As February rolls around, high school students become vulnerable to a dangerous malady: second semester slump. Winter break was over a month ago, spring break is a distant dream, and three-day weekends are few and far between. Academic rigor ramps up, but student motivation tends to move in the opposite direction. Across the school, students question, Where can reprieve be found?
Between clubs, homework, and studying, free time may be limited, but there is still hope. Even with less than two hours to spare, you still have the opportunity to enjoy one of cinema’s greatest masterpieces: a movie from the acclaimed Studio Ghibli.
Studio Ghibli was founded in Japan in 1985. Since then, it has produced twenty-four films, garnering praise and recognition from around the world. Although genres range from fantasy to slice-of-life, all its movies demonstrate exceptional quality through its animation, characters, and storylines. Picking favorites can be challenging, but after much thought, I have determined that the following seven films are the best that the studio has to offer.
If you want to meet Studio Ghibli’s mascot…
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbor Totoro was released in 1988 and immediately became synonymous with the studio’s image. This fantasy story describes the friendship between two sisters and Totoro, a mysterious creature they meet in the forest. With its simple plot and likeable characters, this movie is perfect for anyone looking for a quiet family film, regardless of prior experience with Ghibli.
If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt…
Released just a year after My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service is similarly uplifting, but features an older protagonist. Thirteen-year-old Kiki leaves her family to make a name for herself in the city with the help of her magic broomstick and talkative cat. Independent and resourceful, Kiki’s ups and downs reflect those of any high school student, but rest assured that everyone lives happily ever after in the end.
If you love The Wild Robot or The Iron Giant…
Giant robots, sky pirates, retro-futuristic airships… What’s not to like? Castle in the Sky, a steampunk adventure film, depicts Sheeta and Pazu, two orphans seeking the flying island of Laputa. Of course, other characters have their eyes on the same prize and are willing to do almost anything to have their way. At slightly over two hours, it’s not a short watch, but the action-filled plot will capture your attention.
If you would like to meet the character who inspired Lofi Girl…
Whisper of the Heart tells the story of Shizuku, a reader and writer, and Seiji, who makes violins. Caught between the pressures of school, family, and her own ambition, Shizuku is a flawed but lovable protagonist. Her journey through the creative process is made even more relatable thanks to the film’s sensitive depiction of her successes and struggles. Also, if you enjoy listening to parodies of John Denver’s “Country Roads,” then this is definitely the movie for you!
If you enjoy contemplative vignettes…
Only Yesterday focuses on Taeko, a twenty-seven year old woman working at her relatives’ safflower farm. As she befriends a farmer named Toshio, Taeko is reminded of memories from when she was ten years old, triggering flashbacks. As the memories build and overlap with her present life, a rich tapestry is formed, culminating in a moving resolution. This movie is ideal for audiences who value gentleness and simplicity (and Eastern European folk music).
If you’re interested in prehistoric sea creatures…
Ponyo, a retelling of The Little Mermaid, may have the most impressive animation of any Ghibli movie. The art, particularly in the maritime scenes, has a mind-blowing number of colors and moving pieces—especially considering the film was drawn by hand. The fantastical plot is admittedly “fishy” (i.e. complicated and full of fish), but anyone with aquatic appreciation will find this film to be a real catch.
If you’ve enjoyed Mary Norton’s The Borrowers…
Like Ponyo, The Secret World of Arrietty has gorgeous visuals, but with a focus on the land instead of the sea. The main character, Arrietty, is a miniature person living in an old house with her family. Despite the warnings to avoid humans at all costs, she is discovered by a human boy. The animation creates an immersive experience into the perspective of being a few inches high, with the outdoor scenes being especially excellent.
Whether you enjoy the sci-fi focus of Castle in the Sky or prefer the realism of Whisper of the Heart, I hope that you can take a break from the stresses of second semester with a journey into the world of Studio Ghibli.
