My Favorite Ghibli Movies*

*That I feel deserve more credit

Since the 60s Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, along with many other artists, have been crafting some of the most gorgeous and tender animations in the world. Throughout their filmmaking careers before and after the formation of Studio Ghibli in 1985, I consider each of their films to be a highlight in its own way. I’d like to share a few of my lesser known favorites from the studio’s long tenure in this letter.

Fun within formula: Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro

Dir: Hayao Miyazaki (1979)

In his directorial debut, Miyazaki showcases his trademark mixture of charm, romance, and human kindness that will somehow only get better. They've always struck a chord with me, and it's little surprise to find that Lupin III is no different. Miyazaki’s humor is top notch here (yes, he can be funny!) and the animation is expectedly beautiful and expressive.

Picking up a long running series is a difficult task, but Miyazaki pulls off a brilliant act: he makes the characters approachable enough to be understood by newcomers, and hooks those same first timers into the world. Now when people ask if I like Lupin III, I say I love him.

Harnessing your potential: Whisper of the Heart

Dir: Yoshifumi Kondo (1995)

One of Ghibli’s finest works isn’t directed by Miyazaki or Takahata, and often gets overlooked. Instead, Yoshifumi Kondo takes the reigns on what would be his only directorial credit before his untimely death three years later. What we could have shared had lived on! In their pitch statement the studio said,

"This film will represent a type of challenge issued by a bunch of middle aged men who have lots of regrets about their own youth to today's young people. It will attempt to stimulate a spiritual thirst, and convey the importance of yearning and aspiration to an audience that tends to give up too easily on the idea of being the stars of their own stories. Our film will boldly attempt to sing the praises of life's beauty."

I think they nailed it.

Balancing humanity and nature: Princess Mononoke

Dir: Hayao Miyazaki (1997)

"Alright Gabe, if you feel freaked out just let me know and we can go home." That's what my mom told me before entering the theatre. I nodded the way every four year old does, unable to comprehend the weight of what the screen would show. I was blissfully unaware of the half hour ride out of town, the cancelled babysitters, and the blood and politics of Miyazaki's films. This was just another cartoon.

And then, not ten minutes in, a man's arms and sword are torn from his body and pinned on a tree, like sticks off winter branches. My mom's attention snapped to me, gauging my reaction. Neither of us remember the exact wording, but it was something along the lines of "woah... awesome."

Eventually, I started to get what the movie was all about. Being raised by as powerful and connected person as my mom (who basically is San), the ideals of pacifism and peace with nature came easily to me. At least at some level, I connected with what I saw, even if blood showered the frame of every other scene. (Blood is natural, after all.) Because at its heart, Mononoke is a story of compassion. It's about understanding, being strong for those you love, and putting down your fucking guns.

There will never be a time I don't cry during this movie, or think of my mom whenever the things she taught me are portrayed, or say to myself, whether it be with quiet appreciation or childlike wonder - woah... awesome.

Silly and Carefree: My Neighbors the Yamadas

Dir: Isao Takahata (1999)

The modern Ghibli movie has an expectation of transporting you to another world, being meticulously animated, and containing an immense emotional scale. In Takahata’s playful recreation of an old serialized comic, we get none of these defining features. The Yamadas are enviously normal, their activities depicted in short segments with sparse detail. Over the years, I’ve kept ruminating on this film; it has so much humanity despite its low stakes.

The grand scale of love and dreams: The Wind Rises

Dir: Hayao Miyazaki (2013)

I don’t believe in absolutes, but when someone demands I boil my favorite movie down to just one, this is my response. A movie about dreams, passion, and perseverance – three of my favorite things. I get an immense feeling of inspiration during the moments when Jiro displayed his unshaking dedication and bravery.

The sound design (composed predominantly of human voices) stands out as a massive success. Equally impressive are Hisaishi's compositions; this is my favorite of his suites.

I've always felt attuned to the wind and this only adds to its personal importance. Those last few minutes reconstruct my cooling heart every year.

The Wind Rises always hits just right. For me, it's a true lifeline. One with a farther reach into my emotional well than anything else. "You must live." I will try.

The chill arrives

Street near my school in Shinjuku

How’s the weather where you live? The chill has just arrived here; I finally caved and turned on my heater. Waking up is the hardest part of my day and it’s doubly difficult when it’s cold outside the covers.

Midterms are on Tuesday, and I feel well prepared. As far as the language goes, I feel confident about my book smarts; it’s the actual conversations that I have trouble with. I’m hoping that will come with time and practice.

This weekend our culture course will host a lecture on anime and manga in Japanese society and business, as well as an excursion to Akihabara, a hub for electronics and anime culture. I’ll keep you in the loop!

Some of these movie descriptions are posted on my Letterboxd account. If you’re interested in my takes on movies, follow me here.

Thanks for your support.

恋をもって、

With Love,

gb

These letters are inspired by the Earwyrms playlist and newsletter. Read it here.