Post by: dfmorgan on June 09, 2010, 12:25:17 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175240f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind  | (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175219f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Castle in the Sky | (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/71/719987220621f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Grave of the Fireflies |
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175271f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)My Neighbor Totoro | (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175226f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Kiki's Delivery Service  | (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/50/5060034573630.4f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Only Yesterday |
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175264f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Porco Rosso | (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/50/5055201808219.4f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Ocean Waves  | (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175257f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Pom Poko |
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175318f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Whisper of the Heart | (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/71/717951007414f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Princess Mononoke | (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936286748f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)My Neighbors The Yamadas |
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936213843f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Spirited Away | (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936268836f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)The Cat Returns | (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936296662f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Howl's Moving Castle |
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/50/5055201802705.4f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Tales from Earthsea | (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/50/5055201812445.4f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/BlurayLogo.png)Ponyo |
The above is my complete Studio Ghibli collection in, as far I can ascertain, publication order. Ratings will be added to each once I have watched and reviewed them.
Dave
Post by: Najemikon on June 09, 2010, 12:27:57 AM
No! You mustn't! You'll make me buy things! :fingerchew: :laugh:
Post by: Antares on June 09, 2010, 12:31:37 AM
Post by: dfmorgan on June 09, 2010, 12:32:06 AM
:redcard:
No! You mustn't! You'll make me buy things! :fingerchew: :laugh:
How can you not buy Studio Ghibli ;)? Ok maybe not all but at least Hayao Miyazaki's titles ;D. One thing I will have to watch Grave of the Fireflies to the end this time.
Dave
Post by: dfmorgan on June 09, 2010, 12:35:39 AM
I'm glad you created this thread. I've always wanted to see Grave of the Fireflies and Spirited Away. This just reminded me to add them to my library queue. :thumbup:
No problemo. Spirited Away is wonderful. I haven't managed to watch Grave of the Fireflies all the way through, not that there's a problem with the film just the subject matter I found hard to handle.
Dave
Post by: Antares on June 09, 2010, 12:43:51 AM
I'm glad you created this thread. I've always wanted to see Grave of the Fireflies and Spirited Away. This just reminded me to add them to my library queue. :thumbup:
No problemo. Spirited Away is wonderful. I haven't managed to watch Grave of the Fireflies all the way through, not that there's a problem with the film just the subject matter I found hard to handle.
Dave
Being a military history buff, GotF is the one film I've been wanting to see for years. The problem is, I'm not a fan of anime. I don't know why, but I have a hard time getting into one of the films. I always tend to think Speed Racer is going to show up in the next scene with that annoying little monkey. :shrug:
Post by: Najemikon on June 09, 2010, 01:10:18 AM
I do have several, Dave, it's just somehow I expect to have more soon. And it will be your fault. :bag:
Post by: Critter on June 09, 2010, 01:49:05 AM
:yahoo:
:bow:
I ah... am quite excited about this marathon. I only have three Ghbili films myself on DVD, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Ponyo. I have seen most of them though. I would one day like to own more of them but it just hasn't worked out so far. They are certainly one of my all time favourite animation studios in the world though.
Post by: W0m6at on June 09, 2010, 03:16:35 AM
The above is my complete Studio Ghibli collection in, as far I can ascertain, publication order. Ratings will be added to each once I have watched and reviewed them.Panda Kopanda is often lumped in with Ghibli's films, partly because members of the crew continued on to Ghibli, and partly because Papa Panda is considered a Totoro pre-cursor.
Dave
Ghibli also did Iblard Jikan, which is paintings with minimal animation introduced to them (all set to music).
They've also done a documentary or two.
What you have listed is generally considered canonical though.
Post by: Dragonfire on June 09, 2010, 04:12:07 AM
Ah, then Dave's thread could be an eye opener for you. Ghibli is notable for it's refined approach. Grave its possibly one of the best war dramas I have ever seen, animated or not.
I do have several, Dave, it's just somehow I expect to have more soon. And it will be your fault. :bag:
And here it is usually your fault when people buy more..or at least when I buy Blu-rays. ;)
:laugh:
I have a few of those...like 5 or 6. I have to look again. I hadn't heard of some of those.
Post by: Achim on June 09, 2010, 06:38:30 AM
I have Ponyo wish listed and also would like to get Spirited Away. I am scared to watch Grave of the Fireflies, I get emotional easily.
Post by: RossRoy on June 09, 2010, 03:35:08 PM
I am scared to watch Grave of the Fireflies, I get emotional easily.
Don't be. It's a wonderful movie.
(click to show/hide)
Post by: dfmorgan on June 09, 2010, 04:17:44 PM
Panda Kopanda is often lumped in with Ghibli's films, partly because members of the crew continued on to Ghibli, and partly because Papa Panda is considered a Totoro pre-cursor.
Ghibli also did Iblard Jikan, which is paintings with minimal animation introduced to them (all set to music).
They've also done a documentary or two.
What you have listed is generally considered canonical though.
:thanks: W0m6at. I have
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/013023052192f.jpg) | (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)Panda! Go Panda! |
:thanks: thanks to everyone else for all the other comments as well. I'm looking forward to doing this and hopefully I will manage to watch one or two a week. I have managed to locate 11 of the titles in my higgledy-piggledy filing system, discs are placed whereever there is a free space, and will look for the remainder over the next couple of days.
Tomorrow I am intending to commence with the viewings so a review should appear during the evening. I've said it before, and I will say it again here, I try to watch my films in original language with English subtitles whereever possible therefore I will be watching these in Japanese with English subtitles. If I should decide to watch the English dub, for whatever reason, I will clearly state that within the review.
Dave
Post by: Jimmy on June 09, 2010, 05:41:05 PM
Didn't watch it yet, since I got it because of your review. Not that I don't want to, but I never got the right mood to watch it.I am scared to watch Grave of the Fireflies, I get emotional easily.Don't be. It's a wonderful movie.
Post by: GSyren on June 10, 2010, 05:55:28 AM
Being a military history buff, GotF is the one film I've been wanting to see for years. The problem is, I'm not a fan of anime. I don't know why, but I have a hard time getting into one of the films. I always tend to think Speed Racer is going to show up in the next scene with that annoying little monkey. :shrug:I'm not a big fan of anime, either, but I must say that I find Studio Ghibli in general - and Hayao Miyazaki's titles in particular - to be a cut above the rest. I doubt very much that you'll expect Speed Racer to turn up when you watch GoTF. It's a wonderful film. Give it a chance, I'm sure you won't regret it.
Post by: W0m6at on June 10, 2010, 05:06:55 PM
Karigurashi no Arrietty (The Borrowers)
Courtesy of Affenheimtheater blog (http://blog.affenheimtheater.de/en/2010/06/10/karigurashi-no-arrietty-trailer-borrowers-ghibli/)
Post by: dfmorgan on June 10, 2010, 09:49:56 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175240f.jpg) Title: Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind
Original Title: Kaze no tani no Naushika
Year: 1984
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rating: PG
Length: 117 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono, Japanese: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Sumi Shimamoto
Mahito Tsujimura
Hisako Kyôda
Gorô Naya
Ichirô Nagai
Plot:
From one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animation and the creator of the Academy Award®-winning Spirited Away comes Hayao Miyazaki's epic masterpiece Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind.
A thousand years after a global war, a seaside kingdom known as the Valley of the Wind remains one of only a few areas still populated. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaä, the people of the Valley are engaged in a constant struggle with powerful insects called Ohmu, who guard a poisonous jungle that is spreading across the Earth. Nausicaä and her brave companions, together with the people of the Valley, strive to restore the bond between humanity and the Earth.
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind is written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. And this spectacular 2-Disc Set features exotic settings, impactful music and a timeless story about courage and compassion in the face of danger.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Production Notes
Storyboard Comparisons
Closed Captioned
THX
THX Optimizer
My Thoughts:
The world was devastated a thousand years ago and now there just a few populated areas. The rest of the world is being taken over by a forest of insects and fungus, the Sea of Decay. Princess Nausicaä lives in the Valley of the Wind and often flies, on her jet glider, to the encroaching forest. The valley and its peoples are brought into conflict with other Kingdoms after a Tolmekian airship crashes in their valley killing all on board apart from one item of cargo and a Princess from Pejite. The airship also brings spores from the forest to the valley. It is revealed that the item of cargo remaining from the crash is from the times before the devastation and that the Tolmekians hope to use it to destroy the forest. The Pejite also hope to use that item and attack the valley with the Ohmu, insects from the forest. Nausicaä sacrifices herself to save the valley and the world. There is so much more in the film but I couldn't put into words what I wanted to say without writing out a full plot and synopsis.
A wonderful film to my mind an ecological thriller, a theme to which Hayao Miyazaki will return, with a nod to the Gaia theory where the Earth is a sentient being and will heal herself.
A masterful 5 of course
Dave
Review Addendum: After cogitating overnight I have decided to add a little extra to this review as much of my writing above wasn't really a review.
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind was made in 1984 and is generally accepted as the first Studio Ghibli film even though the studio wasn't founded until the following year. As well as the theme mentioned above there are many other things, some that have become Miyazaki trademarks, to be seen in this film. The way that insects and other small creatures crawl and run up and down the forest and abandoned buildings that the forest is slowly consuming. The way that spores and seeds float through the air and glisten in the sunlight. How the wind is displayed rustling the grass and leaves of the fields and trees. The use of childen within the film. A strong female lead character. A minor plot point that can be easily overlooked is actually a major plot point at the end, here it is how the colour of Nausicaä's dress is changed and the effect it has later. The way the characters are drawn and their interactions. These all add together to make a standout film.
Dave
ETA original title
Post by: W0m6at on June 11, 2010, 12:33:21 AM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175240f.jpg)
Have you read the manga? It's far grander, and an epic story, although it can be tricky to keep up with who is who.
Post by: dfmorgan on June 11, 2010, 12:51:00 AM
Have you read the manga? It's far grander, and an epic story, although it can be tricky to keep up with who is who.
I've got volumes 1 to 4 of the early US Viz Perfect Collection, the flopped copies. I started to read them but for some reason never finished volume 1. Think I'll give them another now I've rewatched the film.
Dave
Post by: dfmorgan on June 11, 2010, 12:12:45 PM
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind was made in 1984 and is generally accepted as the first Studio Ghibli film even though the studio wasn't founded until the following year. As well as the theme mentioned above there are many other things, some that have become Miyazaki trademarks, to be seen in this film. The way that insects and other small creatures crawl and run up and down the forest and abandoned buildings that the forest is slowly consuming. The way that spores and seeds float through the air and glisten in the sunlight. How the wind is displayed rustling the grass and leaves of the fields and trees. The use of childen within the film. A strong female lead character. A minor plot point that can be easily overlooked is actually a major plot point at the end, here it is how the colour of Nausicaä's dress is changed and the effect it has later. The way the characters are drawn and their interactions. These all add together to make a standout film.
Dave
Post by: W0m6at on June 11, 2010, 05:44:30 PM
Post by: dfmorgan on June 11, 2010, 09:56:49 PM
This review (http://homecinema.thedigitalfix.co.uk/content/id/72663/ponyo.html) for Ponyo refers to the "spiritual pairings" of Ghibli's (read Miyazaki's) films. I thought it might be of interest to you (perhaps you would care to agree with or challenge the notion.
Thanks for this, a very insightful review. Yes basically I agree with that pairing hypothesis, not too sure about pairing Cagliostro with Laputa though. Cagliostro wasn't a film I can remember enjoying, maybe because I had the very old Streamline VHS release via Manga Video and then the updated DVD still from Manga Video, and I know that although it is Miyazaki it is well outside the Ghibli canon. However I may give some more thought to it all and come back with further musings. In fact it may better for me to wait until I have completed my Ghibli marathon.
Dave
Post by: Antares on June 15, 2010, 03:17:59 AM
Great movie though. :thumbup:
But there was one thing that bothered me. If Seita had access to his mother's bank account, why did he let Setsuko get so sick, she couldn't be saved? :hmmmm:
Post by: W0m6at on June 15, 2010, 03:36:12 AM
I watched Grave of the Fireflies today, and I guess I went into this expecting a somewhat different story. I had always thought it was about the Hiroshima bombing, not just the fire bombing of Japan. I kept waiting for the Hiroshima explosion, and suddenly the war was over.
As you found out, Grave of the Fireflies is entirely non-nuclear. If you want an anime about the A-bombing of Japan, check out Barefoot Gen. The animation style is cuter, and the story less personal, but the depiction much more graphic.
Post by: Antares on June 15, 2010, 03:46:58 AM
I watched Grave of the Fireflies today, and I guess I went into this expecting a somewhat different story. I had always thought it was about the Hiroshima bombing, not just the fire bombing of Japan. I kept waiting for the Hiroshima explosion, and suddenly the war was over.
As you found out, Grave of the Fireflies is entirely non-nuclear. If you want an anime about the A-bombing of Japan, check out Barefoot Gen. The animation style is cuter, and the story less personal, but the depiction much more graphic.
That's the one I was thinking of. :slaphead:
Post by: dfmorgan on June 17, 2010, 12:35:03 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175219f.jpg) Title: Castle in the Sky
Original Title: Tenkuu no Shiro Rapyuta
Year: 1986
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rating: NR
Length: 124 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Japanese: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Keiko Yokozawa
Mayumi Tanaka
Kotoe Hatsui
Nou Terada
Fujio Tokita
Plot:
The magic touch of master animator Hayao Miyazaki is visible from start to finish in Castle In The Sky – an imaginative tale full of mystery and adventure. The high-flying journey begins when Pazu, an engineer's apprentice, finds a young girl, Sheeta, floating down from the sky, wearing a glowing pendant.
Together, they discover both are searching for the legendary floating castle, Laputa, and vow to unravel the mystery of the luminous crystal around her neck. Their quest won't be easy, however. There are air pirates, secret agents and astounding obstacles to keep them from the truth – and from each other.
With spectacular animation, a fabulous musical score and the voice talents of Anna Paquin (Sheeta), James Van Der Beek (Pazu), and Cloris Leachman (Dola), this sensational 2-disc DVD brimming with exciting bonus features is classic entertainment for the entire family.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Storyboard Comparisons
Closed Captioned
"Castle in the Sky" Introduction by John Lasseter
My Thoughts:
Another wonderful film from Hayao Miyazaki and the first to be actually created and released by the newly formed Studio Ghibli. Although not as overtly ecological as Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind there were still elements within this film, the large tree at the centre of Laputa and the function of some of the robots on the island. The film again features a female lead character but this time she has a male lead to help and assist her. The story revolves around Pazu, the male lead, helping Sheeta, the female lead, find her true identity and home. As the film progresses we gradually learn that Sheeta is descended from the people of Laputa and that the crystal she wears has an important function.
One thing that came to my attention in both this and Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind is how much Joe Hisaishi's music enables the mood, this is also evident in Ennio Morricone's music within the Spaghetti Western trilogy. Maybe todays composers, producers, directors need to review the way that they seem to use music so that instead of it being bang crash boom over the voices of the actors with a huge coda everytime the actor makes a statement that they think is relevant to the plot of the film.
A wonderful 5
Dave
ETA original title
Post by: Antares on June 17, 2010, 05:44:42 PM
Post by: Najemikon on June 17, 2010, 08:33:54 PM
Post by: Kathy on June 17, 2010, 08:59:15 PM
:popcorn: :couch:
Post by: Antares on June 17, 2010, 09:07:39 PM
Really? As I said before, I think Grave is one of the finest war films (sort of) ever made and I found it devastating. More so than if they'd used live action and actors, I feel.
It is a very good film, I'm only stating my dislike for anime. I just can't get into it as a storytelling medium, that's all.
Post by: Antares on June 17, 2010, 09:08:05 PM
Jon vs. Antares...this I gotta see!
:popcorn: :couch:
Sorry Kathy, nothing's going to come of this one.
Post by: snowcat on June 17, 2010, 11:00:29 PM
Really? As I said before, I think Grave is one of the finest war films (sort of) ever made and I found it devastating. More so than if they'd used live action and actors, I feel.
It is a very good film, I'm only stating my dislike for anime. I just can't get into it as a storytelling medium, that's all.
In some cases I agree, most of the anime fans I know will watch any anime no matter what it is, I have a small anime collection alot of it I watch and look at the clock like you Antares, I have more problems with anime films then tv shows though.
Post by: Antares on June 17, 2010, 11:03:17 PM
Really? As I said before, I think Grave is one of the finest war films (sort of) ever made and I found it devastating. More so than if they'd used live action and actors, I feel.
It is a very good film, I'm only stating my dislike for anime. I just can't get into it as a storytelling medium, that's all.
In some cases I agree, most of the anime fans I know will watch any anime no matter what it is, I have a small anime collection alot of it I watch and look at the clock like you Antares, I have more problems with anime films then tv shows though.
Well, now I don't feel so bad, thanks Emma.
Post by: dfmorgan on June 18, 2010, 09:34:28 PM
Really? As I said before, I think Grave is one of the finest war films (sort of) ever made and I found it devastating. More so than if they'd used live action and actors, I feel.
It is a very good film, I'm only stating my dislike for anime. I just can't get into it as a storytelling medium, that's all.
In some cases I agree, most of the anime fans I know will watch any anime no matter what it is, I have a small anime collection alot of it I watch and look at the clock like you Antares, I have more problems with anime films then tv shows though.
I must admit that, as Emma says above, I think that I probably will watch anything anime. That's not to say I will enjoy everything because it is anime and it's just the same with other films and TV shows I will watch them and enjoy/not enjoy as the case may be. In fact I can only think of one film I absolutely dislike and that is the Blair Witch Project. I saw that in the cinema after reading so much hype and at the end wondered what was so scarey and what had everyone seen in it. Wait Until Dark, Alien and others all made me jump at their relevant shock points but BWP didn't. I even tried again when it was shown on TV but still absolutely nothing.
Antares I'm interested in what you find wrong with anime as a storytelling medium. Is it because animation is mainly viewed as being for children?
Dave
Post by: snowcat on June 18, 2010, 10:10:37 PM
as for films, I find sometimes they are so short the story is effected. I also find the opposite sometimes a story is really elongated and gets gets stupid.
Post by: Tom on June 18, 2010, 10:37:06 PM
Hmm, Well...My problem with series is, stuff like Dragon Ball Z has about 200 eps.... and they are all the same, One Piece, Bleach, Naruto all have that problem, boring I often don't think anime makers know when to quit.
You are just quoting about every anime, which is known in the western world to most people. Sadly these animes are all they know and make up their picture about animes. I got into watching animes a few years ago, but I have never watched those series.
Funny, that you think that anime makers do not know when to quit. As a matter of fact most anime series are only about 13 to 24 episodes long. Usually they only make one season of a series. Maybe a second a few years later if it is really popular. The on-going series like the above are the exception, not the rule.
Post by: snowcat on June 18, 2010, 10:46:24 PM
I think you make the point I was trying to make Tom, these are the most well known in the western world, which greatly effects peoples opinions of it.
but if im honest, there were episodes of Wolfs Rain that I got bored watching, I still have not watched Tenchi Muyo Ryo-ohki. Ive been trying to work out what I don't enjoy about anime sometimes but I just cant do it... I have no idea what I don't enjoy about it.
Post by: Antares on June 18, 2010, 11:27:46 PM
Antares I'm interested in what you find wrong with anime as a storytelling medium. Is it because animation is mainly viewed as being for children?
It's hard to put into words. I just find the animation jerky and blocking at times. It also comes across, to me, as a cheesy, cheap way to do animation. That's just my view of it.
One question though, and I always wonder this when I watch one, why do Japanese animators in anime, always make the characters look non-Japanese?
Post by: Najemikon on June 19, 2010, 12:05:14 AM
Anime does err on the cheap side in some versions; I particularly remember Guyver! But Ghibli? Can't see a wasted frame. :shrug:
Post by: Antares on June 19, 2010, 12:06:57 AM
Post by: snowcat on June 19, 2010, 12:07:47 AM
...I have all 12 eps on 12 different VHS ¬_¬ what idiot decided it should be one episode per VHS?
Post by: Najemikon on June 19, 2010, 12:09:32 AM
I'm guessing that as I'm a bit older than you, you didn't buy them at release? It was a foolish attempt to make a "video magazine". One episode per month.
Obviously it would work great on DVD now.
Post by: dfmorgan on June 19, 2010, 12:47:50 AM
:thanks: Thanks, was just wondering as an ex-colleague refused to believe that anime or animation could ever be more than cartoons for children and wouldn't look at videos I wanted to lend him to show that they could be more. He even claimed that Disney's films were purely for children and as an adult weren't worth looking at. Another colleague, who had borrowed Totoro, Porco Rosso, Honneamise and Akira, also tried to persuade him otherwise but he wouldn't budge from his viewpoint. At least you, unlike him, have viewed some and therefore in a postion to make your judgements.Antares I'm interested in what you find wrong with anime as a storytelling medium. Is it because animation is mainly viewed as being for children?
It's hard to put into words. I just find the animation jerky and blocking at times. It also comes across, to me, as a cheesy, cheap way to do animation. That's just my view of it.
One question though, and I always wonder this when I watch one, why do Japanese animators in anime, always make the characters look non-Japanese?This is also my understanding.You mean the big eyes? The Japanese consider the eyes are the "window to the soul", so the good guys have big, emotional eyes and the villains very thin.
Dave
Post by: dfmorgan on June 19, 2010, 01:11:50 AM
Hmm, Well...My problem with series is, stuff like Dragon Ball Z has about 200 eps.... and they are all the same, One Piece, Bleach, Naruto all have that problem, boring I often don't think anime makers know when to quit.
You are just quoting about every anime, which is known in the western world to most people. Sadly these animes are all they know and make up their picture about animes. I got into watching animes a few years ago, but I have never watched those series.
Funny, that you think that anime makers do not know when to quit. As a matter of fact most anime series are only about 13 to 24 episodes long. Usually they only make one season of a series. Maybe a second a few years later if it is really popular. The on-going series like the above are the exception, not the rule.
Emma, as Tom says most are shorter than the examples you have quoted. Complete series I have enjoyed are Escaflowne, Evangelion, Gasaraki all around the 24/26 episode mark and around the 13 episode mark Serial Experiments Lain, El-Hazard, Blue Submarine No. 6.
Dave
Post by: Jimmy on June 19, 2010, 01:48:01 AM
Thanks, was just wondering as an ex-colleague refused to believe that anime or animation could ever be more than cartoons for children and wouldn't look at videos I wanted to lend him to show that they could be more.Is he serious? Make him watch Dark Love (http://www.excaliburfilms.com/AdultDVD/45826D1_Dark_Love_dvd.htm) or The Bible Black series (http://www.excaliburfilms.com/AdultDVD/89662D1_Bible_Black_dvd.htm) or Virgin Touch (http://www.excaliburfilms.com/AdultDVD/34414D1_Virgin_Touch_dvd.htm) to see if he thinks always that cartoons equal children stuff :devil:
Post by: Critter on June 19, 2010, 02:08:00 AM
I must admit that I am one of those people who will watch at least any anime once, purely because of the fact that it is anime. I have watched some series completely that I have often asked myself throughout "why am I watching this?" because I really didn't like it, yet I wanted to complete it anyway.
With the long anime Emma, Naruto, One Piece, Bleach and maybe FMA are really the only "long" anime there are that are popular. There's really only a handful of those ongoing series that people are into, yet on the flip side there are hundreds of anime which are only 12-26 episodes long, or even less. A lot of these are just as popular, sometimes as popular as the big ones. I don't mind the long series myself, I think there's nothing wrong to have something you love which may go on for years instead of just weeks. They may have some slow episodes but the good episodes balance these shows out.
Post by: snowcat on June 19, 2010, 10:06:06 AM
Post by: dfmorgan on June 19, 2010, 05:11:09 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/71/719987220621f.jpg) Title: Grave of the Fireflies
Original Title: Hotaru no Haka
Year: 1988
Director: Isao Takahata
Rating: NR
Length: 90 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.66:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Tsutomu Tatsumi
Ayano Shiraishi
Akemi Yamaguchi
Yoshiko Shinohara
Plot:
In the aftermath of a World War II bombing, two orphaned children struggle to survive in the Japanese countryside. To Seita and his four-year old sister, the helplessness and indifference of their countrymen is even more painful than the enemy raids. Through desperation, hunger and grief, these children's lives are as heartbreakingly fragile as their spirit and love is inspiring. Grave of the Fireflies is a tale of the true tragedy of war and innocence lost, not only of the abandoned young, but of an entire nation.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Gallery
Production Notes
Multi-angle
Interviews
Storyboard Comparisons
DVD-ROM Content
My Thoughts:
I finally watched this film through to the end. I still found it moving, especially with the young child Setsuko, but managed to sit and watch all the way. People have said that this film is anti-war, I'm not too sure I agree with that but have to say that it does make you think as it does show a side-effect of war that often isn't shown or covered.
The film is based on a semi-autobiographical novel, as the lead character dies in the opening minutes it can't be a full autobiography. Seita and and his sister Setsuko are left homeless orphans after a firebomb raid on Kobe. They move in with an aunt but relations there become fractious as the aunt sees them as no more than spongers, especially once she has used all their available resources. The two children move out and try to set up a home of their own but even that has its problems. We see the gradual decline of the children until the inevitable happens to Setsuko. Seita continues his decline until we reach the state he is in at the films beginning.
I'm glad that I finally managed to watch this to the end. It is a moving experience made more so maybe because of the age of the leads, a pre or early teen boy and a four or five year old girl, as well as the depiction of the events that cause their life changes from the bombing to their eventual ends.
Nothing less than a 5
Dave
ETA original title
Post by: dfmorgan on June 23, 2010, 11:11:32 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175271f.jpg) Title: My Neighbour Totoro
Original Title: Tonari no Totoro
Year: 1988
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rating: G
Length: 88 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, French: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Noriko Hidaka
Chika Sakamoto
Shigesato Itoi
Sumi Shimamoto
Hitoshi Takagi
Plot:
Critically acclaimed as one of the most delightful and charming family films ever, My Neighbor Totoro is a stunning animated treat full of magical adventure from Hayao Miyazaki.
Follow the adventures of Satsuki and her four-year-old sister Mei when they move into a new home in the countryside. To their delight, they discover that their new neighbor is a mysterious forest spirit called Totoro, who can be seen only through the eyes of a child. Totoro introduces them to extraordinary characters -- including a cat that doubles as a bus! -- and takes them on an incredible journey.
Full of wonder and heart, this spectacular film features the voice talents of Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning. My Neighbor Totoro is a magical experience for the whole family!
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Multi-angle
Storyboard Comparisons
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
OK I won't beat about the bush here this is my favourite Miyazaki film. I first saw it in 1995 on the Fox laserdisc release. This was a Pan & Scan release and was also dubbed, I'm not too sure but it may also have been slightly cut, but even with that hardship I fell in love with the film. I managed to tape a version that Sky Movies showed, still dubbed but now in widescreen. Finally Disney released a proper DVD in 2006 which was widescreen and subbed. Apparently Disney had their own dub created and the only components to remain from the Fox release was the opening and closing songs.
Satsuki and Mei, two young girls, move to the country with their father to be nearer to the hospital where their mother is recovering from an undisclosed illness. The first magic occurs when the girls open various rooms and we see dustbunnies, also known as soot spirits, leaving the rooms from the light in the trademark way that Miyazaki has with small creatures and insects. That evening we see another of the Miyazaki trademarks with the wind blowing the fields and trees. This leads to what I understand was a slightly contentious scene with Disney. We see Mei and her father in the bath and Satsuki beside the bath washing herself and then after completing her washing she jumps in the bath with Mei and her father. The wind is still blowing so they laugh to show that they are not scared. My understanding is that Disney, as a "family" company, didn't like the idea of young children sharing a bath with adults, let alone just their father. However, when they asked Studio Ghibli if they could remove that scene, Disney were reminded that one of the clauses in the contract they had signed was that Disney could not cut any of the films that they agreed to distribute for Studio Ghibli. As an aside there is one film from that original agreement that Disney still hasn't released Only Yesterday, I will cover my understanding of the reason for that when I reach that film in this marathon. When Satsuki is at school Mei wanders off following a couple of small creatures eventually finishing up in the nearby forest under a tall camphor tree with a giant creature Mei calls a Totoro, the Studio Ghibli logo.
There is more in the film but if I carry on as I was above then I would be writing the complete story so I'll stop here. It is magical and even has pathos when they receive some news from the hospital.
This is a magical and wonderful film a double 5
.Dave
ETA original title
Post by: Achim on June 24, 2010, 06:23:09 AM
Intersting, apparently the Totoro was deemed very important by Pixar and they included it/him in Toy Story 3.
Post by: dfmorgan on June 24, 2010, 11:05:13 AM
I always imagined this to be a film about, well, a neighbor, and as such not overly exciting. I see I had the wrong improssion and should watch this film.
Intersting, apparently the Totoro was deemed very important by Pixar and they included it/him in Toy Story 3.
I'm not sure you would ever call this film exciting but, to me, it is magical. The father says to the children that Totoro is the Guardian Spirit or King of the Forest and he will only appear to those that he allows to see him. There are other wonderful nuances within the film, their neighbours son Kanta and his embarrassment at being near the girls but also having a wry smile when he knows he did the right thing to lend them an umbrella in the rain. The wonderful catbus which helps the girls to see their mother. So far as I'm concerned it is just wonderful and delighting and is a film I have used to introduce a few friends into the delights of anime, especially Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.
Totoro does also make cameo appearances in other Ghibli films and according to Wikipedia also in other series and media as well as the latest one you mention above.
Dave
Post by: dfmorgan on June 28, 2010, 09:39:12 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175226f.jpg) Title: Kiki's Delivery Service
Original Title: Majo no Takkyûbin
Year: 1989
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rating: G
Length: 103 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Minami Takayama
Rei Sakuma
Mieko Nobuzawa
Plot:
Rarely does a film touch so many hearts or reach such artistic heights as the highly acclaimed Kiki's Delivery Service, the magical adventure of an enterprising young girl who must follow tradition to become a full-fledged witch.
Venturing out, with only her chatty black cat Jiji, Kiki flies off for the adventure of a lifetime. Landing in a far-off city, she sets up a high-flying delivery service. Here begins a wonderful experience of independence and responsibility as she finds her place in the world.
Kiki's Delivery Service showcases the breathtaking animation of legendary Hayao Miyazaki and the star voice talents of Kirsten Dunst (Kiki), Phil Hartman (Jiji), Matthew Lawrence (Tombo) and more. This spectacular 2-disc set will give you an inside look into the acclaimed movie that soars with energy, excitement and the kind of imagination that entertains again and again!
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Multi-angle
Storyboard Comparisons
Closed Captioned
John Lasseter Intro
My Thoughts:
This was my second venture into the world of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki. As with My Neighbour Totoro it was on laserdisc but this time it was issued by Disney and was in widescreen although dubbed. Another enjoyable, enchanting film.
Kiki is a young witch who has just turned 13 and is required to leave home for a years training and to find and hone her skills. After leaving home she finds herself in a big city and although some people recognise her for what she is others just ignore and brush past her. After wandering for a while she helps a baker to return a lost item to one of the bakers customers and with this she also finds a place to stay and a career path. Following a couple of setbacks Kiki gets a little disillusioned and loses some confidence, this has a knock-on effect and Kiki finds that her powers are going. However after meeting a friend and visiting one of her earliest customers Kiki manages to turn things round and regains her powers.
Again there is more to this film than I have detailed above but I need to leave room for others to find the details. The usual Miyazaki trademarks are plentiful in this film.
Whilst this is another marvellous, enchanting and magical film, I will only give this a 4 because it it slightly more simplistic.
Dave
ETA original title
Post by: dfmorgan on June 30, 2010, 08:44:33 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/50/5060034573630.4f.jpg) Title: Only Yesterday
Original Title: Omohide poro poro
Year: 1991
Director: Isao Takahata
Rating: PG
Length: 114 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: Japanese: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Miki Imai
Toshirô Yanagiba
Youko Honna
Mayumi Iizuka
Masahiro Ito
Plot:
Realising that she is at a crossroads in her life, bored twenty-something office worker Taeko heads for the countryside. The trip dredges up forgotten memories, the first stirrings of childish romance, puberty and growing up, the frustrations of maths and boys. In lyrical switches between the present and the past, Taeko wonders if she has been true to the dreams of her childhood self.
Beautifully evoking both the 1960s and 1980s, Only Yesterday is a double period piece, and the quintessential drama of Japanese schoolday nostalgia. Directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Hayao Miyazaki, it is a classic of the anime medium and the last movie from the world-beating Studio Ghibli catalogue previously unreleased in the United Kingdom… until now.
A tour-de-force about growing up and growing older from the masters of Japanese animation.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Storyboard Comparisons
My Thoughts:
It is 1982 and Taeko, a 27 year old office worker from Tokyo, has always dreamt of traveling to the countryside for holidays like many of her school friends did every year. She managed it for the first time last year, by staying with her sisters in-laws at their farm, and is to do the same this year. Whilst packing she reminisces of her time at home and school in 1966 when she was ten. The memories continue during the journey and after she has arrived and is working on the farm. Some of the memories tell of trials and tribulations she had and are told to her brother-in-laws friends and family to highlight an event, others are to give a background to Taeko. Memories of first love, disappointments etc. All the while they are helping her to discover herself.
A nice gentle tale of a young woman and how she finds herself. Not too everyones taste but I find this to be well told and enjoyable. The memories are highlighted within the film by having a slight pastel colouring to the scenes rather than the bright colours that are used for the current day Taeko.
As I stated in my My Neighbour Totoro review this film is the only film from the initial agreement with Studio Ghibli that Disney have not released. My understanding, from the interweb and places such as nausicaa.net, is that Disney have a major problem with a sequence within the film. Disney apparently asked permission to cut the sequence out completely but Studio Ghibli reiterated that the agreement clearly states No Cuts. Disney then asked whether they could reword the sequence and Studio Ghibli said that it was part of the agreement that Disney could reword sections to allow for the difference in cultures but they could not change the meaning. Disney therefore decided not to release this title. That is the background and the problem sequence is:-
In one of the reminisces Taeko goes back to a Sex Education class the girls had where they were taught about Periods and Menstrual Panties. The boys find out about this lesson and take the mickey out the girls and look up their skirts to see what panties the girls were wearing that day. The boys also expressed fear of catching Periods if the girls who were missing PE touched the ball.
As a "family" company Disney felt that they couldn't show this sequence. It has been pointed out that Disney, if they so wished, could release the film on one of their more adult lines, e.g. Touchstone, but Disney have so far chosen to keep this film from the American public. There is an on-line petition, links at nausicaa.net (http://www.nausicaa.net/wiki/Only_Yesterday_%28USA_DVD%29), but in 5 years nothing has come of it. The television channel Turner Classic Movies has shown the film a few times in America and it apparently is high on their request for repeats charts. Luckily Madman Entertainment, Australia, and Optimum Releasing, UK, also had an agreement with both Disney and Studio Ghibli to take whichever version was available and Madman obtained a version from Studio Ghibli that they and Optimum had subtitled, deciding that dubbing to the standard of Disney would cost too much and they both released this version in their respective countries.
My rating is a gentle 4
Dave
p.s.
In fact there is another film that Disney have yet to release but that wasn't part of the initial agreement and the lack of release was out of Disney's hands. Tales from Earthsea hasn't been released because The Sci-Fi Channel owned the TV, film and video rights to Earthsea. These rights have now expired and Disney should be releasing Tales from Earthsea to cinemas in the US this August.
Post by: GSyren on June 30, 2010, 09:45:28 PM
Post by: dfmorgan on July 01, 2010, 11:32:32 AM
Like Only Yesterday, Tales from Earthsea is available in UK and in Australia. They both have the original Japanese soundtrack as well as an English dub.
Yep I know that, it is on my list at the top. In fact Tales from Earthsea as released by Optimum and Madman is the Disneyfied version it was just that Disney couldn't release it in their home territory until now.
Dave
Post by: dfmorgan on July 05, 2010, 08:38:40 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175264f.jpg) Title: Porco Rosso
Original Title: Kurenai no buta
Year: 1992
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rating: PG
Length: 93 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, French: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Shûichirô Moriyama
Tokiko Kato
Sanshi Katsura
Tsunehiko Kamijô
Akemi Okamura
Plot:
Take flight with "Porco Rosso," a valiant World War I flying ace! From tropical Adriatic settings to dazzling aerial maneuvers, this action-adventure from world-renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki is full of humor, courage and chivalry.
When "Porco" - whose face has been transformed into that of a pig by a mysterious spell - infuriates a band of sky pirates with his aerial heroics, the pirates hire Curtis, a rival pilot, to "get rid" of him. On the ground, the two pilots compete for the affections of the beautiful Gina. But it is in the air where the true battles are waged. Will our hero be victorious?
Featuring extrordinary voice talents, this 2-Disc Set is a thrilling ride you'll never forget!
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
THX
My Thoughts:
The third film that in the late 1990's Sky's The Movie Channel showed in a short season of Studio Ghibli films, the other two were Totoro and Kiki, and thus the third film I saw from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. To be honest this is my least favourite Miyazaki film. There is nothing wrong with it and it has the usual Miyazaki trademarks but it just doesn't grab me like his other titles. Set in a period between the two world wars and in and around the Adriatic Sea Porco Rosso tells the story of a man cursed into the form of a Crimson Pig. He flies a seaplane and helps to fight the local sky pirates. All hostilities are put aside though at the Hotel Adriano, run by his close friend Gina. The pirates employ the services of an American pilot, Curtis, to try to remove Porco. Curtis attacks Porco and damages his plane such that it needs major repairs. Porco takes it to Milan to be repaired by an old friend. There he meets Fio, Porco's friend's granddaughter, who redesigns and updates Porco's plane and returns to the Adriatic with him. The fight between Porco and Curtis recommences and now involves both Gina and Fio. There are lovely touches in this film like when we and Fio see the man behind the pig and then again towards the end when Curtis gets to see the man.
Still an excellent film though and a worthy 4
Dave
Post by: dfmorgan on July 07, 2010, 08:27:53 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/50/5055201808219.4f.jpg) Title: Ocean Waves
Original Title: Umi Ga Kikoeru
Year: 1993
Director: Tomomichi Mochizuki
Rating: PG
Length: 72 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: Japanese: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Nobuo Tobita
Toshihiko Seki
Yoko Sakamoto
Yuri Amano
Kae Araki
Plot:
Rarely seen outside of its native Japan and never before released within the U.K, Ocean Waves (also known as Umi Ga Kikoeru and I Can Hear The Sea) is one of Studio Ghibli's most obscure and sought after titles. Directed by Tomomi Mochizuki (Princess Nine) and based upon author, essayist and playwright Saeko Himuro's most popular, best selling novel, Ocean Waves is one of the most poignant and unsung masterpieces within Studio Ghibli's legendary creative output. Wonderfully detailed and incredibly subtle, there are very few films in the histroy of animation that have managed to capture so well the joys and drama of adolescence and teenage alienation.
Kochi is your average coastal town on the sleepy, idyllic island of Shikoku and young Taku is definitely your average high school student. But soon his quiet life will be turned upside down with the arrival of Rikako: a beautiful, female student recently transferred fromTokyo. By the end of term Taku will have learnt a valuable lesson in love and friendship.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
I only watched and reviewed this in February so my thoughts are still much the same. At heart a sweet and gentle love triangle. Taku and Yutaka have been friends since starting high school. Yutaka as the class representative is asked to show a transfer student, Rikako, around. Rikako has transferred in from Tokyo following her mothers separation from her father. Taku realises that his friend has feelings for Rikako but tries to not get involved. However fate has other plans and stirs things up until the friendship starts to strain. As a short film there isn't a lot of character development and some bits of the storyline appear rushed. It is obviously not a Miyazaki film as most scenes featuring trees, plants, fields, the sea are static images but then again it was also a low budget film.
A bit of background as, like Only Yesterday, this film has not been released in the US. Apparently, as a made for TV film, Disney decided not to accept this as part of the overall Studio Ghibli catalogue it wished to promote. Optimum Releasing, from the UK, had the opportunity to take this film in 2009 and did so. They released the film to DVD in its original Japanese language with subtitles as part of their Ponyo promotion in early 2010.
Overall still an enjoyable film but I'll drop the 4 rating down to 3 now that I've watched this following other Studio Ghibli titles
Dave
Post by: dfmorgan on July 07, 2010, 08:29:19 PM
Thanking You
Dave
Post by: Jimmy on July 07, 2010, 08:42:38 PM
Post by: dfmorgan on July 08, 2010, 11:59:04 AM
Dave
Post by: dfmorgan on July 18, 2010, 10:32:03 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175257f.jpg) Title: Pom Poko
Original Title: Heisei tanuki gassen pompoko
Year: 1994
Director: Isao Takahata
Rating: PG
Length: 119 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Kokontei Shinchou
Makoto Nonomura
Takehiro Murata
Shigeru Izumiya
Nijiko Kiyokawa
Plot:
Pom Poko is a tale of the clash between modern civilization and the natural world.
The Raccoons of the Tama Hills are being forced from their homes by the rapid development of houses and shopping malls. As it becomes harder to find food and shelter, they decide to band together and fight back. The Raccoons practice and perfect the ancient art of transformation until they are even able to appear as humans.
In often hilarious ways, the Raccoons use their powers to try to scare off the advancement of civilization. But will it be enough? Or will the Raccoons learn how to live in balance with the modern world?
Celebrate the magic of the forest and the beauty of the creatures who live among us in Pom Poko — on DVD for the first time ever.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Gallery
Storyboard Comparisons
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Although not a Hayao Miyazaki film this has the environment and ecology at its heart. Expansion of Tokyo is having an adverse affect on the woods, forests and hills surrounding the city. Although all creatures are affected by the changes none are hit more than the tanuki or raccoons as Disney called them, the Japanese actually call the tanuki raccoon dogs. The raccoons used to live harmoniously with the farmers and villagers keeping pests down and eating up scraps but the incursion of the city has caused the locals to leave and the animals to fight over what scraps can be had. The raccoons revive the the art of transformation so that they can become goblins and beasties to haunt the sites. They also pass themselves of as humans and effect damage to the construction sites. Everything seems to come to naught though when following one of their biggest hauntings an amusemnet park owner claims the credit. Will the raccoons recover from this setback? Yes and no is the answer.
A piece of minor background to the Disney version of this film. Back in my review of Only Yesterday I said that Disney were informed by Studio Ghibli that they were allowed to change the wording of the films providing that they kept to the meaning behind them. This film contains a major rewording that upset some hardcore anime fans. In the Japanese language and also within the English subtitles references are made to testicles but in the English language and Hard of Hearing captions the testicle references are changed to pouches.
A very enjoyable film again from Studio Ghibli and a 4
Post by: dfmorgan on July 21, 2010, 08:29:26 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175318f.jpg) Title: Whisper of the Heart
Original Title: Mimi wo Sumaseba
Year: 1995
Director: Yoshifumi Kondo
Rating: G
Length: 111 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Youko Honna
Kazuo Takahashi
Takashi Tachibana
Shigeru Muroi
Plot:
From the creators of the Academy Award®- winning Spirited Away (Best Animated Feature Film, 2002) comes a tale based on the screenplay from the legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki.
During summer vacation, a schoolgirl named Shizuku, who longs to discover her true talents, observes an ordinary-looking cat riding by himself on the train. Intrigued, she decides to follow him. This chance encounter leads her to the mysterious Seiji, a boy who is determined to follow his dreams, and The Baron, a magical cat figurine who helps her listen to the whispers in her heart. Soon, Shizuku's exciting adventures carry her far beyond the boundaries of her imagination.
Featuring extraordinary storytelling, enchanting animation, and an all-star voice cast, this 2-Disc Set will inspire dreams and warm hearts of all ages.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Storyboard Comparisons
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
I had forgotten what a gloriously gentle romance this film was until I rewatched it this afternoon. Whilst Hayao Miyazaki produced and wrote the screenplay for this there are aspects that show that he didn't have a hand in the drawing, the main one being the wind and its effects. In this film the wind does ripple the characters clothing and hair but only on few occasions did it cause ripples in the background trees, grasses, flowers or waters. However that does not detract from the fact that I think this is a wonderful film. The film starts with
A wonderful 5 from me
Post by: Najemikon on July 21, 2010, 08:32:41 PM
The film starts withOlive Neutron BombOlivia Newton-John singing "Take Me Home...
:hysterical: That never gets old!
Post by: dfmorgan on July 28, 2010, 08:40:51 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/71/717951007414f.jpg) Title: Princess Mononoke
Original Title: Mononoke-Hime
Year: 1997
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rating: PG-13
Length: 134 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Yoji Matsuda
Yuriko Ishida
Yuko Tanaka
Kaoru Kobayashi
Masahiko Nishimura
Plot:
Claire Danes (The Mod Squad), Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting) and Billy Bob Thornton (Armageddon, Sling Blade) head a cast of hot Hollywood stars who lend their talents to this exquisitely animated, overwhelmingly acclaimed adventure epic! Inflicted with a deadly curse, a young warrior named Ashitaka (Billy Crudup – Without Limits) sets out to the forests of the west in search of the cure that will save his life. Once there, he becomes inextricably entangled in a bitter battle that matches Lady Eboshi (Driver) and a proud clan of humans against the forest's animal gods... who are led by the brave Princess Mononoke (Danes), a young woman raised by wolves! Also starring Gillian Anderson (The X-Files) and Jada Pinkett Smith (Scream 2), this monumental struggle between man and nature will have you transfixed with amazement as stunning artistry blends with epic storytelling to create a uniquely entertaining motion picture!
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Closed Captioned
Literal translation subtitles, Closed Captioning subtitles
My Thoughts:
Ashitaka, a warrior prince, is infected by a curse when he battles a demon heading towards his village. The demon turns out to be a Boar God from the forests of the West and Ashitaka decides to travel to the forests to find what caused the boar to become a demon. During his travels he meets a wandering priest who helps him in buying some food and they share a meal that evening. On the following day Ashitaka rescues two men from a river and whilst by the riverside he sees a young woman and some wolves. Ashitaka takes the men he rescued back to their home, Iron Town, via the forest. Upon arrival at Iron Town he finds the cause of the boar's curse as the town is set up to manufacture iron and guns. The town is using all the local resources in this process and the various Gods are trying to stop the desecration. The young woman, that Ashitaka saw earlier, attracks the town but Ashitaka intervenes and takes her away from the town. Ashitaka and the young woman have to put aside their differences and try to repair the damage done, especially as the wandering priest reappears and has an ulterior motive in trying to kill the Forest Spirit.
A wonderful film from Hayao Miyazaki. A film again about the environment and ecology. Many of the Miyazaki trademarks I have mentioned in earlier Studio Ghibli reviews are here in this film.
One of my favourites a 5
Dave
Post by: Najemikon on July 28, 2010, 08:42:23 PM
Post by: Antares on July 28, 2010, 08:48:48 PM
Post by: dfmorgan on July 28, 2010, 09:03:22 PM
Although Anime is not my cup of tea, I've added this to my library queue.
I hope you do like this. I like it more than Spirited Away which I think was one you tried earlier. The story I feel is more cohesive and less mystical.
Dave
Post by: dfmorgan on August 01, 2010, 09:40:00 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936286748f.jpg) Title: My Neighbours The Yamadas
Original Title: Houhokekyo tonari no Yamada-kun
Year: 1999
Director: Isao Takahata
Rating: PG
Length: 104 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Yukiji Asaoka
Toru Masuoka
Masako Araki
Hayato Isohata
Naomi Uno
Plot:
Join in the adventures of the quirky Yamada family—from the hilarious to the touching— brilliantly presented in a unique, visually striking comic strip style.
Takashi Yamada and his wacky wife Matsuko, who has no talent for housework, navigate their way through the ups and downs of work, marriage, and family life with a sharp-tongued grandmother who lives with them, a teenage son who wishes he had cooler parents, and a pesty daughter whose loud voice is unusual for someone so small. Even the family dog has issues!
Experience the little victories in life with My Neighbors The Yamadas—featuring the voice talents of comedic stars Jim Belushi and Molly Shannon.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Storyboard Comparisons
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
A very weird film. Based on a popular manga this is a series of vignettes very much in the comic-strip style of Andy Capp, The Perishers, FoxTrot, Blondie and many, many others. The style takes some getting used to, apparently this was the first film from Studio Ghibli to be produced entirely on computer as Isao Takahata did not want the traditional look and feel of cel animation. As to be expected with a film of this concept some of the vignettes work better than others, one of my favourites is when Mr. Yamada is 'watching the baseball' and Mrs. Yamada wants to watch a movie. The ballet between them as Mrs. Yamada tries to use the zapper to chanage the channel and Mr. Yamada blocks with his newspaper is well executed and nicely choreographed.
I did enjoy this to a degree, some bits worked some didn't so a 3
Post by: dfmorgan on August 04, 2010, 08:39:05 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936213843f.jpg) Title: Spirited Away
Original Title: Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi
Year: 2001
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rating: PG
Length: 124 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.00:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French:
Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Rumi Hiiragi
Mari Natsuki
Miyu Irino
Yumi Tamai
Bunta Sugawara
Plot:
From one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animated cinema comes the most acclaimed film of 2002. Hayao Miyazaki's latest triumph, filled with astonishing animation and epic adventure, is a dazzling masterpiece for the ages. It's a "wonderfully welcoming work of art that's as funny and entertaining as it is brilliant, beautiful and deep" (Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal).
Spirited Away is a wondrous fantasy about a young girl, Chihiro, trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call upon the courage she never knew she had to free herself and return her family to the outside world.
This deluxe 2-disc set overflows with outstanding bonus features, including the Japanese television special about the making of the film, an inside view into the artistry of Miyazaki, and a storyboard-to-scene comparison. Spirited Away is a spectacular DVD the whole family will want to experience over and over again.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Production Notes
Storyboard Comparisons
Closed Captioned
Introduction by John Lasseter
My Thoughts:
The one that won the Oscar.
Chihiro and her family are moving but her father takes a wrong turning and finishes up trying to reach the new house over a dirt track but instead this track leads to a tunnel. The family take time out to walk through the tunnel, as you do when moving house, and come out on the other side in a field with some abandoned buildings. The father surmises that this must be an abandoned theme park. They explore further and end up in what appears to be a deserted town but the parents can smell fresh food and upon finding the restaurant start to eat the food. Chihiro though doesn't want any and leaves her parents busy scoffing. During her excursion Chihiro meets a young man who warns her to escape with her parents but when she goes back to them they have been turned into pigs. Thus begins this mystical adventure from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.
All the usual trademarks from Miyazaki are here plus to a minor extent, compared to his earlier films, we also have the environmental and ecological themes.
Whilst I do like this film it is not one of my favourites but it is enjoyable so a 4
Post by: dfmorgan on August 10, 2010, 09:46:14 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936268836f.jpg) Title: The Cat Returns
Original Title: Neko no ongaeshi
Year: 2002
Director: Hiroyuki Morita
Rating: G
Length: 75 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Chizuru Ikewaki
Yoshihiko Hakamada
Tetsu Watanabe
Yosuke Saito
Mari Hamada
Plot:
From the creators of the Academy Award®-winning* Spirited Away comes the visually stunning The Cat Returns.
Haru, a schoolgirl bored by her ordinary routine, saves the life of an unusual cat, and suddenly her world is transformed beyond anything she ever imagined. The Cat King rewards her good deed with a flurry of presents, including a very shocking proposal of marriage to his son! Haru then embarks on an unexpected journey to the Kingdom of Cats, where her eyes are opened to a whole other world and her destiny is uncertain. To change her fate, she'll need to learn to believe in herself and, in the process, she will learn to appreciate her everyday life.
Featuring the sensational voice talents of Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes, Peter Boyle and Elliot Gould, The Cat Returns is a magical animated adventure that will delight and inspire everyone.
*2002 Best Animated Feature Film
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Closed Captioned
Complete Storyboards
My Thoughts:
This is another gorgeous film from Studio Ghibli.
Haru, a high school teenager, saves a cat from being run-over. This cat is the son of the Cat King who decides that Haru should be showered with gifts and will be wed to the Prince. Haru hears a voice that advises her to go the the Cat Bureau to get help. At the Cat Bureau Haru enlists the help of The Baron, from Whisper of the Heart, and his friends to solve the problem of her proposed marriage.
Although not a direct sequel to Whisper of the Heart it is a close relation. Studio Ghibli received a commission to produce an animation based on cats for a theme park. Hayao Miyazaki heard about this commission and thought that The Baron and Muta, from Whisper of the Heart, would be ideal for this. He asked the creator of the original manga for Whisper of the Heart, Aoi Hiiragi, to write a manga for this. Aoi Hiiragi did this and it was published as The Baron: The Cat Returns. However the commission fell through and Hayao Miyazaki then decided that this should be turned into a full feature and that one of the new and upcoming directors should handle it.
Yet another 5
Post by: dfmorgan on August 15, 2010, 09:51:27 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936296662f.jpg) Title: Howl's Moving Castle
Original Title: Hauru no Ugoku Shiro
Year: 2004
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rating: PG
Length: 119 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Chieko Baisho
Takuya Kimura
Akihiro Miwa
Haruko Kato
Ryunosuke Kamiki
Plot:
In Hayao Miyazaki's latest animated masterpiece, journey beyond imagination and enter a "breathtaking fantasy world" (Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times) filled with adventure, humor, and heart.
Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. The vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste, jealous of their friendship, puts a spell on Sophie. In a life-changing adventure, Sophie climbs aboard Howl's magnificent flying castle and enters a magical world on a quest to break the spell.
Featuring the voice talents of Jean Simmons, Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall, Blythe Danner, and Billy Crystal, Miyazaki's artistry comes to life on DVD with inventive characters, unique storytelling, and richly detailed animation.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Interviews
Storyboard Comparisons
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Another wonderfully gorgeous film from Hayao Miyazaki. Hayao Miyazaki has inverted one of his trademarks in this film in that the strong female lead, although technically a young woman, is portrayed by a 90 year old woman after the young girl is cursed by a witch. Sophie leaves home after being cursed and eventually finds herself in Howl's castle with the help of a scarecrow, a pity he is referred to as Turniphead as that has connotations for England football followers. Within Howl's castle Sophie finds out that Howl the magician himself is cursed along with the fire demon and the scarecrow who helped her earlier and that she must solve the riddle for all of them to remove the curses on them.
Another of my favourites and a surefire
Post by: dfmorgan on August 21, 2010, 12:20:10 AM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/50/5055201802705.4f.jpg) Title: Tales from Earthsea
Original Title: Gedo Senki
Year: 2006
Director: Goro Miyazaki
Rating: PG
Length: 111 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Junichi Okada
Aoi Teshima
Yuko Tanaka
Teruyuki Kagawa
Jun Fubuki
Plot:
Goro Miyazaki's debut feature as director, Tales From Earthsea is an epic adventure, adapted from the much-loved series of novels by Ursula K. Le Guin.
It tells the story of Ged (voiced in English by Timothy Dalton), the most powerful wizard in Earthsea, and his attempts to protect Prince Arren (Matt Levin) from the evil machinations of rival wizard Cob (Willem Dafoe). Together with Therru, a young girl he rescued from slave takers,Arren must unite with Ged to defeat Cob and return balance to their world.
Beautifully animated, Tales From Earthsea will enchant viewers of all ages and once again shows Studio Ghibli at the height of its powers.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Interviews
Storyboard Comparisons
My Thoughts:
Studio Ghibli :thumbup:, Miyazaki :thumbup:, Goro Miyazaki ???. A Miyazaki film but this time it's Goro, the son of Hayao Miyazaki. Hayao Miyazaki was involved in this film during its initial development and storywriting but had to pass when he commenced work on Howl's Moving Castle. Studio Ghibli, still looking for future talent, put Goro in charge.
People are noticing that the balance of the world is out of kilter and the King asks his advisers to try to find the cause. However the young Prince Arren kills his father and runs away. On his journey he meets Sparrowhawk (Ged), the Archmage, who takes him under his wing. Together they discover that a rival is behind the problems.
The film is based on the Earthsea books by Ursula K. Le Guin. Disney had problems with the release of this film in America as the film/TV/video rights to Earthsea were held by The Sci-Fi Channel. However these rights lapsed in 2009 and Disney finally released this film to cinemas in August 2010 with a video release apparently due before Christmas. The rest of the world didn't have these problems so they released the film and videos in 2007 and 2008 and where necessary the Disney dubbing was used. A couple of minor gripes I have with this release from Optimum Releasing, who used the Madman Australia authored DVD, is that they used the same print for both the English language and the Japanese language versions. So all you get is the English opening and closing credits whereas the R1 Disney DVDs for the other titles had the Japanese opening and closing credits for the Japanese language. Also they only used one set of English subtitles which, conveniently, were for the Japanese soundtrack whereas again Disney previously had English HoH subtitles for the English soundtrack.
A film that I did enjoy but not as much as other Studio Ghibli films. For me this is only a
edited for a couple of typos
Post by: Najemikon on August 23, 2010, 06:37:36 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936175264f.jpg)
Title: Porco Rosso
Original Title: Kurenai no buta
Year: 1992
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rating: PG
Length: 93 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Japanese: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, French: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English
Hey, Dave... have you heard that a sequel to Porco Rosso is planned? Empire report it here: http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=28736
Post by: dfmorgan on August 23, 2010, 07:59:30 PM
Hey, Dave... have you heard that a sequel to Porco Rosso is planned? Empire report it here: http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=28736
Thanks for that. Could be interesting.
Dave
Post by: dfmorgan on August 26, 2010, 08:46:54 PM
MOVIE / DVD INFO:
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/50/5055201812445.4f.jpg) Title: Ponyo
Original Title: Gake no ue no Ponyo
Year: 2008
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rating: U
Length: 103 Min.
Video: Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: PCM: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Japanese: DTS-HD Master Audio: 6.1 (Discrete), Japanese: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Hiroki Doi
Yuria Nara
Tomoko Yamaguchi
Kazushige Nagashima
George Tokoro
Plot:
Welcome to a world of magic and adventure! Academy Award®- winning director Hayao Miyazaki (2002, Best Animated Feature, Spirited Away) brings to life a heart-warming and imaginative retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairytale The Little Mermaid. And now it's even more thrilling through the magic of Blu-ray, with never before seen extras that will take you on a journey into the film's enchanted world!
A young boy named Sosuke (Frankie Jonas) rescues a goldfish named Ponyo (Noah Cyrus), and they embark on a fantastic journey of friendship and discovery. Under the sea Ponyo's father, the Wizard Fujimoto (Liam Neeson) is desperate for his daughter to return to their undersea home and uses his magic to bring her back, much to Ponyo's dismay. But Ponyo, ever the stubborn little goldfish, longs to return to her special friend. She magically transforms herself into a little girl and finds her way back to Sosuke's house but accidentally stumbles upon her father's magical 'Water of Life' and triggers a gigantic storm. Now balance must be restored to the world they all cherish.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Music Videos
Interviews
Storyboard Comparisons
Introduction Art Cards Stickers
My Thoughts:
Back on the 6th of June I said:- Another wonderful anime from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. The basic premise of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid with a magical twist. I liked the Wagnerian references to Die Walküre with Ponyo's original name being Brünnhilde and then after Ponyo releases the storm, she rides the waves and fishes to music thematically close to The Ride Of The Valkyrie from that opera.
And the above still stands. To tie this in with the other reviews in this marathon I will say that Hayao Miyazaki once again used many of his trademarks:
The way the clouds, trees, grasses, plants, water, hair and clothing moved in the wind
The way he used and showed the environmental damage and the ecology
The use of children as the lead participants
And has made another wonderful film that can be enjoyed at many levels by both children and adults alike.
As with Tales From Earthsea I have a minor quibble with Optimum Releasing in that again they have used the Disney English print for both languages so that again we don't get the Japanese opening and closing credits. Now it may be that they have done this with all their releases but these two are the only ones I have from them that include an English option, the other two Studio Ghibli titles I have from Optimum are in Japanese only and all the rest of the Studio Ghiblis are the R1 Disney releases.
A superbly magnificent
Post by: dfmorgan on August 26, 2010, 09:17:41 PM
I've now completed this marathon and I thoroughly enjoyed doing it. Below is the films in an order of personal viewing preference as at this moment, those on the same line are just that I couldn't decide where exactly they lay with respect to each other.
My Neighbor Totoro
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke
Ponyo
Whisper of the Heart, The Cat Returns
Howl's Moving Castle
Only Yesterday
Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away
Pom Poko
Porco Rosso
Ocean Waves
Tales from Earthsea
My Neighbors The Yamadas
I have kept this one separate as it is not one I would easily repeat view.
Grave of the Fireflies
I can see Ponyo moving up places though as I view it more.
Thank you those who read my reviews and also thanks to those who commented.
Dave
edited to correct minor typo
Post by: snowcat on August 26, 2010, 09:25:27 PM
Post by: Najemikon on July 15, 2011, 12:21:02 AM
Post by: dfmorgan on July 16, 2011, 07:55:58 PM
Me again on Ghibli watch for you, Dave! :P Have you seen this article? http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/jul/14/studio-ghibli-arrietty-heroines?CMP=twt_fd
Thanks for that. A very nice, well written and thought out article. I loved some of the comments afterwards and have to agree with one theme that kept appearing in that Ghibli should do Phillip Pullman's "His Dark Materials".
Post by: Najemikon on July 28, 2011, 10:52:07 PM
http://www.empireonline.com/features/hayao-miyazaki/
Post by: dfmorgan on July 28, 2011, 10:56:19 PM
Good grief, I've found another one! :laugh:
http://www.empireonline.com/features/hayao-miyazaki/
Nice, I'll have to have a read of that later.
Post by: Najemikon on December 15, 2011, 02:41:29 AM
http://badassdigest.com/2011/12/14/mondo-reveals-the-first-poster-in-its-studio-ghibli-series-my-neighbor-toto/