Weekends are always better if you watch many films. There is nothing better than spending more time on your couch, eating popcorn while watching the films that you love. If you recently acquired a penchant for animated films, it is time to check Studio Ghibli’s works.
Studio Ghibli is considered one of the best animation studios in Japan. When you hear anime, it refers to a Japanese style of animation that is hand-drawn and computer animated. It is not a surprise that anime influenced mainstream Hollywood including the meme and hip-hop culture.
Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata established the studio in 1985. In fact, seven of its films are among the list of the 15 highest-grossing anime films made in Japan. The classic Studio Ghibli films include Spirited Away (2001), Princess Mononoke (1997) and My Neighbor Totoro (1988). The logo of the studio is Totoro – a gray, round and fluffy creature from My Neighbor Totoro.
Here are other Studio Ghibli films worth your weekend:
Porco Rosso
Porco Rosso was released on 1992. It is not a well-known film of Miyazaki but it does not mean it is not as good. The story pays homage to Howard Hawks with aerial scenes. It is about the adventures of Porco Rosso (or the Crimson pig) chasing air pirates in the Adriatic Sea. It is filled with comedy as well.
Castle in the Sky
Castle in the Sky was released in 1986. This film was the first official Studio Ghibli film. The production was not as complex but it still boasts of good action-packed adventure. The story is about a girl chased by pirates and government officials as she tries to save the legendary floating castle.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Although this isn’t a big hit, it still offers eccentric turns. In this film, the characterisation, images, and emotion have strong bearing rather than the plot. It is about the unconventional love story of Howl (half-man and half-bird magician) and a young miller who turned into an old woman because of a curse.
Pom Poko
Pom Poko was released in 1994 and it was considered as the best film of Isao Takahata. It is a comic allegory about Japanese raccoon dogs (or Tanukis) joining forces to tackle the human real estate developers.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Service was released in 1989. It is a story of a clumsy and mischievous young witch who left home and found a job. It is a delightful tale of heroism and self-discovery.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
The Tale of Princess Kaguya was released in 2013 created by Isao Takahata. It follows the story of a high-spirited princess who buds from an enchanted bamboo. The bamboo cutter and her wife eventually took her and turn her into a noblewoman.
There are more where these came from. To ensure that you have a better viewing experience, always consider a TV screen instead of an iPad or laptop screen. When it comes to food, try preparing it on your own instead of depending on delivery service. Finally, it is always better to involve the whole family, after all these films are for the young and the young at heart.
