, at the age of 80, Miyazaki has come out of retirement once more to create his final Studio Ghibli film, How Do You Live?, rumored to be coming out in 2023. Based on the 1937 novel by Yoshino Genzaburo, which depicts the spiritual and emotional journey of 15-year-old Junichi Honda and his uncle, fellow producer Toshio Suzuki has claimed that it will be “fantasy on a grand scale.” Given Ghibli’s track record, there’s no doubt that this film will be just as spellbinding as its predecessors, and with a miracle or two, it might be the start of many more great films to come
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOOGLE LIFESTYLES | 19
