WRITER'S NOTE: The following is a collection of reviews posted on my Instagram page @film_freeq. They’ve been organized by their initial release dates, and have been slightly edited.
One of my favorite hubs on the HBO Max streaming service is the Studio Ghibli library. With the exception of two of these titles*, every feature film since 1984's Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind can be seen, including projects from up-and-coming directors.
*Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
The feature film debut of legendary animé director Hayao Miyazaki may be one of his most overlooked pictures. Based on his manga of the same name, this cartoony action-adventure follows a charismatic thief and (along with his accomplice) his pursuit of an ancient, abandoned palace. Full of many ironic twists and turns, as well as fast-paced action sequences--even in its first 30 minutes--one can tell they're in for a unique and original ride, complete with subplots involving counterfeit money, secret rings and organizations, a runaway princess, an evil count, and Interpol agents hot on their trail.
Many of Miyazaki's trademarks were established here: dynamic characters, rich worldbuilding, and scenes of aerial flight. What makes Cagliostro different from the aeteur's subsequent features, however, is the titular male protagonist, whose rescuing of the aforementioned princess is noble, if a bit misguided. Still, Miyazaki's mastery of the medium and his signature storytelling, from the get-go, are transcending.
TRIVIAL FACT: This is the first in a series of Studio Ghibli reviews (although Cagliostro was made six year's before the company's founding), with the goal of posting at least one film per week. (Easier said than done.) Based on a suggestion from @kaptainkristian, I made sure to watch each of these films in their original Japanese versions (with English subtitles). [*Available on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, and Amazon Prime Video, for rent or purchase.]
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Hayao Miyazaki's sophomoric feature film, based on his celebrated graphic novel of the same name, was his first breakout hit, and remains one of his greatest and most amazing films. Although it was made one year before the official founding of Studio Ghibli, it set up many of the trademarks that would be seen throughout the rest of Miyazaki's filmography. Ecological-centered themes, here set in a dystopic future of war and destruction where surviving humans are pitted against giant insects. Strong female protagonists (i.e., the titular pacifist princess and "wind warrior"). Fascinating larger-than-life creatures (i.e., fox-squirrels, giant "Ohms"). Deep mythology and engrossing character arcs. Atmospheric sound effects, and music by composer Joe Hisaishi. Incredible attention-to-detail animation. Man's relationship to nature. And, of course, certainly flying (i.e., the film's many stylized and tactile aircrafts).
What also makes Nausicaä distinct are its strong color palettes that reflect certain emotional states of various characters, from rage (red) to peace (blue) and even hope (gold yellow). Plus, its aforementioned themes of social, political, environmental, and ethical morals and issues couldn't be more timely. This is a masterpiece. It's almost hard to believe it was only the foundation of an enduring legacy in animation and cinema.
WRITER'S NOTE: An American dub (and cut) in the mid-1980s, titled Warriors of the Wind, reportedly butchered Miyazaki's film, by severely altering story beats and even advertising elements that had nothing to do with the original version. It wouldn't be until the mid-2000s, following the release of Howl’s Moving Castle (along with the Walt Disney Studio's proper handling of Ghibli's library) that a remastered, uncut edition of Nausicaä was finally released in North America. I, for one, prefer the original Japanese dub, even though the American translation is better than any version with removed or altered elements.
Castle in the Sky (1986)
Technically the first film released under the Studio Ghibli banner (one year after the company's inception), Hayao Miyazaki's wondrous action-adventure story follows a young girl named Sheeta and a factory boy named Pazu on a journey to find a mysterious city in the clouds, while on the run from a band of quirky air pirates and sinister government agents who seek the magical crystal carried by the girl.
Incredible, intense, funny, beautiful, and awe-inspiring, the eponymous Laputa alone is a sight to behold, giving Cloud City from Star Wars a run for its money. In addition, spiritual imagery of a floating world--supported by composer Joe Hisaishi's evocative score--help make this another transcending experience, and not just exceptional (and worthwhile) "family entertainment."
FUN FACT: References to Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels are fitting, while the giant sentinel robots were reportedly inspired by Max Fleisher's 1941 Superman cartoon, The Mechanical Monsters.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
One of Studio Ghibli's (and director Hayao Miyazaki's) most beloved films. A wonderful, sincere, playful, and even painful rumination on childhood innocence, following two sisters (Satzuki and Mei) who move with their father to the countryside to be near their ailing mother. They soon encounter a world of fantastical, furry forest creatures in their backyard (including the titular Totoro, who has since been the company's official mascot; remember, this was during the same era as other big-screen critters like E.T. and Gizmo). And wait until you see the Cat-Bus!
One of the amazing feats of Miyazaki's work is that he never talked down to his audience, even when his target demographic was children. Totoro presents an ideal world of purity and innocence, with attentive and nurturing parental/adult figures, as well as universal fears, angst, and sadness over potentially losing a loved one. (Again, it's never afraid to tackle more heavy subject matter.) This is a rare film for both young and old--imaginative, whole original, and richly-detailed. And it's not just one of the most unforgettable pieces of animation. It just may be one of the greatest films ever made.
*Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
From late Studio Ghibli co-founder (and acclaimed filmmaker in his own right) Isao Takahata comes this harrowing WWII drama about a teenage boy and his younger sister as they struggle to get by in war-torn Japan. As beautiful as it is devastating, everything from the imagery of the titular insects and brutal casualties (some very hard to look at), to themes of loss and economic crises, and Michio Mamiya's profound score, thoroughly breaks your heart. An experience unlike any other, Grave of the Fireflies will leave you speechless.
TRIVIAL FACT #1: Takahata was reportedly the only crew member/animator who lived through the bombings, as depicted in the film.
TRIVIAL FACT #2: Upon its initial release in 1988, this film was double-billed alongside My Neighbor Totoro.
[*Available on Amazon Prime Video, for rent or purchase.]
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Hayao Miyazaki's coming-of-age story about a 13-year-old girl who journeys out into the world--and into young adulthood--is a wonderful film. The story follows the plucky Kiki as she finds refuge in a small town, and eventually work at a local bakery (hence, the film's title).
It may be hard for more sensitive viewers to get passed the main protagonist being a witch. But it's more on par with The Wizard of Oz than Harry Potter, considering all we see are characters flying on broomsticks, and one or two scenes/references involving potions and fortune telling. It's messages of service and friendships, otherwise, are worthwhile. (Still, some may view the results as a mixed bag.)
The film has incredible art direction, imagining what Europe would ideally resemble had the Second World War never occurred. The cast of characters are terrific and well-rounded, with the titular Kiki struggling to find her place in the world, while the scene-stealing black cat Jiji is a thorough delight. The flying sequences are beautifully animated (with real weight and conflict, including moments with rainstorms and other weather effects), as are scenes featuring Tombo's unique bicycle and the independent Ursula's sketches of Kiki.
TRIVIAL FACT: Miyazaki's next film would continue his signature motif of flight, this time using literal airplanes.
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