Seven more of the studio's films had done, which means that now I have the complete list of the ranked Ghibli movies. Which I'm actually still not yet confident to disclose because I couldn't even decide if I'm agreeing with myself or not.
But anyways, before we proceed to the list, let me give the reviews to the final seven films. The last reviews of this project.
Tales from Earthsea | 2006
Honestly, I had a very VERY big expectation towards this one. No, it's not that I had heard about the film from others nor had I read any good reviews of the movie. I hadn't even read any synopsis so I completely had no idea what it was about. But whenever I saw the slice preview on Netflix, I always had the feeling that the film would be grande. Plus the animation and the drawing is amazing. Sadly, that's not what I got.
There was no background whatsoever on who the protagonist is, what his problems and goals are -- Arren is annoyingly uninspiring, grim, and bleak. The plot and element was inconsistent, starting with dragons and then it's gone until the end of the film. The only thing that makes this movie safe from the bottom is how I really can’t fit Nausicaa’s eerie sci-fi vibe. Plus, the Medieval setting and panorama are still enjoyable, actually the only thing I enjoyed from this film. Also, Therru’s quote about fearing life not death is also a good one.
Only Yesterday | 1991
Aside of how it beautifully captured the peaceful, humble life in countryside Japan, which is a big big plus point already to the film, I really love the back-and-forth plot, where it showcased Takeo's problems in a very unique way. Also, I think it’s the most lively one I ever watched, most smooth gestures, expressions - though sometimes a bit creepy - and natural convos with lips smacking?? Ghibli knows how to pay attention to details.
But what I adored the most would be the overall story which feels so nostalgic it woke up the 10-year-old kid in me, and the ending, where child Takeo and her friends escorted her from the train back to the village, to the arms of Toshio... AAAAAA so beautiful I cried! A bit downfall: though Hirota is such a dream boy, his seiyuu just doesn’t match... and though Taeko’s father is such a daddy, he’s a bit annoying and... wait, come to think of it, her whole family IS annoying! Poor little Taeko :(
Ponyo | 2008
One of the movies I've watched before, which happened, I guess, more than 10 years ago? Haha I can't believe I had the audacity to put this film in a lower rank so far only basing from my 12-year-old memory because TO HELL WITH THAT, I knew nothing!?
Ponyo is really THAT magical, THAT colorful. No wonder it received amazing credits from even Hollywood stars. It's such a pristine movie featuring children’s innocence and curiosity - both Sosuke and Ponyo are so adorable I’d protect those two! - with a glimpse of “look what you did to the ocean, human!” which I like. My highlight though, is the film's delicate depiction of water, be it the ocean tsunami, the waves breaking the rocky beach, the fish-to-water-and-vice-versa transformation, the boiling water in the pot, the honey, the crystal clear ocean bottom, the rain, SO REFRESHING! And the gesture of Ponyo’s mother is just so alive I enjoyed every inch of her moves!!!
Whisper of the Heart | 1995
Another amazing real-life heartwarming piece revolving around junior high students with their simple love triangle trouble, school tests, cluelessness of future, funny curious classmates - them teasing Shizuku when Seiji came to her class is the best! - and heartbreak of being left by your crush ahhh I just love this type of nostalgic theme. Oh my favorite part though: when Shizuku and Seiji sing “Country Road” together and then the ojiichantachi came to join. And this is why this is the only review with video haha enjoy!
Kiki’s Delivery Service | 1989
Super light, easy to watch and everything’s just so smooth—such a comfort film where it’d be a mood-booster anytime being watched! The warmth of people inside the film is just bursting you’ll feel like you’re Kiki herself lol. And plus points to the strong European/Italian vibe which is just of the right portion it feels amazing!
When Marnie Was There | 2014
Another beautiful depiction of life in countryside Japan, but, done in the more modern Ghibli-style animation which fits better to my taste haha. Story-wise, I LOVE IT! Love the combination of the said great animation with such mythical feel and mysterious plot. Although towards the end it’s pretty much guessable, but for the whole portion of the story it was nice to be left guessing in curiosity. The epic part is the ending though, you know, the part where Marnie waves goodbye. Yea it is a tearjerker, maybe not for everyone, but enough for my poor soft heart...
Spirited Away | 2001
Well, this is it. I don't think I need to describe how majestic this film is. The epitome of the studio, the real representation of Ghibli's magic. All the whimsical and absurdity of Ghibli gathered here somehow, to make this grand, festive piece of art. And what makes it even better is how those things were also combined with strong Japanese elements like, the ryokan and onsen life, the classic tram in the midst of nowhere, and more!
Personal experience wise, Spirited Away hits it good to me. I think it was the first Ghibli movie I ever watched - if I don't count Grave of the Fireflies ya - and it left a very deep impression to me. I didn't exactly understand what the film really tried to tell us, but at least the grandeur of its animation really blew me away.
Then years after, I had the chance to visit Jiufen, a small town in Taiwan where the film's setting was inspired from. When I was there the atmosphere, the floating lanterns, the dull colors of the buildings shone by red fluorescent of the lights, and of course, all the No Face souvenirs sold around, really woke the long-sleeping memories of the film. And to make things even better, it was raining! Something I really fond of in Studio Ghibli movies.
What made this even more special was, when I watched this film again as a part of this project, it was today, December 31st—the exact same day when I was in Jiufen 2 years earlier. I wasn't really planning for that because by the time I realized 2021 was almost over, I still had three more films yet to watch. So I rushed into Kiki and Marnie, and happened to be able to watch Chihiro today, exactly a day before the year ends. Well it sounds stupid but this kind of coincidences and universe plays are just really my thing and... I actually am sold for it.
Anyways.
That should be it. Now that I've completed all 21+1 Ghibli movies, I think I'm ready to reveal my final rankings.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Arrietty
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
Spirited Away
From Up On Poppy Hill
The Wind Rises
Ponyo
Castle In The Sky
Grave of the Fireflies
My Neighbor Totoro
When Marnie Was There
Only Yesterday
Whisper of the Heart
Kiki's Delivery Service
The Cat Returns
Pom Poko
Princess Mononoke
Porco Rosso
Ocean Waves
My Neighbors the Yamadas
Tales from Earthsea
Nausicaa
There you go. The super subjective ranking of all Studio Ghibli's films, based on my 29 year-old point of view. Which had changed a lot since I was first exposed to Ghibli films around 15+ years ago. Which just now gave me more ideas...
What if, in 15+ years from now, I do this all over again?
To see if my views towards these movies change again? I may matured a lot now compared to the child version of me, but I may have even more complex views in the future, with a whole new perspective and preference. Who knows that the 47 year old me would prefer Nausicaa more than Spirited Away, right?? Haha that's gonna be fun. I'll remind myself to do so. But for now, I think I'm pretty much satisfied with this list.
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