So, what am I talking about today? Since I was most inspired by the amazing Studio Ghibli 25th Anniversary Concert, I decided I would do a post about my favourite film studio – yes, I grew up with Studio Ghibli and not Disney. Problem?
Now, I wasn’t even remotely joking when I said that I grew up with Studio Ghibli films. A good description of my childhood would be watching ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ and not something like ‘Dumbo‘. Actually, speaking of which, I don’t recall ever seeing ‘Peter Pan’ or ‘Bambi’, but I remember watching ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’ and being rendered inconsolable for a few days.
Why are the works of Hayao Miyazaki (-sama?) so powerful and profound? There are light-hearted moments in every film. But if one should ever look at the symbolism behind every scene, they would find much darker tones, such as the violence and wars in the background of ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’. There are many lessons to be learned, and even if you’re not of the right age to appreciate the message put out by Studio Ghibli – there is always a chance that you would pick it up during another viewing later in life. Proof? I did. (And this applies not just to films, but many books as well.)
In films, one of the key factors in creating the perfect atmosphere, is the soundtrack. Studio Ghibli is no different, except they had an exemplary composer – Joe Hisaishi. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve listened to his works, and remembered scenes from films I don’t think I would ever forget. The OST (Original Sountrack) for ‘Spirited Away’ for example, has a piece, Waltz of Chihiro, which need only to be played, and I would recall the feeling of joy at the precise moment when Sen, remembers Haku’s real name.
Similarly, in ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ – which is based off a series of books by Diana Wynne Jones (which I would recommend reading for another experience entirely) when the Jinsei no Merry-go-Round (Merry-go-Round of Life) plays, my heart pangs at the feeling of riding high in the sky, on the balcony of a rickety castle, controlled by a fallen star – Calcifer.
Forever is a long time to hold something close to your heart. But if it is the works of Studio Ghibli, I don’t think it would be difficult at all. Thank you, ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ for making me smile, even though you’re basically growing seeds at night… I will always wait for the Catbus to arrive, when it’s late at night, and the rain falls so strongly, you’d think someone jumped really hard to make it so. Thank you Hayao Miyazaki and Joe Hisaishi, for making my childhood so wonderful, and giving me many fond memories to look back upon.
~ Persephone
Imagination is Infinite 