Surely, you’re familiar with the cinematic anime masterpieces of Hayao Miyazaki, such as “Spirited Away.” This time, we’d like to look at other Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli works that you may not have watched. So, join us as we introduce you to the best Hayao Miyazaki anime, which will satisfy both new and returning audiences.
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Ponyo, one of the Best Hayao Miyazaki Anime for All Ages
The first work we’re diving into is the anime “Ponyo” (Gake no Ue no Ponyo in Japanese), which you might have seen in your childhood! Produced by Studio Ghibli in 2008, “Ponyo” won five awards at the 8th annual Tokyo Anime Awards in 2009. The global sales of “Ponyo” reached an extraordinary $203 million!
What’s the Story?
The story revolves around a five-year-old boy named Sosuke, who lives near a cliff by the sea. One day, while playing with his toy boat, he discovers a glass jar with a small red fish trapped inside near the shore. When he cleans the jar, a small and adorable red fish named Ponyo comes out. The two become friends and embark on amazing adventures that captivate audiences of all ages. Remember, even if you have a five-year-old sister or brother, they can enjoy watching this anime with you.
Review
Like other Hayao Miyazaki anime, “Ponyo” addresses issues created by humans in nature. A polluted sea, with people encroaching on it and disturbing its natural order. The tsunami and problems arising from this disruption become a challenge for humans. On the other hand, Sosuke, the main character who is only five years old, acts very mature and even plays the role of the man of the family when his father goes to the sea. He doesn’t shy away from efforts to support and save his mother, making the experience delightful and, at the same time, touching.
My Neighbor Totoro
The anime “My Neighbor Totoro” (Tonari no Totoro in Japanese) was produced by Studio Ghibli and released in 1988. This anime received the Kinema Junpo Award for Best Film of the Year. Perhaps this is why, even after over thirty years, this film continues to captivate audiences.
What’s the Story?
Like “Spirited Away,” the plot opens with a relocation. Two sisters, Mei (about four years old) and Satsuki (roughly 10 years old), travel with their father to a new village near a hospital where their mother is being treated. They encounter odd and supernatural creatures in their new house and surrounding forest, including Totoro. Totoro befriends the two sisters and shows his magical world to them.
Review
This film, like other Hayao Miyazaki anime, has a strong emphasis on nature. The pristine and untamed nature of a village fascinates these two children. On the other hand, these two children have swiftly learned to be self-sufficient and, in addition to their childhood, have taken on obligations often assigned to adults. Despite being just eleven years old, Satsuki takes on the burden of caring for and supporting her younger sister.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
The anime “Kiki’s Delivery Service” (Majo no Takkyuubin in Japanese) is a fantasy and adventure film produced in 1989 based on a novel of the same name. This animated film received numerous honors, including the Animage Anime Grand Prix prize.
What’s the Story?
The plot revolves around Kiki, a thirteen-year-old girl who, according to witches’ customs, must embark on a solo journey to choose a new spot to begin her job and life. Her mother is also a witch, and she uses her magic for medicinal purposes. Kiki aspires to take the same route and utilize her magic to aid others. Eventually, she persuades her parents to let her begin her voyage with her broom and black cat, Jiji. Throughout her journey, she encounters exciting ups and downs that you should watch yourself.
Review
As with other Hayao Miyazaki anime, the plot typically revolves around two fundamental dimensions. One is weather changes, specifically wind, and humanity attempting to harness this energy for flight. The other is the transformation and growth of the main character, Kiki, who must begin her new life and find work. The concept of a delivery business came to her early on, but the anime depicts the ups and downs of this vocation.
Furthermore, the anime explores the idea that everyone should discover and follow their unique skills throughout their lives. This concept is strongly demonstrated in a chat with a girl living in the woods, underlining that sometimes people cannot use their powers as they should, and that is when they must take a break to regain their strength and talents.
Princess Mononoke
The animated film “Princess Mononoke” (Mononoke Hime in Japanese) was released in 1997, based on a story by Hayao Miyazaki. This anime has won various awards, including the Best Picture at the Japan Academy Awards.
What’s the Story?
The plot revolves around a young man named Ashitaka, who is attacked by a cursed beast and suffers a fatal curse. He set out to find a means to break the curse. Along the way, he meets a girl named San, who is caught up in a fight between humans and forest creatures over natural balance. San is Princess Mononoke, a princess raised by a wolf named Moro. Ashitaka and San start on a journey to stop the conflict. But are they successful? You must watch the rest of the story for yourself!
Review
The story takes place in medieval Japan before the Iron Age when some humans continued to live in harmony with nature while others attempted to tame and rule it. The story represents not just the conflict between good and evil, but also how humans and animals compete for a share of nature. This subject is one of the most inventive elements of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Hayao Miyazaki’s efforts to make a faultless animated film, combined with his attention to detail, resulted in Studio Ghibli’s ninth animated film, “Howl’s Moving Castle” in 2004. This anime, based on Diana Wynne Jones’s novel of the same name, eventually became one of Studio Ghibli’s most exceptional masterpieces!
What’s the Story?
The anime “Howl’s Moving Castle” follows Sophie, an eighteen-year-old girl who works in her family’s hat shop. Sophie transforms into an old woman through a wizard’s curse. Later, she meets another wizard named Howl and embarks on thrilling and frightening adventures you won’t want to miss!
Review
“Howl’s Moving Castle” is a story about love, friendship, and the struggle against evil powers. It depicts how, through love and friendship, one can rediscover their actual self. The Moving Castle tells the narrative of a curse, a strong protagonist, a negative character, an alluring wizard, and, most intriguingly, a moving castle. The chaotic and disordered castle, evocative of Harry Potter, is a character in its own right, and as the castle with its chicken-like legs enters the picture, we get to know this bizarre yet intriguing character.
Furthermore, in this anime, we see Sophie’s character growth, as she begins as a simple hardworking girl but becomes powerful following the curse and aging. Her curse gradually weakens, and she can overcome all the physical challenges of an old woman, appearing beautiful even in her old age.
What do you think about the anime movies we reviewed? Tell us about your opinions.
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