DevotedSatellite333 says:

He's (She's ?) one of my favorite parts of the movie. I never became more envious of the Japanese when I learned that the Ghibli Museum (located in Mitaka, Japan) is screening a short film featuring the Catbus... or rather the Kittenbus. It's a sequel of sorts that also features Mei. You can check it out details on the film here:

"Mei And The Kittenbus"

posted Sep 16

Jane says:

i am jealous of japan.

posted Sep 16

DevotedSatellite333 says:

I've seen hyper-linked text on these comment threads before, but I don't know how to get that done (I'm a noob), and apparently it didn't work. I was curious as to when "Tales From Earthsea"("Gedo Senki") would be released... I guess the domestic release will be rounding the corner soon enough. Although, I'm not excited as I'd normally be since this film isn't directed by Hayao. And I hear mixed reviews about the film. But I do know the score rocks... so in that respect I'm dying to see the film. It might be great for all I know, I have to see it first...

On another note... I'm not sure if everyone's been keeping up with the latest Ghibli news (although this is very old info), but how excited is everyone that Hayao's next film, "Ponyo On A Cliff" ("Gake No Ue No Ponyo"), will be entirely animated in watercolor? Not so much drawn, but painted. I knew something fishy was going on a while back when news broke that Hayao had watercolored each storyboad by hand. At first I thought he was going to sell the storyboards in a beautiful book format... I had no idea, would never have dreamed that he'd take this direction full-on for the next film. I'm more excited than ever about any film he's done before... if only from a purely aesthetic perspective. It should be beautiful. His films already take on an ethereal, dream-like quality... to see that reflected in the artwork in this way seems perfect! I can't wait! :D

posted Jul 7

Nipith says:

yeah. i read about Ponyo being done in water color style. I can't wait to see it. I hope Disney plays it at the El Capitan like they did with Spirited Away, and bring the art work to show.

posted Jul 7

krista x face says:

I looove Howl. I could watch it ever day and not get bored. But I also love Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. I can't choose. You win.

posted May 9

DevotedSatellite333 says:

Geez, one favorite? *scratches head* That's a tough one.

I would wanna say "Nausicaa of The Valley of The Wind" just to be old-school. But also because some of the visuals of that movie are so phenomenal, specifically the resurrection of Nausicaa. That scene is so rooted in classic mythology. The movie as a whole is a kinda of paint-by-numbers telling of "The Hero's Journey". The film's also a beautiful meditation on the toxicity of hatred and the redemptive power of compassion in the face of such hatred. It's also got this really cool hippie/green/environmentally conscious message about protecting our planet.

My first Miyazaki film was "Princess Mononoke", so that's in the running too. But hands down, my favorite film is probably "Spirited Away". I have a huge interest in all things Japanese and that movie is a veritable Japanese cultural feast for the eyes. It's so gorgeous! I'm in awe when I consider the amount of work it must've taken to get that film produced. The detail is astonishing. I love the message of the movie as well.

Although, I gotta say krista_x_face, I'm a huge sucker for any use of Time Travel in any movie/story/etc. so I've got a fond spot for "Howl's Moving Castle". Definitely Miyazaki's most romantic film...well...at least up there with "Castle In The Sky". If there's anything working against it, it's that I'm a sucker for the films originally conceived by Miyazaki himself. His adaptations are great, but there's nothing like original Miyazaki. :D

By the way, Nipith, you didn't choose a film. What would yours be?

posted May 18

Nipith says:

I loved reading your thoughts on the films and why you love them. I can't pick one favorite. I love "Nausicaa". There are so many really lovely moments in that film. Mononoke has great character designs. I fell in love with the little spirits in their playfulness. And speaking of character design, Totoro has a great place in my soul. His delighting in the water dropping onto the umbrella is a simple yet beautiful moment in the film. And I love Spirited Away for the the gorgeous intricate art work. Like you said, the amount of Japanese culture, mythology, and visual language is so rich and deep, it really makes the setting both real and fantastic. I can't pick one.

posted May 29

krista x face says:

LMFAO. WHAT.

posted May 9

emsalina says:

that's pretty much exactly what i said!! haha

posted May 20

t.h.lee says:

I second that notion! ;D

posted Apr 23

krista x face says:

Gracias

posted May 4

krista x face says:

Boo. The US is so lame. Maybe someone will leak it online. :(

posted Apr 6

thn says:

Disney is to blame - right? Don't they have exclusive rights to distribute Ghibli films in the US? Someone told me that under the terms of the agreement the *have* to release all the films (but apparently not in a timely fashion)

not sure tho, I haven't been able to confirm what the agreement is exactly...

posted Apr 6

chalkley3/truncated says:

I saw that movie, it was really sad. Was it by Hayao? I never noticed.

posted Apr 9

Jim Steed says:

It was by Isao Takahata (he also made the Ghibli movies Pom Poko and My Nehgbors the Yamadas). Can you believe in Japan they showed Grave and Totoro as a double feature?

posted Apr 21