6 studio ghibli movies for beginners ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
hello! ^^ this is my first text-post here so i decided to write about a topic that i am totally obsessed with!! but before we begin, here is a brief introduction:
i think it's important to balance between the more complex and simple Studio Ghibli films so that you can have access to both facets of Ghibli. after all, not all of them are extremely complex and metaphorical, sometimes you can just choose a lighter movie to watch!
what is the difference between studio ghibli's movies and other movies? studio ghibli has the mastery of dealing with everyday and essentially human issues (as well as environmental ones) that we are all familiar with seeing in films.
but what makes it unique is the delicate, engaging and accurate tone of humanity and intimacy that studio ghibli brings to the films, making them all special and capable of generating a unique connection between the viewer and the work.
p.s.: everything mentioned here is based on my opinion and preferences! feel free to kindly & respectfully disagree <3
Kiki's Delivery Service (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ
one of my favorite studio ghibli movies! i believe it has the most relatable protagonist of all the studio's movies. the film deals with several subjects such as burnout, identity, "what is my talent? what makes me unique?", among others!
the soundtrack is unique, catchy and memorable (sometimes i find myself humming the main theme throughout the day lol)
i think it's a great film for those who are just starting to get to know Studio Ghibli and might fall in love with it!
2. Whisper of the Heart ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱₊˚⊹
this is usually one of the first Ghibli movies i recommend to someone (also is one of my favourites)! it has a light and human romance; "no magic, no enchanted beings, no spectacular plot, just the appreciation of life"
the film also features a completely relatable protagonist, shizuku, who searches for a sense of identity, albeit in a different context than kiki.
shizuku is a teenager who is about to start high school but still doesn't know very well what the future holds for her and what she plans to do with it. she ends up meeting her great life partner, seiji, who has a great dream and life goal.
3. Howl's Moving Castle ⋆˙⟡ —
one of the classics! you've probably heard of this masterpiece before or come across the soundtrack online.
unlike the last films mentioned, this one has a much more elaborate, deep and even certainly confusing plot as it contains a lot of symbolism (in addition to being an adaptation of a book!).
however, i think it's a great movie to recommend when you're starting to watch studio ghibli because even though it's slightly complex, it's mesmerizing and engaging. in addition, it shows the purest essence of studio ghibli, which is to portray humanity, human insecurities and feelings with the complexity and subjectivity that they have.
i'm absolutely sure you'll fall in love!
4. My Neighbor Totoro ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
another extremely classic that you've probably heard of! my neighbor totoro will take you back to sweet childhood memories, even if you didn't live in a country house or encounter a mystical forest creature!
this is another story that doesn't have a crazy plot, but it is wrapped in nostalgia, comfort, animation and soundtrack, which makes the experience totally immersive.
my neighbor totoro is without a doubt one of Studio Ghibli's biggest brands, even forming part of the studio's logo and selling several products. it's a film you can't miss!
5. From Up On Poppy Hill ✮⋆˙
maybe this one will generate some disagreement but HEAR ME OUT!!!!!!!!! this was the first Ghibli film i showed my father and he simply fell in love with everything: the animation, the story, the soundtrack, the characters; and all of this made him want to see more of Ghibli!
unlike the other films on the list, this is the only one that was not directed by Hayao Miyazaki but by his son. the film has a curious and incredible story, focusing on one subject: the preservation and veneration of the past so that there may be a future.
the characters are delicate in their essence and each of them tells their own life story and how it built who they are in the present. a great movie for you to watch on a Sunday afternoon!
6. Spirited Away ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
did you think i wouldn't talk about it? simply the most emblematic movie from Studio Ghibli and i believe the most popular too!
this is another film full of metaphors and symbolism as well as a fantastic protagonist. it's a super fantasy film but it deals with extremely real themes of our world, based on the adventure of an 8-year-old girl: "the world will not be kind to you at any time, but you will need to find the strength within yourself to grow and face it"
completely addictive and charismatic in its own way i'm sure you'll love this studio ghibli masterpiece!
pixelskylines
baratheonpilled
blakekathryn
titsay
romaincrisis
snowghoul
