Founded by animator Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation film production company celebrated for its whimsical, imaginative and creative story-telling. Many West Ranch students are particularly fond of Miyazaki’s works, finding them nostalgic or comforting. Among its most famous works are “My Neighbor Totoro,”“Howl’s Moving Castle” and Oscar winning animation, “Spirited Away.” Studio Ghibli is renowned for its unique charm, hand-drawn artwork and ability to imprint in-depth stories into visual masterpieces.
Ghibli films frequently incorporates spring motifs, ranging from spirits of nature to themes of rebirth that resonate with many wildcat students. Visually, the studio relies on lush foliage, harmonious tones and hand-painted scenes over CGI that creates a tranquil, spring atmosphere.
Sophomore Hannah Lee deeply connects to the films’ memorable themes: “The first film I watched was ‘Ponyo’ with my mom. Seeing how Ponyo evolved over time, it made me reminiscent over my life.” “Ponyo” tells a story of innocent, care-free youth progressing into maturity as Ponyo starts as a goldfish but permanently changes into a human girl to save people from flooding.
The story’s core messages of rebellion for the fight of freedom and the purity of childhood innocence are expressed visually into a “watercolored style from the dark, magical ocean life to pastel scenery,” Lee described. “It’s a perfect representation of spring because of its color scheme and themes of renewal and preservation of nature.”
Freshman Keira Lowe also finds a personal connection with the childhood themes of Studio Ghibli with her most cherished film being “My Neighbor Totoro.” “The way children are represented feels real, like running into the forest is something I would’ve done at their age,” Lowe elaborated. “My Neighbor Totoro” follows two young sisters in Japan’s countryside forest meeting nature spirits including a giant, furry creature named Totoro.
“Not only was the childhood mindset of being carefree genuinely represented, but also the relationships in the movie were as well, especially the sibling bond between the sisters,” Lowe shared. “It reminds me of how spring approaching makes the world feel lighthearted and green.”
For Freshman Sawyer Ylagan, watching Studio Ghibli films has become a spring tradition: “I watch ‘Spirited Away’ every annual spring clean I do.” To prepare for spring, Ylagan resets her room by throwing out trash and donating unwanted items. This way, she creates a refreshing look of her space, just like how No-Face releases his consumption of trash and workers in the movie. Ylagan added, “I also like pacing myself to the movie by finishing my cleaning before the movie ends.”
Ylagan’s use of the movie is not limited to cleaning, but also inspires her clothing style. “[The animation’s] vibrant colors are what make up my clothing,” she shared. By blending her closet and Studio Ghibli’s springtime palette, Ylagan wears a cozy, cottage-core style.
Overall, Studio Ghibli films are perfect to welcome the whimsical, carefree and dreamlike springtime.
