For the Love of Ghibli

Why the achievements of Studio Ghibli are always worth celebrating

You know how after a trying week, a Studio Ghibli movie makes you feel? That intangible, mysterious combination of relaxed, nostalgic and yearning? Well, there’s a word for that:

The Japanese term Iyashikei (癒し系) refers to a Manga and Anime sub-genre depicting slice of life scenarios, showing characters living sedate lives in peaceful environments. The sub-genre is intended to induce a sense of relaxation and calm in the viewer. The word itself can simply mean simply: relaxing.

You’ll notice this feeling arise in scenes focusing on details like mundane tasks, food preparation and the various “empty’, quiet moments that allow the viewer to reflect and absorb the journey they’ve taken with their favourite protagonist.

This is feeling — and it’s universal appeal — is one of the many reasons, that the studio remains a beloved fixture of global pop culture.

Liberation from the tyranny of realism

Animation lends itself to imagery and movement that simply is not possible in live action, and Ghibli, unbound by the constraints of realism, allow colour, form and shape to truly soar.

The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a particularly noteworthy example of this. In the world of Ghibli, the natural world takes on a dream-like, suggestive reality. Details are acknowledged, but character, object and environment are paired down to their primordial essence. Never to the point of incoherence, but just enough that they read as credible to the eye. his in itself should be regarded as an artform.

Pushing the art form.

Never afraid to experiment, Ponyo on the Cliff is an absolute highlight for lovers of traditional animation techniques. The deceptively simple childlike colours and shapes in Ponyo perfectly match the themes of the story and reflect the characters of our two child protagonists.

One of the recurring themes in Studio Ghibli’s stories, is the idea of transformation, represented through changes in character design.

Ponyo and Howl’s Moving Castles’ central characters display design evolutions that mirror their character development and emotional states. Ponyo, in particular, is shown changing from fishlike, to amphibian to human. Representing her primordial origin in the ocean and her yearning to join her friend Sosuke on land.

Use of light, form and empty space.

Their animation backdrops are a wonder to behold. Particularly, Spirited Away, Ponyo, Porco Rosso and Princess Mononoke. Your eyes are allowed to rest, explore the scene and revel in the detail (or lack there of ) on display.

They don’t talk down to kids

There’s a deep understanding of what it means to be a child at work here. An insight into the strength of storytelling, lovable characters and most of all, imagination free of constraint, executed with a skill that is literally timeless.

Studio Ghibli have given us unforgettable female protagonists like Chihiro, Princess Mononoke and Kiki, who face the challenges thrown at them and grow in wisdom, commitment and responsibility.

So, when you feel the need to submerge in that cozy Iyashikei feeling, get a loved one to join you, and settle down with your favourite Ghibli movie, sharing the joy of this amazing animation studio.