Back for good, with more Ghibli works!

It feels good to be back! Up and running, another day (hopefully!) another post. Though it took longer then expected I'm back from educational death, in time to catch up with my cinematic activities. Missed it, craved for it and now I'm finally doing it.

 My next post will be Howl's Moving Castle (2004)  by Hayao Miyazaki. A fantasy-adventure adaptation from the acclaimed novel of the same name by British author Diana Wynne Jones.


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Ponyo on the cliff (2008), The not so credibly sea adventure.

Directed | Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
Produced by: Studio Ghibli

Awards

• Best Composer; 3rd Asian Film Awards
• Animation Of The Year - Best Film Score; 32nd Japanese Academy Prize
• Ofuji Noburo Award;  63rd Mainichi Film Concours
• Future Film Festival Digital Award - Special Mention |Mimmo Rotella Foundation Award; 65th Venice Film Festival

""Gake no Ue no Ponyo (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea)," exceeds even "Totoro" in simplicity, with a core target audience about as old as its hero — 5. This is not to say that those who have mastered hiragana (or the alphabet) will be bored, as long as they leave their expectations for the usual Miyazaki film at the door."- Mark Shilling, The Japan Times

The surprising turn of the Ghibli-signed animated Epics filled with young heroes and brave tales to joyful eye-popping adventure was quite well-received in 2008 among critics and younger audiences. Ponyo sure came unexpected to the core-fans of the Miyazaki titles, well at least the  female role is present.


The joyful successor of films like Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind (1984) The award showered Princess Mononoke (1999) ,the Oscar winning Spirited Away (2001), The oscar nominated Howls Moving Castle (2004) all spawned from Hayao Miyazaki's mind does not fail to please an audience. However, even if it became Anime of the year at the prestigious Japanese Academy Awards in 2009 I still think it failed to reach that level we are all acquainted to.

Despite the aforementioned reflection on this film. I would like to clarify the fact that this isn't a bad film. Better yet I was quite fond of it and the clear and vivid visuals are the greatest I've ever seen in terms of simplistic shading, it is hard to loose interest with the waves dancing on the screen with a constant tone of blue. There is nothing wrong with this movie...except for it's lowered target demography which tends to downplay potential story and credible conscientious choices. Keep in mind that I am way to old for this movie, I wish I would have known before hand, should've taken the hint from the trailer...

Story

When a humanoid goldfish like creature escapes from some kind of magical captivity cast upon her and her many dozen siblings by her father , wizard Fujimoto (Jôji Tokoro) to strand on seashore were her life is saved from dehydration by a 5 year old boy Sôsuke (Hiroki Doi).
Realizing the dangerous of human explore to little Ponyo and the consequences of it Fujimoto takes her back suppressing the human DNA she was exposed to which is making her human while unleashing a concentrated power deep beneath the sea that will awaken the next Devonian age with her second break-out attempt and her successful change to a human toddler.
The magical bond between a two beings to young to be determined as love is the center of this film and the core that drives this stories and it's lush visuals. It strikes me as impressive how complicated choices are dealt with such care and simplicity without undermining the estimated intelligent of it's viewers unlike western animation. Like when Sôsuke has to either truly "love" her and make her fully human or leaving her to become sea foam. The destruction and flood of the planet is very present and lively drawn (Fun fact: Hayao Miyazaki himself took the task of drawing the waves in this film. Worked out quite good believe me).

However, when the serious intentions of the movies are downplayed to fit the demographic expectation it took the dramatic punch out of it. I am always used to fully developed content from blood to full-blown heroism, this movie however, does not share these qualities. Sure, I enjoyed the adventures and the amazing escape when the flood was unleashed both underwater and above water (mostly underwater...that was magical). But the overall importance was lost when the pure-hearted decision was milked ad pushed to the foreground too many times. That is all good and sweet for children but it pushed so many amazing things to the background like the kind protective independent mom and the father at sea stuck with many other boots on unknown sea right after he failed to make it to see his family <--- interesting stuff right there, didn't become that interesting in my opinion.

Rating
7,5 - Children's sea adventure
This rating might be unfair mainly because I far exceed the expected age for this movie. But I still think that this movie is good and that a younger audience will fully enjoy it and so will a more sentimental one. The visuals and character are truly great especially the bold mother and her crazy driving skills. But, -and i can't say it enough- it still doesn't reach the Hayao Miyazaki standards that captivated me at an amazing rate.I'm pretty sure that my past self would have rated this 8,9 though. But right now, I don't think I will watch it again...so soon. Will you?



M.

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Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), The un-credited Ghibli breakthrough

Directed | Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
Produced by: Toei Animation

Awards

• Best Short Film; Fantafestival
• Reader's Choice Awards; Kinema Junpo Awards
• Ofuji Noburo Award; Mainichi Film Concours
• Anime Of The Year; 7th Anual Animage Anime Grand Prix 

"The smaller lines are no longer blurry or gray but thin like hairs and jet black. Details pop out where there previously weren't any, especially in the meticulously painted forest backgrounds and immense aeroplanes. And when you watch closely you can actually spot signs of the animation craftsmanship itself. "-Ard Vijn, TwitchFilm

The movie considered as the building stone of Studio Ghibli based of Hayao Miyazaki's own early 7 volumes of the same name.  The story of Nausicaä is one enchanting story to remember and to captivate. A fantasy filled epic that stood for the beginning of an amazing animation studio.


Nausicaä is a pleasant mix of kindness, complex (but very comprehensible) morals and physical conflicts. Attributes shared by great works like Princess Mononoke (1999) , Metropolis (2001)  and many more. The tale of Nausicaä (Sumi Shimamoto) are enchanting and rich with adventure and compassion.

Story

The story takes place in a time that can only be described as a world build from the remnants of a former one. there is a constant reminder of the overall pollution which is slowly taking ground and wittering vegetation and civilization alike while making the air unbreakable (It is noted in the movie itself that breathing the air would rot your longs in minutes.) known as "the sea of decay". The general struggle to prevent the hostile eradication of biodiversity and humanity with it. Our protagonist Nausicaä, the - kind-hearted -bright and brave beyond reason- girl who is princess of  a peaceful village living in the valley of the wind stands in the middle of the mystery of the sea of decay and it's grotesque  dangerous creatures and the meddling of outside forces. Al-thought the emphasize of the concerns of the sea gradually decreases it is still relevant and a major importance to the story.

What more to say? The characters are credible and the oh-so cliché barrier of good and evil is left to the imaginations of it's viewer. An aspect I also found in Princess Mononoke, most wrong doings and violent act are made out of self-preservation or an act of good for its own party. From ideas to invade a peaceful village to burning the sea of decay without knowing its consequences; either way from their perspective it was the logic thing in such times. Though you might not sympathize with it, you can still find the hint of reason behind it.


Rating
9,5 - A captivating Fantasy-epic!
I loved this movie from beginning to end. Even when the few quiet scenes kicked in I could not help but to be pulled back in by the following scenes and plot structure. The visuals are stunning and authentically cel animated enhancing the drawn manga by it's director magnificently. This animated film is a reminder of a great time of animation and innovative features.  I can honestly say that I feel bad for the generation that doesn't know about the existence of such animated genius

And with this I finally end this post, and apologize for the delay. 

M.

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Spirited Away (2001), Re-written post

Directed & Written by: Hayao Miyazaki 

Produced by: Studio Ghibli

Awards

• Best Animated Feature; 75th Academy Award (oscars) , Critics Choice Award  - Broadcast Film  Critics Association Awards, National Board of Review, USA (NBR Award) &  Online Film Critics Society Awards
• Golden Bear (Best Film); Berlin International Film Award
• Silver Scream Award; Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival
• Annie; Annie Awards

1. Outstanding Achievement in an Animated Theatrical Feature
2. Outstanding Directing in an Animated Feature Production
3. Outstanding Music in an Animated Feature Production
4. Outstanding Writing in an Animated Feature Production

• Best Film & Best Song; Japanese Academy Prize
• Best Film; Blue Ribbon Awards, Durban International Film Festival, Mainichi Film Concours &  Nikkan Sports Film Awards
• Special Combination "For artistic contribution to the field of animation"; Boston Society Of film Critics
• Audience Award - Best Film; Cambridge Film Festival
• Cinekid Film Award; Cinekid
• Best Animated Film; Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards, Mainichi Film Concours & New York Film Critics Circle Awards
• Best Foreign-Language Film; Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards
• Best Animation; Florida Film Critics Circle Awards & Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards
• Best Animation/Family; Golden Trailer Awards
• Best Asian Film; Hong Kong Film Awards
• Reader's Choice Award - Best Film; Kinema Junpo Awards
• Best Director & Best Music Score;  Mainichi Film Concours
• Best Animated Film; Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards
• Best Narrative Feature (Audience Award);  San Francisco International Film Festival
• Best Motion Picture, Animated or Mixed Media; (Golden) Satellite Award
• Special Mention; Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival

*And THAT'S the last Award. Can you believe this ? I had to group some awards in certain categories to make a descent list!

The  2001 animation indulged in fantasy-adventure that can only be produced by the illustrious minds of the Japanese animation industry (just being real people...). What started as a girl moving to another home ends in a nightmare-ish situation filled with ghosts, monsters and an old hag off a witch caused by a simple detour by a father who seriously needs to get a GPS. Chichiro (voiced by Rumi Hiiragi) is forced to surpass her fear and find a way to return to the human world and save her parents.A movie that captivated me when I was young and still does when I re-watched it.

The so-called "Japanese Walt Disney".

As a movie brought to us by the man who gave us My Neighbor Totoro and the nationally praised Princess Mononoke, it was already deemed watch-worthy before it even hit theater. So when the first scene rolled and million of viewer had their eyes glued to the colorful animation full of expectation and excitement,  It was decided...A movie that lives up to its hype has a richer viewing experience. Yes Hayao Miyazaki did it again, at the age of 60 he was still able to prove us that his craftsmanship hasn't rusted. The diversity of spirit and magical creatures where not only interesting on their own but also a great asset on their own as Chichiro tries to find her way true beings she never thought existed (I think some of them actually eat humans...who knows?). But i wouldn't praise a man for the collective work of a well oiled animation team now would I?

 Bringing us to the story of this film. The story of a young innocent yet faint-hearted girl who just happened to have a father that took a turn estranged from the main road and could not control his curiosity as he ended in-front of an old building which eventually lead him to an abandoned town which was surprisingly filled with a king's meal, which he and his wife ate....let me just momentarily interrupt this review by asking you: who does that?Eating food that's just lying there? Well they shouldn't of had that's for sure. Luckily Chichiro was too gullible t do so saving her from a curse that launched this small adventure driven by curiosity to a child's nightmare driven by the bizarre and colorful.
A once weak and courage-less girl is forced to face reality and pull herself out of a bad dream with the help of a young spirit boy who supposedly met her before named Haku and a few other people she meets and sadly also an old greedy witch named Yubaba (lit Bath crone), the owner of the hot baths that has the power to keep her  and human by making her sign a work contract which changes her name from "Chichiro" to "Sen" (hence the Japanese title) a name that almost made me forgot her real name throughout the movie. A great concept by using the power of names.

That's how Yubaba controls you. By stealing your name. So hold on to that card. Keep it hidden. And while you're here, you must call yourself "Sen." 

-Haku

The metamorphosis from the faint-hearted and slightly annoying (in my opinion) Chichiro to the Strong and responsible Sen is well animated and well portrayed. Going as far to confront spirits that legitimately freaked me out earning the respect of the spirits,Customers and workers alike. Towards the end of the movie you'll realize that Chichiro wouldn't be able to do half what "Sen" was able to. The determination to free herself and her parents above all surprised me, mainly because as the story unfolded it was cast aside temporarily as she grew accustomed to her entourage willing to help her new-found friends. A kind of 'anime-cliché' tough, but I was fine with it.

Image taken from Ganool.com

Rating:

**** Spiritual enchanting!

I was blinded by the diversity in elements and thoughtful planing that went into this HAND DRAWN animation. Hayao Miyazaki emerged as my favorite animation director/Writer bringing with him all that is good in animation. I couldn't help but draw forth my inner-child (corny I know) and let him enjoy it twice as much as I did. It would be foolish to pass on this animation.Now if you'll excuse me,  Hayao Miyazaki's filmography is waiting for me.

M.

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* I already wrote this,  read the original here

Princess Mononoke (1997), reason why Hayao Miyazaki is awesome #1.

Seriously how did you not see this ?

Directed & Written by: Hayao Miyazaki and Produced by Ghibli Studios (Also known as the people who made My Neighbor Totoro

Awards

• Best Picture; The 21st Japanese Academy Awards
• Best Japanese Movie, Best Animation, and Japanese Movie Fans' Choice; The 52nd Mainichi Film Award
• Best Japanese Movie and Readers' Choice; Asahi Best Ten Film Festival
• Excellent Movie Award; The Agency for Cultural Affairs
• Grand Prize in Animation Division; 1st Japan Media Arts Festival (by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Education)
• Best Director; Takasaki Film Festival
• Best Japanese Movie; The Association of Movie Viewing Groups
• Movie Award; The 39th Mainichi Art Award
• Best Director; Tokyo Sports Movie Award
• Nihon Keizai Shinbun Award for Excellency; Nikkei Awards for Excellent Products/Service (details)
• Theater Division Award; Asahi Digital Entertainment Award
• MMCA Special Award; Multimedia Grand Prix 1997
• Best Director and Yujiro Ishihara Award; Nikkan Sports Film Award
• Special Achievement Award; The Movie's Day
• Special Award; Hochi Film Award
• Special Award; Blue Ribbon Awards
• Special Award; Osaka Film Festival
• Special Award; Elandore Award
• Cultural Award; Fumiko Yamaji Award
• Grand Prize and Special Achievement Award; Golden Gross Award
• First Place, best films of the year; The 26th "Pia Ten"
• First Place; Japan Movie Pen Club, 1997 Best 5 Japanese Movies
• First Place; 1997 Kinema Junpo Japanese Movies Best 10 (Readers' Choice)
• Second Place; 1997 Kinema Junpo Japanese Movies Best 10 (Critics' Choice)
• Best Director; 1997 Kinema Junpo Japanese Movies (Readers' Choice)
• First Place; Best Comicker's Award
• First Place; CineFront Readers' Choice
• Nagaharu Yodogawa Award; RoadShow
• Best Composer and Best Album Production; 39th Japan Record Award
• Excellent Award; Yomiuri Award for Film/Theater Advertisement

source: wikipedia

You see the above ? That's called national success ! The well received Japanese animated movie 'Princess Mononoke'  is known by some as one of the greatest Japanese animated movies acknowledging Hayao Miyazaki as one of the greatest-if not THE greatest- animation director of his generation and was also one of the first to use 3D rendered effects (some where so obvious that i wondered who could POSSIBLY think that that looked real.). Admire a spectacular and magical story that took Hayao Miyazaki 16 long  years to fulfill.

Hayao Miyazaki

Yes, the man that has over 45 years of experience and still active at the age of 71 continue's to make master pieces such as , Spirited away, Ponyo, Arriety the borrower . For anyone who saw this HAND DRAWN movie you'll know that the diversity in animals and folklore outweighs the human protagonists focusing on a folkloric tale seen by a young man traveling from east to west to cure a curse that is growing from his right hand granting him strength surpassing human standard; some good, some ridiculously strong (like the time he couldn't control his strength and shot a head off using one arrow which is physically impossible if I may add.).

Princess Mononoke and Moro

The Antagonist is a young boy with skills beyond his age hinted to be the heir of a small tribe in the east (it's never actually told were) cursed after fighting a  Boar-like demon to protect his village (and a girl who tripped...classic). The initial plan quickly sidetracks to make place for explanation and character development ultimately revealing where that boar came from, the situation that caused it and if he should side with the humans or preserve the forest at the side of princess Mononoke, daughter of the wolf Moro (huuuuge wolf o.O) and the gathering tribes of animals. This Epic tail is a mix of Japanese mythology and  folklore unveiling more than actually lead to believe after reading the title and the synopsis of this fine animation.

Rating:
***** Watch-tastic! Shut up and take my money!
A movie that is worth ALL of it's praises and awards, I can only wish that I could of had the opportunity to watch this as a kid, just like I enjoyed Spirited Away on TV and a more Action-racing and vulgar oriented movie Redline which I watched recently. Enjoy and thank me later as you gaze at a animated master piece  :). 

Do comment about the greatness of this movie.

M.

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