Tired of the scorching sun and the endless heat waves? Here are five curated Ghibli movies that would make you feel better. If you are a student at the junction of career choices or an employee who wants an escape into a fantastical world, this piece is for you. Keep reading to know more.
Ponyo (2008): A Studio Ghibli Tale of Magic, Friendship, and the Sea
What’s better than a trip to the ocean during the sweltering heat? With its aquamarine waters, fascinating sea creatures, human connections, rain, floods, and a touch of magic, Ponyo delivers the perfect summer escape. Studio Ghibli fills the film with its signature aesthetic, weaving a story infused with childlike wonder and imagination.
The movie follows Ponyo, a sea creature who escapes from the ocean and meets Sosuke, a five-year-old boy who rescues her. As their friendship grows, Ponyo dreams of becoming a human girl. However, her father strongly opposes her wish. His resistance sets off a chain of magical events that trigger a natural disaster.
Through this seemingly simple story, the film explores themes of love, acceptance, and the delicate relationship between humanity and nature. While Ponyo’s father distrusts and rejects humans, Ponyo embraces them wholeheartedly. Their opposing views create the central conflict of the film.
Inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s visit to Tomonoura in Setonaikai National Park, Ponyo offers a light-hearted journey into a vibrant aquatic world. The film provides a refreshing and uplifting experience, making it an ideal watch for hot summer days.
Spirited Away (2001) : A Must-Watch Ghibli Movie
A bathhouse visit can be the best way to relax and have free time during the hot summer. Set in the spiritual world of kami of the Japanese Shinto folklore, Spirited Away chronicles the life of a young girl, Chihiro, who moves into a new neighbourhood. However, her life is upended when her parents take her on a trip.
The evil witch Yubaba turns her parents into pigs. To reclaim her parents and set herself free, Chiriho works her way into Yubaba’s bathhouse.
Moreover, the beauty of Spirited Away lies in the chimerical concort of wizards, witches, oversized babies, dragons, and magical creatures.
Apart from magic, Spirited Away is an Odyssey of resilience, courage and self-definition. Chihiro transforms from a naive, young girl to a fighter with substantial free will. Therefore, it is one of the one-of-a-kind Ghibli movies.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004): A Story of Transformative Love
If you want to watch something that combines 20th-century technology and magic, then Howl’s Moving Castle is the perfect pick.
Howl’s Moving Castle follows Sophie, a young girl cursed to be an old hag. On her journey as an old woman, she encounters a new kind of freedom in life. Sophie’s resilience to find a meaning in her new life runs parallel to Howl’s story, who refuses to fight for the king in an unequal and deadly war.
Adapted from a novel of the same name, the movie focuses on old age, depicting it positively as something to be looked at with optimism. Additionally, Miyazaki was deeply affected by the Iraq War and wanted to make a film which would be poorly received in the United States. Howl’s refusal to fight a war which would result in the death of an innocent individual points to the same.
Hence, the particular theme of Howl’s and Sophie’s love enchants audiences. The transformative power of love cures both of them. Sophie metamorphoses into her original younger self, while Howl overcomes his inner demons.
Thus, it remains one of the best topical movies to watch amidst a hectic life.
My Neighbour Totoro (1988): A Fantastical Tale of Magic
It is a light-hearted and warming tale of family, love and finding joy in the little wonders of nature. My Neighbour Totoro revolves around the life of Japanese university professor Tatsuo and his daughters Satsuki and Mei.
While waiting for their father, Sosuke and Mei befriend the nearby spirits. The smaller spirits lead them to Totoro, a higher spiritual creature. Together, they engage in magical adventures on the catbus, and Totoro showers them with gifts from nature. The climax of the movie appears when Mei is supposedly lost, and Totoro uses his magic to find her.
Meanwhile, the adorable bond between the spirit and the little girls promotes a harmony between nature and human beings. The movie focuses deeply on Japanese Shinto symbolism, environmentalism, and animism. Ultimately, the joys of rural life have been intermingled with the spirits that can provide solace, protection, and love to young children.
If your heart wants to watch something family-oriented with a hint of magic in it, My Neighbour Totoro is the perfect Ghibli pick for the weekend!
Whisper of the Heart (1995) : A Ghibli Creation That Still Resonates Today
An underrated Ghibli classic, Whisper of the Heart is a coming-of-age story. It traces the life of Shizuko and Seiji, residents of Tokyo. Shizuku and Seiji have a chance encounter at Seiji’s grandfather’s antique shop. They form a quick friendship, aided by the mystical and magical cat known as The Baron.
Furthermore, both of them pursue their affection for each other as well as their individual dreams. Complications arrive when Seiji has to leave for Italy to learn violin making. In the meantime, Shizuku chases her dreams to be a writer.
It is the heart-warming tale of young love, as well as the challenges associated with dreams and career choices. If you are a school student or a college student at the crossroads of career and love, then Whisper of the Heart is the best choice to develop an understanding of yourself.
It will guide you to follow your heart and your dreams while also managing your personal relationships.
So grab your popcorn and embark on a magical Ghibli ride!
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