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| About Studio Ghibli |
| Studio Ghibli is acclaimed as one of the finest cinematic production companies, in any medium, in any nation. Studio Ghibli has been at the forefront of producing intellegent, brilliantly writen, vivaviously animated films for the past twenty years. Ghibli has also influenced such 'mainstream' film makers as Lucas and Speilberg. Lead by anime genius Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli has produced films that are timeless treasures, and are admired by filmakers all over the world, and loved by audiences of all ages and all nationalities. Parents can enjoy Ghibli's works alongside their children, and children can watch these films as they continue to grow and mature. The work done by Studio Ghibli has been admired world-wide, and the films captures the hearts of all ages in a way that few are able. Seeing such films as the ones listed below, are like watching the works of such authors as George MacDonald and Lewis Carroll come alive. |
| Films of Studio Ghibli include |
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| Lupin the Third and the Castle of Cagliostro (1981) Cult classic for all fans of action, suspense, high-adventure, noir, mystery, romance, humor, well for all fans of moving pictures. An electic band of thieves, rougues, treasure hunters, misfits, would-be-do-gooders, and troublemakers all assemble to unlock the secret of the Castle of Cagliostro. An all around excellent film. Lupin is Chandler's Marlow, meets Bob Hope, with Indiana Jones and Sam Spade, Allan Quartermain, Robin Hood, and James Bond thrown in for good measure. |
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| Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984) Widely considered One of the finest animated films ever made, Nausicaa is a tender hearted princess who seeks peace in a war torn, ecologically devestated world. This film was banned in eastern Europe because enviromentalist organizations were ranting that the film had disturbing scenery of ecological disaster. It's difficult to get a hold of nowadays, but once you've seen it, you'll understand why this film is acclaimed as highly as it is. Also check out the Manga/Graphic novel series of the same name. It is also very excellent |
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| Sherlock Hound (1988) An entertaining new spin on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's timeless work. It is a brilliant mix of humor, action, romance, adventure, mystery (of course). As with all of Ghibli's works, Hound can be enjoyed by all ages for years to come. |
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| Grave of the Fireflies 1988 This film is the whole reason I did this webpage. It is simply the finest, most heart-wrenching work in any genre in any medium. |
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| My Neighbor Totoro 1988 THis film was shown along side Grave of the Fireflies as part of a double feature in their cinematic releases. A family moves into the country side and find that the neighboring forest is inhabited by spirits known as Totoros. A fun and enjoyable film that parents can watch along with their children and enjoy it equally as well. Just wait untill you see the Cat-Bus |
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| Laputa: Castle in the Sky 1986 An orphaned princess from an ancient kingdom falls from the sky and into the care of miner boy. The two must then unlock the secret of the ancient kingdom of Laputa with the help of a gang of sky-pirates while trying to avoid the army and power hungry would be dictators. Laputa is an excellent film full of adventure, creativity and the whimsical touch that only Ghibli can achieve. |
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| Kiki's Delivery Service 1989 |
| A delightful coming-of-age tale, Kiki is a young witch who must find her way in the world. Featuring the voice talents of Kirsten Dunst, Jennane Gorofolo, and the final preformance of comedic legend Phil Hartman, Kiki is a worthy addition to any shelf. |
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| Princess Mononoke (1997) |
| Odds are if you've seen anything by Studio Ghibli, this is it. Not since Kurosawa's Seven Samurai has a Japanese film garnered as much attention. Up untill the release of titanic, Mononoke was the highest grossing film released in Japan. The American version spared no expense. With Miyazaki himself overseeing the transition. The English script was adapted by award-winning author Neil Gaiman (A personal favorite of mine), and features the voice talents of Billy Curdup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver, Billy Bob Thorton, Gillian Anderson, and Jada Pinkett-Smith. Mononoke is one of the finest films ever made. |
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| Spirited Away 2001 Academy Award winner for best animated ferature, and the first film in history to gross 200 million dollars before a US release, Spirited Away is A fantastic journey through an unbelievable world full of strange and marvelous creatures, and incredible spirits; ten-year old Chihiro must save her family in a spirit world. Think Alice in Wonderland, with a Jim Henson menagerie of creatures, Spirited Away is easily the best movie I have seen this year. |
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| The men behind Studio Ghibli |
| Hayao Miyazaki THe Mastermind behind many of the works on this page, no animated story teller since Osamu Tezuka has garnered as much praise for his work. |
| Isao Takahata Director and screenwirter of Grave of the Fireflies, and frequent collaborator with Miyazaki, Takahata's work captures realism and the human spirit unlike any other. |
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