Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation films studio. Founded in 1985 by the animators Miyazaki Hayao, Takahata Isao, and producer Suzuki Toshio, their films quickly became popular in Japan.

Rising from Japanese popularity, one of Miyazaki’s first films, “Kaze no tani no Naushika” (1984), was edited and adapted for release in the United States. However, the film was majorly changed and titled “Warriors of the Wind”, so it was taken down per request of Miyazaki. Miyazaki did not allow the release of his films in the United States for years to come because of this. As a result, when approached by Walt Disney Studios in 1996, it was decided that the potential release of Studio Ghibli films was to only be allowed with the restriction that no film editing would take place. “Kaze no tani no Naushika” was rereleased to the english translation name of “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” and released in the United States again in 2005.

Studio Ghibli continuously gained lots of popularity in the United States with the release of “My Neighbor Totoro” (“Tonari no Totoro”), “Kiki’s Delivery Service” (“Majo no takkyūbin”), and “Spirited Away” (“Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi”). The latter, “Spirited Away,” even received the prestigious Golden Bear award at the 2002 Berlin International Film Festival.

Since the release of Studio Ghibli films in the United States, these popular films have helped to increase cultural diversity and Asian representation. As an Asian-American myself, seeing such styles of art and film have helped me to keep in touch with my roots. Even those with no Asian background can enjoy these films, and appreciate the cultural differences between Western and Asian film culture.

Being a cartoon animation studio, Studio Ghibli films are all made with a specific artistic style to them – containing elaborate backgrounds filled with detail, strange spirits not seen in any other films, and interesting studies of expression and emotion on the characters’ faces.

While the plotlines of Studio Ghibli films are sometimes slightly peculiar, it adds a magical charm to the movies. Paired with the window of normal everyday life that many of their movies start with, Studio Ghibli creates eccentric and interesting characters and plots that engage their audience.

Popular Film Ratings

1. My Neighbor Totoro

   

   Personal Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

   Film synopsis: Main character Satsuki and her family move into an old house while her mother recovers from an illness in the hospital. She and her younger sister Mei discover shy and mystical spirits as they play around the house, one of these being Totoro. The story then follows Satsuki and Mei and their strange adventures with Totoro.

   Author’s Opinion: Although I enjoyed the plotline and character style of “My Neighbor Totoro”, it felt very slow to me. This could be interpreted as a calming, relaxing feel to others but it just didn’t capture my attention as much as its popularity would warrant. Overall though, the music, language, and style did appeal to me, so I would rate this 4/5 stars.

2. Spirited Away

   

   Personal Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

   Film Synopsis: After Chihiro and her family move to a rural house, they stumble upon a large amusement park with lots of food stands. Unfortunately, Chihiro’s parents are turned into pigs after eating the food, and Chihiro must work to earn their freedom back. In her time working, Chihiro encounters many magical beings who rest at the park and resort.Author’s Opinions: “Spirited Away” was the first Studio Ghibli film I watched, and is perhaps the most popular. The complex spirits, interesting plotline, and intriguing characters are the reason I have given “Spirited Away” an astounding 6/5 stars. Not only do I enjoy every part of the movie, many others have enjoyed this beautiful display of cinematography and animation. To add to this, Spirited Away has also received numerous awards from other animation film fanatics, warranting the extra star.

   Author’s Opinions: “Spirited Away” was the first Studio Ghibli film I watched, and is perhaps the most popular. The complex spirits, interesting plotline, and intriguing characters are the reason I have given “Spirited Away” an astounding 6/5 stars. Not only do I enjoy every part of the movie, many others have enjoyed this beautiful display of cinematography and animation. To add to this, Spirited Away has also received numerous awards from other animation film fanatics, warranting the extra star.

3. Howl’s Moving Castle
   

   Personal Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

   Film Synopsis: Sophie is a normal girl working at her father’s hat shop when she meets the wizard Howl, who travels in a strange walking structure representing a house. However, the evil Witch of Waste is not happy about Sophie’s acquaintance with Howl, and ages her to resemble an old hag. Now Howl must use his magic to battle the curse set upon Sophie.

   Author’s Opinions: Similar to “Spirited Away,” “Howl’s Moving Castle” contains lots of specific detail and pretty scenes. The beautiful flow of scenes from one to another, and each event leading to unexpected plot points, culminates in a lovely ending (not described for fear of spoilers). Perhaps the most distinguishable feature from “Howl’s Moving Castle” is that it is in itself a love story. These characteristics added together, it is clear to me that Howl’s Moving Castle deserves a 5/5 star rating.

4. Ponyo

   
   Personal Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

   Film Synopsis: When young boy Sosuke captures a goldfish princess, he renames her from Brunhilde to Ponyo, and they immediately become friends. However, Ponyo’s father is not happy, and his distaste for humans is magnified as Ponyo expresses her desire to become a human. When Ponyo uses magic to turn herself into a human, the magical balance of the world is disrupted, releasing a large tsunami. Ponyo and Sosuke must find a way to stop the magic from destroying the entire town.

   Author’s Opinions: Considering that the two main characters of this film are two 5 year olds, the storyline is quite cute, and gave me some nostalgia for my own childhood cartoons. Nevertheless, “Ponyo” is a very unique film, with bizarre ideas set forth (then again, all Studio Ghibli films have this characteristic). My favorite scenes are when Ponyo expresses her curiosity and love for human ‘things’ like food. This rating may be more controversial than some others, but I rate “Ponyo” 5/5 for the skill to make me adore the characters and describe them as nothing other than simply cute.
   

5. Kiki’s Delivery Service

   

   Personal Rating:

6. Film Synopsis: “Kiki’s Delivery Service” follows Kiki, a young witch, as she travels with her cat Jiji to a different town per her town’s tradition for blooming witches, and starts a delivery service among the town. As she navigates her own magic, she must learn to trust herself with her powers and overcome personal obstacles.Author’s Opinion: “Kiki’s Delivery Service” crafts more of a normal, everyday life feeling than most other Studio Ghibli films, with Kiki going about her life in her new town for most of the film. However, it assigns a new meaning to normal as Kiki is first and foremost a witch. Closer to heart than most films, Kiki’s obstacles come from herself, as she battles self-doubt and must overcome it to control her witch powers. The relatability of Kiki’s experiences while still maintaining Studio Ghibli’s signature magical flair earns “Kiki’s Delivery Service” a 4.5 star rating in my mind.