A few days ago, the famous director Hayao Miyazaki announced that he was leaving retirement to direct one last film for Studio Ghibli! An announcement that will delight the admirers of this genius director, we are convinced. To celebrate the news, the editorial team has decided to present its TOP 5 animated films from Studio Ghibli. Studio Ghibli rocked the childhood of many of us. We admit that it was difficult for us to choose only five films since many are real nuggets. However, here are the favorites of the Asiaverse category. And for those who have not had the chance to watch them, we remind you that 21 movies are available on Netflix.
Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke, by Hayao Miyazaki, was released on January 12, 2000 and lasts 2h15.
"Japan, fifteenth century. Once protected by giant animals, the forest is depopulating because of man. Wounded by a boar driven mad by demons, the young warrior Ashitaka leaves his family and goes in search of the deer god who alone can undo the spell that gangrene his arm. During his journey, Ashitaka meets Lady Eboshi, the head of a blacksmith community, who must defend herself against those who accuse her of destroying the forest to feed her forges. Among his worst enemies is San, a wild girl raised by wolves, also called "Princess Mononoke", the princess of the specters… "
Chihiro's journey
Chihiro's Journey, by Hayao Miyazaki, was released on April 10, 2002 and lasts 2h05.
"Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl, is on her way to her new home with her parents. During the trip, the family stops at a theme park that seems dilapidated. During the visit, the parents stop in one of the buildings to taste some very appetizing dishes, appeared as if by magic. Alas, this food turns them into pigs. Panicked, Chihiro flees and finds herself alone in this phantasmagorical universe; she then meets the enigmatic Haku, her only ally in this terrible ordeal… "
My neighbor Totoro
My neighbor Totoro, by Hayao Miyazaki, was released on December 8, 1999 and lasts 1h27.
"Two little girls, Mei and Satsuki, come to settle with their father in a big house in the countryside to be closer to the hospital where their mother is staying. They will discover the existence of their new neighbors, invisible to the eyes of other humans, wonderful creatures, but very discreet: Great Totoro, Middle Totoro (Chū-Totoro) and Little Totoro (Chibi-Totoro). With his bouncy belly, Totoro is a rare and fascinating being, a spirit of the forest. It feeds on acorns and nuts, can fly, move in "Cat-Bus". He sleeps during the day, but on full moon nights, he likes to play with magical ocarinas… "
The travelling castle
Hayao Miyazaki's The Traveling Castle was released on January 12, 2005 and lasts 1h59.
"The young Sophie, 18 years old, works tirelessly in the hat shop formerly run by her father, who sadly passed away. Resigned to her fate, it is during one of her rare outings in the city that she meets the handsome Hauru, a magician. But the witch of the Landes, jealous of this meeting, casts a spell on Sophie, turning her into an old lady. Overwhelmed by her new appearance, Sophie flees into the mountains and stumbles upon Hauru's home: her Travelling Castle. What if all this is just the beginning of a wonderful story?"
Porco rosso
Porco Rosso, by Hayao Miyazaki, was released on June 21, 1995 and lasts 1h29.
"In the interwar period, in the midst of the rise of fascism, somewhere in Italy, Marco Pagot, an outstanding freedom-loving pilot, was the victim of a spell. He becomes a bounty hunter, and establishes his hideout on a desert island in the Adriatic. Nicknamed Porco Rosso by his enemies, hijackers and brigands of all kinds, he faces the best aviators in aerial duel aboard his splendid red seaplane. Guided by the memory of his comrades-in-arms and his spirit of solidarity, he flies to the aid of the weak and one day meets love. But who will unlock the secret of its metamorphosis?"
[Bonus] The tomb of the fireflies
The Tomb of the Fireflies, by Isao Takahata, was released on June 19, 1996 and lasts 1h30.
"Japan, summer 1945. After the bombing of Kobe, Seita, a fourteen-year-old teenager and his four-year-old sister, Setsuko, orphans, will move in with their aunt a few dozen kilometers from their home. It makes them understand that they are an embarrassment to the family and must deserve their daily rice. Seita decides to leave with her little sister. They take refuge in a disused bunker in the countryside and live happy days illuminated by the presence of thousands of fireflies. But soon food begins to be sorely lacking."
Not mentioning The Tomb of the Fireflies would have been sacrilege. This is probably one of the saddest films of the studio, but it is really worth seeing. For the most sensitive among you, prepare a small box of tissues, just in case.
And you, what are the animated films of Studio Ghibli that you particularly enjoyed? Tell us everything!
