A weaker work in Miyazaki’s oeuvre that while operating efficiently on plot and characterisation doesn’t quite do anything substantial thematically as a young witch travels to a new town to find work as a rite-of-passage.
Continue reading →
A weaker work in Miyazaki’s oeuvre that while operating efficiently on plot and characterisation doesn’t quite do anything substantial thematically as a young witch travels to a new town to find work as a rite-of-passage.
The anxiety of opening one’s heart to another marks this underrated Miyazaki effort about a WWI pilot cursed to look like a pig—it could be his funniest film, yet the enveloping sense of nostalgia and memory makes us yearn for a past that we have never known.
Still as enchanting and imaginative as ever, even if Miyazaki’s work had to overcome some pacing issues and an anything-goes narrative.
Probably Miyazaki’s most epic film inasmuch as it is a pure fantasy-adventure with strong themes of peaceful co-existence as battles are waged among humans, animals and spirits.
A girl with a sought-after magic crystal falls from the sky in this underrated early gem from Miyazaki, packed with action, comedy and fantasy in what could be his purest, most exhilarating adventure.
Miyazaki’s somewhat convoluted anti-war and pro-elderly piece doesn’t quite reach the heights of some of his greatest works, but as a fantasy about love, magic and curses, it can be spellbinding at times.
Fantasy encroaches into reality in this slight if charming little anime from Studio Ghibli that might just finally make non-feline lovers realise why cats are to be fussed about.
Arguably Studio Ghibli’s weakest film, Goro Miyazaki’s debut feature is poorly-paced with a story that doesn’t sparkle, despite the beautiful, otherworldly visuals.
While it isn’t as narratively bold and exciting as some of Studio Ghibli’s best works, there is still an emotional story about family and complicated pasts lying within.
As far as Thumbelina-esque stories go, this Studio Ghibli effort doesn’t break new ground, but its attention to detail and little moments of heartfelt emotions keep it engaging.