What do you think of Studio Ghibli movies?
Hayao Miyazaki is one of the person I admire most in the world. Every single movie from the studio Ghibli is inspiring, moving, touching, and full of meanings for both children and grown-ups.Every movie from Ghibli has its own universe. A universe made out of dreams, of aspirations, of tales from all around the world, and most if all, of feelings we all share and that we can all relate too.They all follow the same scheme : a hero that is confronted to a challenge, and who will do his/her best to find out his/her way. It's not a coincidence if all the heroes are children. It's because they are still full of innocence and discover the world, and at the end of the journey, they have somewhat grown up.Because Ghibli's movies teach you lessons in life. Let's take the example of Kiki's Delivery Service. The little witch has come to an age where she has to learn to work by herself. She has to leave home, to find a new place, a new city where witches don't have necessarily a good reputation. She does not understand the society of humans, why a girls hates when her grandmother always cook her a birthday cake though it was made with love, she does not understand how to make friends, she feels lonely, she begins to lose her power to fly… there are so many to tell about this movie. It's the story of how a child is one day confronted to reality and society.And there are plenty more interpretations and lessons of this kind for every single movie of Miyazaki. Spirited Away is certainly one of the greatest and there are so much to tell !But one must keep in mind that behind all these movies lies strong critics on the current society. On the humans' race weaknesses, selfishness… therefore they prefer to tell stories through kids eyes, as they haven't been corrupted and because they still believe in the magic in everything.So I love this atmosphere and all these feelings conveyed vu Ghibli's movies. It's simple, it's peaceful, the nature is very present and there are a lot to learn of. It's far deeper than any other animations. And the music ! Joe Hisaishi is an incredible composer, and I can listen to the soundtracks for hours.
What is a good non-Studio Ghibli anime movie?
Hmm I don’t know which ones you consider the common popular anime movies so I’ll just name a few that I’ve enjoyed:Suzumiya Haruhi no ShoushitsuWhile Suzumiya Haruhi initially got its popular fandom as a manga and anime series, the movie is worth watching in itself. It has a very heartfelt plot and the relationships between the two main characters is quite endearing.Byousoku 5 CentimeterOne of Shinkai’s more well-known films. A simple love story that really plays on the emotions of nostalgia.PaprikaA movie about a “dream machine” that allows our protagonist to enter dreams and help people deal with their psychological issues. Sound familiar? Well that’s because this movie was an inspiration for Christopher Nolan’s hit, Inception.Tokyo GodfathersThree homeless strangers meet on Christmas and discover an abandoned baby. This movie highlights many issues often not covered by Japanese society - transgender, homeless, etc.Toki wo Kakeru ShoujoAn ordinary high school girl gains the ability to travel through time. Seemingly a light-hearted movie about a girl with your typical everyday problems, it becomes something much deeper as she quickly learns there are consequences for the most seemingly innocent actions.Koe no KatachiBased on the manga by the same name, this movie explores the path to redemption for a boy who made mistakes as a child and the girl who learns to love herself despite being different.RedlineThis movie took 7 years to develop. And it uses over 100,000 hand-drawn images. It’s a visual treat. The story is about a famous race held once every 5 years. Just throw in some organized crime and government corruption on top.Perfect BlueA psychological thriller about a young pop-idol who decides to pursue an acting career that makes a questionable decision to film a movie with a rape scene, destroying her “good-girl” image. What’s worse is that she may have a stalker.Ookami Kodomo no Ame to YukiA very heartwarming story about a young mother and her two children as they struggle to find their place in the world and discover their own identity.There’s definitely more but these are some of the “less popular” ones I could think of.Honorable mentions:Summer WarsBakemono no KoKotonoha no NiwaKimi no Na wa.
What is your single favourite Studio Ghibli film, and why is it so?
OMG! It is just so impossible to name just one movie of Studio Ghibli as a favourite. For me Spirited Away= Howl's moving castle = Kiki's delivery service. Though I am tempted to add more but these 3 movies I watch like every month on repeat since last many years. They are simply magical. I never get tired of the magic. There is something in the story, each moving scenes, the art, the animation, the tiny details, the characters, the nostalgia...etc etc...the MUSIC!!! Thanks to Joe Hisaishi- who adds to the magic of the story telling and is IMHO one of the main factor to make the scene outer worldly for example the scene of Chihiro, No face, the baby mouse and the crow fly leaving on a one way train to meet Zeniba at Swamp Bottom, 6th train stop, is a work of pure magic. The background music score- The 6th Station by Joe Hisaishi of the entire train journey is so spiritual...the scene with the music is beautiful, soulful, dream like, spiritual- did I say that again, haunting, therapeutic, magical.... In fact the the musical score of Spirited away is also one of it's main USP.The music ''The Merry-go-round of Life'' in the scene when Sophie in Howl's moving castle is leaving for the Waste is stuck on my mind and so is Kiki laying on the grass listening to the radio and the song- ''Ryuuju no Dengon'' playing over the radio while she is flying off to a new place as a trainee. Princess Mononoke, Castle in the Sky, Whisper of the heart (great soundtrack, thanks to Yuji Nomi), Ponyo, The cat returns, My Neighbour Totoro and Arrietty are also simply magical and have to say that these are also my top most favourite animes of all time! I re-watch them time to time too...Grave of the fireflies is beautifully and impeccably made, which tugs at the heartstrings and is hard to describe in few words but it is too depressing to watch again and again. But it is on my Top favourite too because I've never howled as much watching any anime apart from Tokyo Godfather and I've watched it like more than 10 times already. It is so much more depressing than Tokyo Godfather any day and at the same time beautifully crafted animation.Sorry for not limiting my answer to just one film because it is simply impossible to name just one when it comes to Studio Ghibli animations!
Why do adults often appreciate children’s movies?
Because a good movie is a good movie, and many people have a warped idea of what a children’s movie is.I don’t think there are any good children’s movies. At least I’ve never seen or heard of one. They’re insipid and condescending. What does exist are movies which can be enjoyed by all ages.Pixar, for example, has yet to make a single children’s movie. Their movies are made for the filmmakers and, at some point in production, they make sure there’s nothing inappropriate for kids.When you make a movie aimed at a particular audience it almost always comes out as crap.So, I assert, most of the so-called “children’s movies” that adults like are just good movies. Period.
Howls moving castle, sophies age change?
people could see it, when was old they saw her as old, when she was young, they saw her as young. i think of the ghibli movies, this was one of their weaker efforts. the recently released world of arriety was really good though. check it out.
Negative views on Cinderella's character?
Cinderella's character seems to have poor self esteem before she met Prince Charming. She was easily manipulated and afraid of others, she never stood up for herself and needed a Fair Godmother to make her do so. She was always really shy and she was always upset and depressed and dreaming about getting away but never tried to change her situation until she was aided by the Fairy Godmother and found the Prince.
What is your favorite movie that mostly takes place in someone's imagination or in a fantasy land?
I love "The Lovely Bones"...i read the book and saw the movie, the book is better but the movie itself was very good. Hey Toma ((Hugs)).... i tried to star but i'm on my stars limit :((( I'll star this question tomorrow @ Toma:I trust all my contacts luv, so it is him ..