It’s been a while since we’ve done a list, but something about our love of Studio Ghibli has us thinking about their films as we usher in the New Year. Maybe it’s our positive feelings about 2022, maybe it’s the unfailing hope in each of these films or just nostalgia for the heartwarming and fanciful tales. Coincidentally, there are a total of 22 in the studio’s catalog. Perhaps the stars are aligning for this list.
Regardless, Ghibli’s works showcase wondrous landscapes and are propelled by unassuming heroes, inspiring themes and quirky humor. Whatever is loved about these is really seemingly loved by the whole planet. So as we take another lap around the sun, let’s have another look at these animated classics which offer more and more each time we revisit them.
Now the goal today is not to critique, or attempt a definitive ranking (each title in the catalog is varied, magical and whimsical in their own right). Nor is this a road map of how to approach them if you’re new to the studio (if it was, Kiki’s Delivery Service or My Neighbor Totoro are the most logical entry points).
The legendary studio’s beloved films share many aspects and themes, but chief among them are the environment (see: Pom Poko, Princess Mononoke, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and so on) and as we march headstrong out of the pandemic, let’s take a look at these one-of-a-kind features by simply imagining how they might be viewed month by month over a full calendar year.
Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, it’s all too easy to get lost and soak in every single frame of these masterpieces. Away. We. Go.
January offers a lot of things. The new year, promise of a fresh start, and hope for each of the 365 days to come. Similarly, The Tale of Princess Kaguya echoes a lot of these thoughts as a young family, scratch that, old family welcomes an unexpected baby into their life. The visuals are akin to old fortunes, and Isao Takahata masterfully uses watercolor to highlight negative and positive space, and light and shadow make this a beautifully simple tale that feels like a dream. It can be a sad film at times, but also warms your heart which is perfect for a wintry viewing.
In February, Cupid is most prolific at slinging amorous arrows, and as such, a tale between two young, wildly hopeful and yet hopeless romantics, who juggle exams and musical acts, makes The Whisper of the Heart a very sweet story to cuddle up with. Don’t be afraid to let those country roads take you home to this delightful tale that revels in the most mundane elements of city living.
March gives us promise of luck, aided by some fabled Irish denizens, but as this month literally marches toward Spring – usually foretold by a certain groundhog – the scurrying of little creatures in your yard are equally welcomed on your screen. And who doesn’t love the humor that little creatures can provide? As such, the take-no-prisoners raccoons from Takahata’s Pom Poko scratch that itch and are just what the doctor ordered. Yes, Ghibli films tend to be set in Summer or warmer months, when the world is lot greener, but the mischievous nature of these animals trying to keep their homes seems to fit in Q1, and with a little luck of the Irish they will hold back the inevitable sprawl that is gobbling up more of their home. And who thought animal genitalia would be a funny plot device.
Speaking of green, The Secret World of Arrietty is a film all about fresh starts and opportunities for growth, even so far as to make the setting, much like Sho, a much needed and healthy break from the past. As their worlds collide, they learn that growth comes from change which, despite popular opinion, is good. Also beneficial and healthy. A perfect segue into Spring with some beautifully drawn precipitation and over-scaled water droplets. And Yonebayashi’s film is full to the brim with callbacks/nods to Miyazaki’s stories, characters and trademark animation. It’s all so cute!
Laputa (aka Castle in the Sky) literally conveys the idea that the sky is the limit – either by magical amulets or ungainly airships – which is perfect for May. Whatever means of transportation, the film champions any and all opportunity for things (hopes, futures, etc.) to really take flight. You’ll see lots of arborilogical themes and winged contraptions in this delightful film. And who wouldn’t want to let their imagination soar to the dizzying heights at which the titular tree hovers and exists? It’s a breezy film, full of lots of laughter and excitement peppered by beautifully quiet moments, but it just is a taste of the all out adventure that awaits the coming summer months.
June promises many great things at the start of Summer, especially the opportunity for kids to get out of school. One of many coming-of-age films, From Up On Poppy Hill follows a group of Yokohama teens who try to save their school’s clubhouse from a wrecking ball in preparations for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It’s a story about challenges kids face kids, some way out of their control, but the young adults are literally bursting with joy and excitement about their future and timing this title with the end of a term just seems perfect.
Independence day, otherwise known as July 4, is all about fireworks, patriotism and positive vibes. I’m pretty sure the studio likewise stood behind one of their absolute worst films. So while we will waste no words on Tales From Earthsea, it is worth noting Goro Miyazaki’s debut effort had amazing music and the wonderful vistas (and for what it’s worth, he did fare infinitely better with the above mentioned title). But all that said, the true king, err queen of July is the little sea creature that could. Ponyo is one of the most delightful films – Ghibli or not – ever crafted. It’s so damn cute it should be illegal. And what a pitch-perfect representation of being carefree. Ponyo’s eyes are unfailingly filled with wonder for all aspects of life on land (which we sometimes take for granted) whether it’s boating, swimming or simply having a meal. But this really shines when it comes to the colorful symphony of the ocean‘s wondrous bounty. Just remember, no eating with your feet.
August is that dreaded time where the carefree days of sleeping in and adventures in the woods or all day excursions with your friends will soon draw to an end. It also represents making the leap into adulthood which can be more than a little tough to grapple with. But the most perfect film for recognizing and encapsulating these ideas is Spirited Away. A story that is, up down and sideways, all about starting over. When many school kids get back to the classroom in that third week of the month, or altogether go to a brand new school in a different town, it becomes a bit of a bitter sweet watershed moment. Don’t be greedy, stay persistent, and work hard. We wish them luck.
September, the end of it anyway, is the true start of Fall, and one of the most significant changes in the season are flora and fauna prepping for the colder weather. Anywhere you go, you’ll be treated to colorful foliage, leaves wilting and dropping, and small creatures filling their coffers. Miyazaki offers a fine parallel with the gargantuan forests depicted in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The changes we experience in Fall can feel almost mythical which segues wonderfully into thus tale of far off kingdoms, Titans and expectations for such a young leader. Nausicaä deals with all the above with resolve you only wish you had. La, la la la la la la.
October can be spooky for a number of reasons. It’s not just the adolescent ghouls and goblins wreaking havoc and getting cavities up and down your street on Halloween, it’s also the time where you might face certain demons. They might be imagined or even personal. As such, the titular Porco Rosso does both to oddly comedic pugilistic results. But coming to terms with oneself can be incredibly intimidating and rewarding. It’s not just how you conduct yourself, but how you lead and become an example to others. You never know who might be facing the same situation. The reluctance the put-upon flying ace has for responsibility and patience is quite an arc and his turn could be an example to all.
Ah, November, the opportunity to really look at one’s life and evaluate the things you are grateful for. It’s not just about giving thanks, it’s really about appreciation for life. And, sadly, how fleeting and difficult it can be. One of the toughest movies you’ll ever sit through is Grave of the Fireflies. The third Isao Takahata film in this post, it’s widely argued to be his best and most significant. This film takes personal loss to another level when literally everything these two siblings has been taken away. As the sands of the year tick away, the sun is getting real low, and I dare you to sit through this film without crying.
Rounding out this post, and pinging back to themes in the title above, we’re going to highlight the other pillar of the studio’s masterpiece, The Wind Rises. Let’s face it, the older we get, the easier it is to realize that holidays are only joyful because you make them so. So to finish up the year and recognize everything that got you to this point on the calendar, it makes sense to look at how Miyazaki uses this film to look at his whole life and reflect on it in retrospect. It’s not pretty, it’s just life. But it can be a wonderful life. So make the best of it and you, too, may soar.
It’s a shame there aren’t more months in the year because I know we missed some excellent films (Howl’s Moving Castle and The Cat Returns for instance), and we would gush over Joe Hisaishi and his sensational music if we had the chance. He’s done as much for the studio as John Williams did for Star Wars and all of Steven Spielberg’s films. Say, do I smell another list? Mayyyybe. Anyway, hope you found this as fun of a run through as we did. What are your favorite Ghibli titles?? And what was the first one you saw???
