The Studio Ghibli (JP) Discussion Thread

[deschain]

Originally Posted by Sinthetic

First footage of the new TV Series by Goro Miyazaki. The character style with CG really reminds me of Freedom Project.

New Ghibli




Also, 4 DAYS TILL SPIRITED AWAY.

Thanks for the vid!

can't wait for spirited away! to tide myself over i ordered a couple of the jp art books from amazon.co.jp (nausicaa & laputa)

[joelgutheil]

Originally Posted by deschain

Thanks for the vid!



can't wait for spirited away! to tide myself over i ordered a couple of the jp art books from amazon.co.jp (nausicaa & laputa)

I got those two last month - a good idea really cos I can see the older ones going out of print. It's literally impossible to get the Art of Only Yesterday for a decent price on eBay or amazon...

[joelgutheil]

Originally Posted by GC Riot

Well... a little underwhelming, I really don't like cel-shading replacing traditional animatino since it always loses the human touch and ends up looking a little stiff, but being riased with Ronja in both book and tv-form, this is still a must-see!

I second this - it looks awful; like a cel shaded cut scene in a Naruto fighting game or something

[hazelwu]

Originally Posted by K-Shaps

Is there any word yet on Princess Mononoke and the rest of the Miyazaki catalog being released from Disney? I can't afford to spend $70 per movie let alone the $600 for this box set.

On the subject of Mononoke, can someone post screen comparisons with the box set and the standard JP BD?

Disney will release 2 catalog Ghibli titles and The Wind Rises this year I believe.

[Dion]

Howl's Moving Castle

JPN MGVC BDInfo
USA BDInfo

JPN MGVC vs USA ( BD only has P Frames )

[Show spoiler]

USA BD is very nice.

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by Sinthetic

First footage of the new TV Series by Goro Miyazaki. The character style with CG really reminds me of Freedom Project.

New Ghibli




Also, 4 DAYS TILL SPIRITED AWAY.

I was so exctited about this but now I don't think I'll watch it!
Why Ghibli? Why?
I thought you were our only hope after Disney died..

I hope they don't adopt this style in their films too!

[deschain]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

I was so exctited about this but now I don't think I'll watch it!
Why Ghibli? Why?
I thought you were our only hope after Disney died..

I hope they don't adopt this style in their films too!

Well its only partly in collaboration with Ghibli, i get the impression that Goro is the main part of the Ghibli representation and that most of the production work will be done by Polygon. I've seen sky crawlers which was a mix of 2d and cg animation which was kinda shaky looking and it didn't fit together too seamlessly but the actual film itself was good.

As far as I'm aware this is a learning experience for Goro and some people he made his past two films with (even Aoi Teshima is involved). But i can't see Ghibli making their next feature in this style because that would require a complete overhaul of how ghibli make films but maybe they'll be using some of the things learnt here and Goro will grow further as a director, after all making anime series is where his father and Takahata started.

I hope to hell that this isn't Suzuki's idea to transform the future of Ghibli into making budget films like this on a bunch of computers in one room on a smaller scale. For Ghibli to make a film that looks entirely like that clip seems like its the complete opposite to what the studio does at the minute thats so different from almost everyone else (carrying on 2d animation and minimal cg).

What actually irks me a bit is how Miyazaki always talks about shutting the studio down, closing the doors and thats the end of it as if they've made their contribution to traditional animation, they're the last of the dying art form and now is the time for it to die (and this could well happen). but in my opinion Studio Ghibli owe the world to continue making animation the same way until it can't afford to operate anymore as they're the ones who still hold the ability, skills and the financial position to be able to continue the art form and to close the studio throwing it away for this grand idea of a studio that only existed in the Miyazaki era is a huge waste. i know they're trying everything to make a future with these new directors, i just hope it all goes well.

[ALLIED_GOONIE]

Oh, comon'! The Ronja spot looks really good, and I have complete faith in Goro san after Poppy Hill. Also, the source material is pretty awesome, so there's no need to worry.

Just finished watching The Wind Rises for the third time, and I still don't get why this was nominated for an Oscar and Poppy Hill wasn't. Makes no sense. (though it could have to do with the fact that it's Miyazaki's last film) The Wind Rises have all the same pacing problems that plagued Tales from Earthsea and it's marred by a story that balances between tedious and boring. The artwork and animation is pure gold though.

Here's how I'd rate the films right now:

1. Kiki's Delivery Service
2. Princess Mononke
3. Porco Rosso
4. Laputa - Castle in the Sky
5. Whisper of the Heart
6. Spirited Away
7. From up on Poppy Hill
8. Only Yesterday
9. Ponyo
10. Howl's Moving Castle
11. Arrietty
12. My Neighbour Totoro
13. The Cat Returns
14. Grave of the Fireflies
15. Tales From Earthsea
16. The Wind Rises
17. My Neighbours the Yamadas
18. Pom Poko

[moviebooked]

Originally Posted by ALLIED_GOONIE

Oh, comon'! The Ronja spot looks really good, and I have complete faith in Goro san after Poppy Hill. Also, the source material is pretty awesome, so there's no need to worry.

Just finished watching The Wind Rises for the third time, and I still don't get why this was nominated for an Oscar and Poppy Hill wasn't. Makes no sense. (though it could have to do with the fact that it's Miyazaki's last film) The Wind Rises have all the same pacing problems that plagued Tales from Earthsea and it's marred by a story that balances between tedious and boring. The artwork and animation is pure gold though.

Here's how I'd rate the films right now:

1. Kiki's Delivery Service
2. Princess Mononke
3. Porco Rosso
4. Laputa - Castle in the Sky
5. Whisper of the Heart
6. Spirited Away
7. From up on Poppy Hill
8. Only Yesterday
9. Ponyo
10. Howl's Moving Castle
11. Arrietty
12. My Neighbour Totoro
13. The Cat Returns
14. Grave of the Fireflies
15. Tales From Earthsea
16. The Wind Rises
17. My Neighbours the Yamadas
18. Pom Poko

WHAT! I can't believe The Wind Rises is so far down your list.
You questioned why this was nominated for an Oscar, do you believe the movie Frozen was better? To me, it isn't even close and The Wind Rises should have won!

[solesupremebeing]

I have The Wind Rises as the worst of Miyazaki's films, but that is mainly because of the high standard of his films. There wasn't a single film by Miyazaki that I felt should be below The Wind Rises.

This is my current list:

1. Laputa: Castle in the Sky
2. Princess Mononoke
3. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
4. Spirited Away
5. Howl's Moving Castle
6. Porco Rosso
7. Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro
8. My Neighbour Totoro
9. Pom Poko
10. Kiki's Delivery Service
11. From up on Poppy Hill
12. Whisper of the Heart
13. The Wind Rises
14. Grave of the Fireflies
15. My Neighbours the Yamadas
16. Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
17. The Cat Returns
18. Only Yesterday
19. The Borrower Arrietty
20. Tales from Earthsea
21. Ocean Waves

[Sinthetic]

I thought Kaze Tachinu was absolutely incredible from start to finish. It's technically extremely well realised and has an emotional and fascinating story. The characters are memorable and the lead pair are lovely together.

[deschain]

Originally Posted by Sinthetic

I thought Kaze Tachinu was absolutely incredible from start to finish. It's technically extremely well realised and has an emotional and fascinating story. The characters are memorable and the lead pair are lovely together.

Agreed!

SERIOUSLY, if I hear "pacing problems" one more time!!!! it's made up phrase used by amateur critics. I wish the people who say that about this film would realise that they were bored and most likely had no interest in the subject matter.

[Fabiosugitani]

I can't really rate them all, but I can separate like this:

Titles I love and can watch over and over.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Laputa: Castle in the Sky
My Neighbour Totoro
Kiki's Delivery Service
Princess Mononoke
Spirited Away


Titles I like but can watch very once in a while

Grave of the Fireflies
Porco Rosso
Only Yesterday
Pom Poko
Whisper of the Heart
Howl's Moving Castle
The Wind Rises


OK titles, some good parts but haven't seen in years.

My Neighbours the Yamadas
The Cat Returns
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
The Borrower Arrietty
From up on Poppy Hill


Titles I haven't seen yet. waiting for Blu-ray

Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro
Tales from Earthsea
Ocean Waves

[Girls With Guns]

Originally Posted by deschain

Agreed!

SERIOUSLY, if I hear "pacing problems" one more time!!!! it's made up phrase used by amateur critics. I wish the people who say that about this film would realise that they were bored and most likely had no interest in the subject matter.

+1 on this - almost ALL Studio Ghibli films are slow-paced, I love them that way - but I know quite a few people I have shown them too that can't stand them because they move so slow they are bored to death with them.

And every one's rakings are going to be different; my list is completely skewed from the ones above, because I really enjoy the slice-of-life Ghibli films so much, and don't care for some of the more popular ones as much...

1. Nausicaa in the Valley of the Wind
2. Princess Mononoke
3. Howl's Moving Castle
4. Only Yesterday
5. From Up on Poppy Hill
6. Porco Rosso
7. Laputa: Castle in the Sky
8. The Wind Rises
9. Whisper of the Heart
10. Ocean Waves
11. Tales From Earthsea
12. Spirited Away
13. Kiki's Delivery Service
14. The Secret World of Arrietty
15. The Cat Returns
16. My Neighbor Totoro
17. Grave of the Fireflies
18. Pom Poko
19. My Neighbors the Yamadas
20. Ponyo

Yes, I actually like Ocean Waves and Earthsea more so than Spirited Away and Totoro...

[rickah88]

My list:

1) All Studio Ghibli films.

[Girls With Guns]

Originally Posted by rickah88

My list:

1) All Studio Ghibli films on Blu-ray.

Fixed it for you.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Girls With Guns

Fixed it for you.

Seeing as we are in a blu-ray forum, that was a given.

[DanielMann]

I thought Kaze Tachinu was absolutely incredible from start to finish. It's technically extremely well realised and has an emotional and fascinating story. The characters are memorable and the lead pair are lovely together.

Agreed, I actually think it is a misunderstood masterpiece of sorts. I found the story fascinating, I found the ideas it pondered over to be interesting. I liked the story of watching a man sacrifice his own ideologies in the pursuit of chasing a selfish dream. I think what I liked best about that film is the harmonious marriage between subject matter and the creator himself. I love the fact that its simply rasing questions but never really forcing an answer. It's just meditating and pondering over them.

So, yeah, I thought the film was incredible. For me, its not one of his weakest at all. I'd say its one of his strongest.

But different strokes for different people, I guess.

SERIOUSLY, if I hear "pacing problems" one more time!!!! it's made up phrase used by amateur critics. I wish the people who say that about this film would realise that they were bored and most likely had no interest in the subject matter.

Yes, I agree completely. There is a difference between pacing and ones own boredom level. And I think people often confuse the two.

I hope to hell that this isn't Suzuki's idea to transform the future of Ghibli into making budget films like this on a bunch of computers in one room on a smaller scale. For Ghibli to make a film that looks entirely like that clip seems like its the complete opposite to what the studio does at the minute thats so different from almost everyone else (carrying on 2d animation and minimal cg).

I don't necessarily think this style would transition over to their films, that is to say if they keep making films. Rather it probably boils down to being something simple as an efficient means of quickly turning around this Anime series. In terms of cost and production. But I'd honestly be surprised if this style carried over to their films. But who knows? Especially with this new transition phase that Ghibli seems to be going through.

What actually irks me a bit is how Miyazaki always talks about shutting the studio down, closing the doors and thats the end of it as if they've made their contribution to traditional animation, they're the last of the dying art form and now is the time for it to die (and this could well happen). but in my opinion Studio Ghibli owe the world to continue making animation the same way until it can't afford to operate anymore as they're the ones who still hold the ability, skills and the financial position to be able to continue the art form and to close the studio throwing it away for this grand idea of a studio that only existed in the Miyazaki era is a huge waste. i know they're trying everything to make a future with these new directors, i just hope it all goes well.

I have a question. Has Takahata actually confirmed he is retiring? After seeing Kaguya, I heard the rumblings that it was Takahata's last film as well. I searched high and low for a quote confirming it, but I couldn't find anything that officially states he too is retiring. Are we even sure Takahata is done? The most I could find was a brief mention in The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness that Kaguya "would be Takahata's last film", but nothing has been officially stated as to whether he has retired or not.

I know Suzuki retired, but will still oversee the studio, Miyazaki I'm still not entirely sure whether to believe he is officially retired or not (you never know with Miyazaki), and nothing has been officially stated about Takahata's position. So I have to wonder, what exactly is the future of Ghibli and at this point, does anyone really know for sure?

I personally think the Studio will remain. I don't think its on its death bed, I just hope it's all as simple as going through a transition period.

[nusilver]

I can't believe everyone has Yamadas ranked so low! Sheesh! You'd think it wasn't relevant to any of your lives or something

In other news... Since last Monday, I've watched every "Ghibli" film chronologically - all but Ocean Waves on Blu-ray. I started with Cagliostro (hence "Ghibli" in quotes - they seem to have co-opted it for the box set), and just finished Yamadas. On to Spirited Away!

[yizhan123]

Originally Posted by DanielMann

Agreed, I actually think it is a misunderstood masterpiece of sorts. I found the story fascinating, I found the ideas it pondered over to be interesting. I liked the story of watching a man sacrifice his own ideologies in the pursuit of chasing a selfish dream. I think what I liked best about that film is the harmonious marriage between subject matter and the creator himself. I love the fact that its simply rasing questions but never really forcing an answer. It's just meditating and pondering over them.

So, yeah, I thought the film was incredible. For me, its not one of his weakest at all. I'd say its one of his strongest.

But different strokes for different people, I guess.



Yes, I agree completely. There is a difference between pacing and ones own boredom level. And I think people often confuse the two.



I don't necessarily think this style would transition over to their films, that is if to say they keep making films. Rather it probably boils down to being something simple as an efficient means of quickly turning around this Anime series. In terms of cost and production. But I'd honestly be surprised if this style carried over to their films. But who knows? Especially with this new transition phase that Ghibli seems to be going through.

That totally hit the spot! Hundred thumbs up for this!