Hayao Miyazaki, the man behind the spellbinding world of Studio Ghibli, has made a historic win at the Golden Globes for his latest anime, Boy and The Heron. From the phase of being looked down to molding a fantastically immersive and admirable Ghibli world, Miyazaki shows the world the power of holding on to one’s passion.
Studio Ghibli is now described as “an emotion” by Ghibli fans for the feelings they flourish in the heart of viewers. Ghibli’s characters are exceptionally beautiful for they are real, courageous, ambitious, intelligent and mostly empathetic. Although Miyazaki made two feature films before, Castle in The Sky is the first official Studio Ghibli film. Here’s a short journey through Ghibli world
Castle in the Sky (1986)
This first official film was not as popular as it is now during its time of release. The story revolves around two orphans named Sheeta and Pazu, and their way to Laputa (a flying island) while being chased by Muska, Dola’s gang and Army. The anime highlights the theme of environmentalism, reflecting Miyazaki’s trip to Wales in a fantastical way.
My Neighbour Totoro (1988)
My Neighbor Totoro is a mesmerizing Ghibli production that tells the story of two young sisters and a pear-shaped charming forest spirit, Totoro. Totoro symbolizes hope even in times of hardship. This anime turned out to be one of the most iconic Ghibli films, garnering theories and interpretations focusing on Totoro since its popularity.
Kiki’sp Delivery Service (1989)
Kiki’s Delivery Service was a stepping stone for Studio Ghibli because of the active advertisement on TV. It tells the tale of Kiki, a young witch and Jiji, a black talking cat, and her one year training adventure to be a good witch. Kiki, despite having a witch label, highlights kindness and gratitude.
Princess Mononoke(1997)
Princess Mononoke is a classic brimming with magical scenery and fantastical creatures, portraying the relationship between man and nature. In the anime, the voiceless victims of the greediness of humans are given power. The anime helped Studio Ghibli earn International recognition.
Spirited Away(2001)
The Oscar-winning Spirited Away shows the story of a young girl and her strange adventure through the realm of spirits, showing the journey to maturity. The anime has attracted innumerous interpretations from critics all around the world for it’s deep and metaphorical approach on discrimination, capitalism, exploitation etc
The Boy And The Heron(2023)
Miyazaki’s final film, The Boy and The Heron is a semi autobiographical fantasy about his own childhood. It tells the story of a 12 years old boy and his epic journey with a talking gray heron into a world shared by living and dead, making it the first ever anime to win Golden Globes
With decades long success of Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki not only coloured the viewers’ world with exceptional animations, but also shed light on how to face life and be a better human.
