Narayani M
Studio Ghibli, founded by the directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki in 1985, is a Japanese animation studio based in Tokyo popular for its intricate hand-drawn animation which translates to breathtaking visuals and emotionally connecting stories. For four decades, the studio has continued to use traditional methods of using animation where every frame is drawn and coloured by hand.
Hayao Miyazaki, one of the founders, chose the name Ghibli which comes from the Libyan Arabic word referring to a hot desert wind that blows across North Africa. His passion for aircraft made him choose it. Miyazaki's movies often revolve around the themes of feminism, consumerism, capitalism, environmentalism and love for family. Miyazaki has directed 12 feature films for Studio Ghibli.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
One of the studio's most beloved films, the Hayao Miyazaki-directed feature follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei and their friendship with a gentle forest spirit Totoro in postwar rural Japan. Celebrated for its warmth, nostalgia, and serene depiction of childhood wonder, Totoro himself became Studio Ghibli’s official mascot. The film is a timeless classic that resonates with people of all ages.
Spirited Away (2001)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away tells the story of Chihiro, a young girl who becomes trapped in a mysterious spirit world and must navigate a magical bathhouse to rescue her parents. The film is rich with breathtaking animation, mythology, and coming-of-age themes and exploring identity. It became the first (and only) non-English animated film to win the Academy Award. No-Face, one of its enigmatic characters, is often associated with Ghibli’s legacy.
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
An emotionally stirring feature that viscerally depicts how Japan and its citizens grapples with the aftermath of World War II, Grave of the Fireflies, directed by Isao Takahata follows Seita and his younger sister Setsuko as they struggle to survive a war-torn world. The film is produced by Studio Ghibli, but its themes, contrary to its other films, is a harrowing tale of survival, desperation, poverty and lost love. It has been ranked as one of the greatest anti-war films of all time.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Set in the Muromachi period of Japanese history, Ashitaka, a young warrior cursed by a demon, as he becomes entangled in a conflict between humans of Irontown and the gods of nature, including the fierce Princess Mononoke. Miyazaki's poignant exploration environmentalism, industrialisation, and coexistence, became the highest-grossing film in the country. It offers a balanced portrayal of both the worlds.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Loosely based on the 1986 novel by Diana Wynne, Howl's Moving Castle follows Sophie, a young woman cursed with old age, who finds herself in the magical, ever-changing castle of the mysterious wizard Howl. Miyazaki, enraged by United States' invasion of Iraq in 2003, created this film that has strong anti-war themes, feminist elements and the positive aspect of growing old.
Castle in the Sky (1986)
Studio Ghibli's first official film, directed by Miyazaki revolves around Sheeta and Pazu, two young adventurers searching for the legendary floating city of Laputa while evading pirates and a corrupt government. Partly inspired by Miyazaki's trips to Wales, where he witnessed the aftermath of the 1984–1985 coal miners' strike, Castle in the Sky once again explores environmentalism, technology and greed and showcases Miyazaki’s love for flying machines.