Why Studio Ghibli films have that extra magic | Inside Cinema - BBC

Summary

Studio Ghibli films blend the extraordinary with the everyday, creating magical worlds where mundane moments take on enchanting qualities. From the whimsical adventures in *My Neighbor Totoro* to the surreal food scenes in *Kiki's Delivery Service*, Ghibli's hand-drawn animation brings everyday life to life in stunning ways. Whether it's the transformation of ordinary tasks like cleaning or the portrayal of historical events like in *The Wind Rises*, Ghibli infuses magic into the most unlikely places. Their films inspire viewers to see the world around them with new eyes, reminding us that magic can be found in the simplest moments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ghibli's magic lies in blending the ordinary with the extraordinary, transforming mundane details into captivating moments.
• 😀 The rain scene in 'My Neighbor Totoro' exemplifies Ghibli’s ability to make everyday experiences feel enchanting.
• 😀 Ghibli’s portrayal of food in films like 'Spirited Away' and 'Kiki’s Delivery Service' turns ordinary meals into magical experiences.
• 😀 Ghibli films often highlight the beauty in daily chores, like cleaning in 'Howl’s Moving Castle' and 'Spirited Away'.
• 😀 The fantasy landscapes of Ghibli films, such as flying machines and majestic vistas, feel simultaneously otherworldly and relatable.
• 😀 Ghibli brings magic to real-world settings, as seen in 'The Wind Rises,' where the story of an airplane engineer is infused with fantasy.
• 😀 In Ghibli films, even non-fantastical subjects like engineering or the Great Kanto Earthquake are portrayed with magical energy.
• 😀 Ghibli films, such as 'When Marnie Was There' and 'Only Yesterday,' use painterly landscapes to reflect characters’ emotions.
• 😀 The use of detail in everyday settings, like the suburban Tokyo of 'Whisper of the Heart,' shows that adventure can be found anywhere.
• 😀 Studio Ghibli's most remarkable achievement is their ability to make audiences see the world around them in a new, magical light.
• 😀 The immersive world of Studio Ghibli invites us to find magic in the ordinary, reminding us that it is always just around the corner.

Q & A

What makes Studio Ghibli's films stand out from other animated movies?

Studio Ghibli's films are known for blending fantastical elements with ordinary details, creating a sense of wonder in the everyday. Even mundane tasks or ordinary moments are elevated to magical experiences, as seen in films like *My Neighbor Totoro* and *Kiki's Delivery Service*.

Why is the scene with Totoro at the bus stop so significant?

The scene with Totoro at the bus stop is significant not because of Totoro himself, but because of his enthusiastic response to the rain. This moment highlights how Ghibli films focus on the magic of small, everyday details.

How does Ghibli incorporate food into its magical worlds?

In Ghibli films, food is often portrayed as magical and wondrous. For instance, in *Spirited Away*, food transforms into something extraordinary, and in *Kiki's Delivery Service*, the process of baking is given the same sense of wonder as the young witch's powers.

What role does food play in *Kiki's Delivery Service*?

In *Kiki's Delivery Service*, food is closely intertwined with the characters' magical experiences. The act of baking is depicted with an alchemical charm that elevates it to a magical practice, alongside the main character's developing powers.

How does Ghibli handle the theme of work in its films?

In Ghibli films, even ordinary jobs are imbued with a sense of magic. For example, in *The Wind Rises*, the work of an airplane engineer is portrayed with an artistic energy that makes the profession feel awe-inspiring, much like the fantastical elements in the studio's other films.

How does Ghibli depict everyday chores in a magical light?

Ghibli films often take mundane tasks like cleaning and turn them into enchanting experiences. In *Howl's Moving Castle*, for instance, Sophie takes it upon herself to clean, and in *Spirited Away*, cleaning becomes part of the magical environment.

What makes the landscapes in Ghibli films feel so captivating?

The landscapes in Ghibli films are meticulously detailed and often seem to come alive with emotion. In films like *Whisper of the Heart* and *When Marnie Was There*, the settings are imbued with a palpable energy, reflecting the emotional journey of the characters.

Why are airplanes significant in Ghibli films?

Airplanes represent beauty and dreams in Ghibli films, especially in *The Wind Rises*, where the protagonist's work as an airplane engineer is depicted as both magical and artistic. This theme highlights the transformative potential of human creativity and ambition.

How does Ghibli use historical events in its films?

In films like *The Wind Rises*, Ghibli combines historical events with stylized fantasy. The depiction of the Great Kanto Earthquake is a prime example of how the studio transforms real-world tragedies into visually striking, imaginative sequences.

What is the underlying message of Studio Ghibli's films?

At the core of Studio Ghibli's films is the idea that magic is found in the everyday. By infusing ordinary moments with fantastical elements, Ghibli encourages audiences to see the world around them with wonder and new eyes.