The Studio Ghibli universe is no longer strange to anime fans. This is a globally famous animation studio for its enchanting scenes, deeply humanistic scripts and unique characters that always make viewers sob. Read through this article to discover Studio Ghibli's journey to becoming the world's leading film studio.
Studio Ghibli's The Hard Way
The journey began with the first meeting between Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata in 1960. Fate led them to a bold decision to establish their own animation production company in 1980. Soon after, Miyazaki's first works were born, including Princess of the Valley of the Wind, Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Spirited Away.
It was not until 1985 that the company received funding from the publisher Tokuma Shoten of editor Miyazaki and Suzuki Toshi, and then they founded a project called Studio Ghibli. At that time, anime was still quite unfamiliar to moviegoers, and the release of Studio Ghibli's works became quite a risky matter. Although Studio Ghibli did not focus too much on the commercial aspect but instead on the profound artistic value of the work, facing this context was also a big challenge for the team.
Finally, the time came after 4 years, the release of Kiki's Little Witch completely changed the situation thanks to the extensive promotion on television.
Why the name Studio Ghibli?
The name “Ghibli” was coined by Miyazaki from the Arabic word Libra, which symbolizes the hot wind blowing across the Sahara desert and also implies that the studio will bring a new wind to the anime industry. From Miyazaki’s love for Italy, Ghibli was inspired by the Caproni Ca.309 aircraft of World War II, which the author clearly sketched through his footage at Ghibli.
3 classic animated films of Studio Ghibli
One of the factors that made Studio Ghibli famous is because the films always have a poetic beauty, detailed animations and deep plots, making viewers always sob after watching a movie.
Grave of the Fireflies
Released in 1988 by the talented director Takahata Isao, Grave of the Fireflies is not only a Ghibli animated film but also a work of art that touches the hearts of viewers and is also one of the best films of the 20th century. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Nosaka Akiyuki, the film takes the audience to Japan at the end of World War II, where two brothers Seita and Setsuko face painful losses.
The story revolves around the darkest time of World War II, when two children have to rely on each other after their home is destroyed by bombs. Seita, as the older brother, tries his best to protect and care for his younger sister Setsuko. The love between the two siblings becomes deeper in the harsh circumstances, as they struggle to make a living and find a safe haven.
Grave of the Fireflies is not only a humane story but also a realistic picture of life during wartime. The audience will feel the brutality of bombs and bullets, the painful losses and the difficulties that people have to face. At the same time, the film also praises love, sacrifice and human kindness.
My Neighbor Totoro
"My Neighbor Totoro" recreates a beautiful picture of childhood and love. With delicate and dreamy drawings, Studio Ghibli has created a colorful and mysterious world, where Totoro can coexist with humans.
The story revolves around two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to live with their father in the Japanese countryside. Here, they have exciting adventures with Totoro - a giant, friendly creature living in the forest. The afternoons waiting for the bus under the shade of an ancient tree with Totoro, or the adventures exploring the fairy world have become beautiful memories in the hearts of viewers.
The movie My Neighbor Totoro is a reminder of the importance of nature and love for people. The movie evokes in each of us warm, peaceful emotions and faith in good things. The feeling of returning to childhood, being immersed in the pure world, the innocence of the two sisters Satsuki and Mei is what makes this movie so special.
Spirit Land
During a house moving trip, Chihiro and her family accidentally wander into a mysterious world hidden behind an old tunnel. Here, her parents, because of their greed for strange food, turn into pigs. Trapped in a strange world full of strange creatures, Chihiro has to face fear and loneliness.
In order to save her parents and find a way to return to the human world, Chihiro accepts a job at a public bathhouse run by the witch Yubaba. Here, she goes through difficult challenges, gets to know many interesting characters and learns valuable lessons about life.
With its colorful fairy world and stories imbued with Japanese culture, "Spirited Away" has conquered the hearts of millions of audiences around the world. The film is not only a beautiful animated work but also brings profound messages about love, courage and maturity. The film is an impressive work with outstanding achievements, including winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2003.
It's admirable that the Studio Ghibli universe is the leading film studio . Let's follow Hobiverse to see more upcoming works from the studio!
