Studio Ghibli is almost inseparably associated with the name of Hayao Miyazaki, the master animator who was one of its co-founders and the director of nearly all of the studio's most iconic films, such as My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. Because of this, it is easy to forget another co-founder who was equally a master of animation: Isao Takahata, creator of not-so-fantastical, yet equally masterful works like Only Yesterday. His most recognized film is Grave of the Fireflies, based on the novel of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka, inspired by his experiences as a young boy during World War II. The story follows teenager Seita and his little sister, Setsuko, who are left orphaned and destitute after American bombings in Kobe, Japan. The film faithfully depicts the hardships faced by many children in Japan during the war, and while it does not descend into miserabilism, it does not shy away from portraying the harsh reality that the young protagonists are thrust into. It is one of the most authentic, moving, yet devastating films ever made about World War II. I, for one, haven't been able to watch it more than once.
Based on his own 1982 manga of the same name, 'Kaze no tani no Naushika' is only Hayao Miyazaki's second feature-length film as director. And though it wasn't produced by Studio Ghibli, the feature is forever associated with the company for introducing several of the marks that would define its later work. It's a fable of pacifism, with a striking steampunk aesthetic and a moral about coexistence of humanity with the natural world around it, beautifully animated, family-friendly, and essential for Miyazaki fans. After all, it was here that the groundwork was laid for the widely appreciated work to come, with classics like 'My Neighbor Totoro'.
This is the third animated feature film by Hayao Miyazaki and the debut work of now prestigious Studio Ghibli. And it was a sweeping entry. After all, 'Tenkû no shiro Rapyuta' is not just a beautiful movie in itself, with its poignant adventure story with steampunk influences. Somehow, it also captures the essence of future studio productions: high-level colorful animation to bring to life these beautiful childhood fables, hope, pacifism and the human relationship with nature and technology. An unmissable classic, whether you are a fan of animation cinema or not.
One of the most gentle and endearing films from Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki, 'Tonari no Totoro' is one of those gems that deserves to be seen, revisited, and presented to children, nieces, grandchildren, and the like. After all, with the characteristic delicacy of Japanese studio films, here we follow the journey of two sisters who have to move to a rural house with their father, while their mother undergoes treatment in the hospital. From then on, the two interact with a creature of nature, nicknamed Totoro. It is a very emotional personal journey, full of sensitive and profound moments, although the narrative never compromises its childish tone and direction for younger viewers. It's hard not to want your own Totoro when the credits roll.
Based on the children's novel of the same name by Eiko Kadono, 'Majo no takkyûbin' is one of Hayao Miyazaki's stories that knows how to incorporate fantasy genre into a coming-of-age journey. All wrapped up in a touching tale about a young girl who learns to be independent and self-sufficient, yet still remain vulnerable.It may not be the most well-known movie of Miyazaki or Studio Ghibli, nor even the best of this good crop of Japanese productions, but you will still find the standard of narrative and animation quality of the other works of the studio.