Studio Ghibli Countdown Introduction 

In 2016, the Rotowriters had a blast celebrating all the films in the Disney Canon leading up the release of

. It was such a positive experience we thought it might be fun to profile another studio’s canon and, after little debate, we settled on the Japanese anime company, Studio Ghibli. Since 1985, the studio has made one beautiful film after another, and, in this series, we hope to introduce younger readers to these amazing movies and also discuss with all of you why they are so special.

We will start our project a little earlier than some, with

; both films which predate the founding of Studio Ghibli but involve most of the major players. A lot of these films a majority of readers will be familiar with, like

but hopefully we can introduce you to more obscure titles, like

. In total, we will celebrate 24 films in the series, and we look forward to your comments and participation.

The best way to introduce Studio Ghibli is to profile the two main driving forces behind the studio: Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata.

Hayao Miyazaki was born in 1941 in Tokyo, Japan. As a boy he dreamed of becoming a manga author but then transitioned into animation. His first projects were TV anime until, in 1968, he became chief animator, concept artist, and scene designer for a film called

. This film just happened to be directed by none other than Isao Takahata.

would be seen by the folks at Disney, including a young John Lasseter, who would become a massive Miyazaki fanboy. Miyazaki  would then go on to release

, Miyazaki, Takahata and Yasuyoshi Tokuma founded Studio Ghibli. They would go on to release nine Miyazaki films, including

, which is where the logo for the studio came. He would also work with composer Joe Hisaishi on all of his films, except for

In 1996, Disney signed a deal to distribute the Studio Ghibli films in the United States. This helped the movies travel around the world. However, Miyazaki and Takahata both had a strict ‘no-edits’ policies for international distribution. Aside from language dubbing, there were to be ‘no cuts’ or alterations to any distributed film.

Probably Miyazaki’s most famous film was 2003’s

which took home the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Famous for his visuals over story approach, Miyazaki does tend to repeat themes in his work including young female protagonists, a love of aviation, talking cats or animals, honest discussions of mental health, and European locals.

In 2015, Miyazaki was given an honorary Oscar for his contribution to film. 2013’s

was supposed to be his final film, but, in November 2016, he announced he was once again coming out of retirement to direct a new feature film. I know many of us are anxious to see what comes next from this true master of animation.

Isao Takahata was born on October 29, 1935, in Ujiyamada, Japan. At 9 years old, he survived a major US raid on Okayama City. Such an experience with war would go on to influence his work in his masterpiece, 

As a boy, he loved French animation and went on to work for a company called Toei Animation.

, which despite being a flop led him to work with Miyazaki and Yoichi Kotabe. In 1982, he was tasked to direct

and, as part of that film, he met with seniors at Disney and started a relationship with many of the animators there.

, and was declared by Roger Ebert as “one of the greatest war films ever made”.

He then would go on to make beloved animated films such as

in 2013. He was also behind the scenes producing and collaborating on many of Miyazaki’s films and projects, including directing the music of

Takahata’s films are a welcome breath of fresh air from most anime, including Miyazaki’s films. The watercolor sketchy style sets them apart, but also his focus on social issues and more melancholy themes. Even his comedies like

have something to say about family, marriage, and appreciating the small moments of life. His films are truly a joy to watch.

It is very easy to throw around hyperbole these days but, in the case of Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, it cannot be denied that they are animation masters. It is going to be a real treat to celebrate their tremendous films in this series. I know some think anime isn’t for them, but I would challenge you to give these films a shot. They have such variety in themes, styles, topics, and characters. It will open your eyes to what animated films can be, and be one of the most enriching experiences you can have as an animation fan.

What is your favorite Studio Ghibli film, and what do you like from both Takahata and Miyazaki? Are you excited for this new Countdown?

Oooh. I can’t wait for this. Hopefully a lot (if not all) of the films will be praised for their animation and charm.

We try to make these countdowns a celebration and praise as much as we can

A new project? Oh yeah, I knew about this already, lol. Can’t wait to read the articles.

I first consciously decided to watch all of the theatrical films from Studio Ghibli (NAUSICAA to WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE) a couple of years ago, and I have become a HUGE fan (and achieved aforementioned goal). Among my personal favorites are ARRIETTY, SPIRITED AWAY, WHISPER OF THE HEART, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, THE WIND RISES, POM POKO, PRINCESS KAGUYA, and WHISPER OF THE HEART, though KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE is my #1 fave.

Those are some amazing films! I love Kiki also

I love Ghibli so much. Miyazaki is so talented at telling a story, while seamlessly finding the child in is all, in a mature fashion. I would say that I have a tie between Totoro, and Mononoke for my favorite.

I like how you say ‘finding the child in us all, in a mature fashion”. That’s a good way to describe it. In many ways he treats his child protagonists (usually girls) as full grown women but then puts them in situations full of wonder and magic. He really respects his characters and that’s what makes them work.

That is the main reason I love Ghibli so much. Regardless of how fantastical the circumstances within the film, the conflicts are usually transcendent, and approachable at any age, although I would argue I get more out of the films now that I am a bit older:)

YUSSSSSSSS!!!!! Ahhh I cannot wait for this countdown!!

YAAAAY!!! Thank you for doing this. So excited 😊

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