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.
I really enjoyed the watching, but not so much the ranking because seriously, it's difficult! Sometimes just several minutes into the start of the movie I'd be like, "okay, I know where to put this one on the list".
And then when the movie's over I'd be like, "fudge, that ranking is not just enough -- but then I don't want to reorder the other ranks because I'm sure the other movies deserve that spot!" lol see how I tasted my own medicine...
Anyways, let's have a little review on the recently-watched seven pieces.
Porco Rosso | 1992
When I watched a glimpse of its random cut in Netflix's preview, I thought this was going to be a weird, old-like, full fantasy thing that I wouldn't enjoy -- well I was given the scene of a pig dressed like a pilot, living in a normal world of human, of course my first impression was going that way!? But apparently Porco Rosso exceeded my initial expectation and turned out to be surprisingly light and bright! I really love the European vibe - although setting wise it looked more like Ventimiglia than other lovely European cities - but even love more the Mediterranean coastal scenes! Its touch of historical World War setting also helped enriching the story, and that hidden cove where the pig resides, well, that really was my favorite part.
From Up on Poppy Hill | 2011
I'm not sure where to start because... I really REALLY enjoyed this movie! Although it didn't boast Ghibli's signature magical element, it really stole my all with its heartwarming teenage school-and-family story and incredible up-and-down-making twists. And don't get me started with the movie's amazing atmosphere of old 60s Japan, Tokyo during Olympics 1964 euphoria, and typical Japanese school life. Argh, there's just nothing going wrong with this one!
And I'm not trying to be corny here - but I guess I am - but I must say I really ship Umi and Shun's relationship I mean... I'm obviously no longer a teenager like, I'm around 12 years older than a high school teenager, but somehow the thing that these two had felt super relatable, and the whole plot was not-too-much romantic with freaking cute gimmicks here and there making me feel like a teenage girl! Overall you won't be getting actions and/or supernatural stuff like Ghibli's other pieces, but I guess that's the beauty of this movie.
Castle in the Sky | 1986
Out of Ghibli’s three, famous and most-loved old epic-fantasy films, "Laputa" is personally bearable and surprisingly enjoyable to me. You know how I always got eerie vibes from watching dark, creepy old films like "Princess Mononoke" and "Nausicaa"? Well, I didn't feel it here. I loved it, in fact. The fights was great, the floating castle was magical, and the short life in Dola’s ship was probably the best part. Overall setting was still relatable, and the music, though equally eerie, was of a moderate level. And I guess, it’s also the side characters that made this movie fun. You know, those "villains" which started as foes then turned out to become allies.
The Cat Returns | 2002
First of all, this movie is about cats. So I knew anything wouldn't go wrong with this one. Then the rest is just perfection: a combo of real Japan life and Ghibli’s magical touch, light plot but comes with some actions as well. I also enjoyed the warm twists, which honestly I could guess way before it was revealed because, again, this movie has a light plot. One downfall though: duration's not long enough!
My Neighbor Totoro | 1988
Well, should I actually make a review of "My Neighbor Totoro"? We all love this Ghibli's iconic masterpiece. It's heartwarming, it's whimsical in a beautiful way, it has Ghibli's top-ranked favorite characters so of course we can't look down on it, and when you really really realize, there's just nothing dark and heavy about this movie: everything's child-friendly, fun and games, even the conflicts seemed mood-lifting instead of emotion-destructing, and watching this made me feel like a kid again! Although the first time I watched this movie was when I was 20-ish.
Pom Poko | 1994
Along with "My Neighbor Totoro", this was among five Ghibli films I had watched before. In fact, Pom Poko was the third one, just several days after "Ponyo". So yea perhaps I was like... ten? I remember back then I wasn't quiet enjoying the film because I thought it was boring. Now that I watched this again with more mature perspective, it turns out that the reason why I didn't enjoy "Pom Poko" as a kid was because the cause highlighted in this movie was quiet "heavy" in a way. It showed another issue of human exploiting nature, but through animals’ perspective so it hits a bit harder than "Princess Mononoke" or "Nausicaa" to me. Plus it seemed much more bearable than those Ghibli human/nature type of movies because the setting is of actual Japan. Overall, actually, with such deep message and ironic reflection of what's really happening in the real world that "Pom Poko" conveyed, I'd really rank this movie higher than "My Neighbor Totoro".
What held me back from doing so is how this film, though seemingly fun and light and kid-friendly with cartoonish characters, is actually really dark. And I just don’t like how human eventually won and the raccoons had to give in, to move away or settle in sewers, or opted to live a fake, non-desirable life as human; while some of them who couldn't transform and failed to find a new place to live even had to DIE!? A realistic situation, actually, but I just don’t fancy it. I wish the ending was just not so depressing. Well it doesn't change the fact that racoons and other woodland creatures are actually losing their homes thanks to fucking human's greed but, at least... well... ugh I hate this :(
The Wind Rises | 2013
Another dark story covered in bright and light vibe - Ghibli's just so good at it! When enjoyed just from its setting of old 1930s Japan, summer feeling with cheerful scores, greeneries and breezes, and overall “I have to achieve my dream” mood, it’s a very pleasing film. The over-detailed aeronautical stuff isn’t quiet enjoyable for me, though, obviously it's a fetish to Miyazaki. But I didn't find it too annoying that it ruined my whole impression of the movie. Well, so, what's so dark about it?
The fact that the aircraft designs Jiro and his comrades were fighting to create was to be used in wars, and how none of the planes return home, well, that's really dark, isn't it? That's just not about it. On top of those "professional problems", the movie's "personal problem" which highlights this dying lover who patiently wait for the protagonist to fulfill his dream, and the fact that she left home so she could die without her family having to deal with the fuss - fudgeee that ending was so crazy!!! - made this film just so devastatingly heart-breaking. But I guess that’s simply the beauty of it.
Well.
It's fourteen already, in addition to the first batch of rank I made weeks ago. and I'm seriously having a hard time putting my preferences haha well let's just say it goes like this for now:
Howl’s Moving Castle
Arrietty
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
Spirited Away*
From Up On Poppy Hill
The Wind Rises
Castle In The Sky
Grave of the Fireflies*
My Neighbor Totoro
The Cat Returns
Pom Poko
Princess Mononoke
Porco Rosso
Ponyo*
Ocean Waves
My Neighbors the Yamadas
Nausicaa
Again, it's temporary. I still have seven to go, including "Spirited Away" and "Ponyo" I've yet to rewatch to see if this rank still fits. I haven't rewatched "Grave of the Fireflies" yet either but I think I'm gonna skip that one because the traumatic imagery still actually stay vividly in my head.
Woof! Can't wait to finish this thing and wrap up my list!
Damn how I forgot how amazing this animation studio is, given the last time I watched a Ghibli movie was... I think... "My Neighbor Totoro" in... 20... 17...? Fudge yea, it's been a while. TOO while.
I won't be giving too much intro, so here's my short review on the first seven Ghibli movies sort in the order of the one I watched first.
Howl’s Moving Castle | 2004
I don't wanna wait until I reveal my ranking update to say this: "Howl's Moving Castle" is by far the number one Studio Ghibli movie on my personal list. And I watched it on my first attempt! How could not that be a good sign for this project??
I love everything about this movie. The animation, the story, the magical element it bears, the characters, the fact that the "villain" is actually not someone else, EVERYTHING! But what I enjoyed the most from this is actually the setting. Sophie's hometown has this nostalgic Square Enix vibe, which reminded me a lot to Final Fantasy and my FFX2 or Kingdom Hearts days which I really cherished. And Howl's castle too! Oh how I liked the inside of the castle, its door that leads to many places, its before and its after renovation I just. Loved. It!
Can I still keep ranting on this movie? Of course I can, it's my blog! Well one thing that perhaps made me love this movie the most is that because, I see a close imagery of Howl as... myself. No, not because I can do magic. But because of his personality. That seems okay and all groovy from the outside, but has this deep fear on the inside. I just feel I relate a lot to him.
My Neighbors the Yamadas | 1999
The second movie I watched for this project. Overall, it was enjoyable. Easy to watch, no fantasies, just slices of daily lives of simple Japan. Its animation is a bit off typical Studio Ghibli style, even seems too lazy for the studio standard, but still, the details are uncanny! One weakness though: sometimes it gets a bit boring because of no plot/conflict, and the duration’s just too long.
Ocean Waves | 1993
I'm not a big fan of way-too-old movies. You know, movies that are actually made decades ago. Including animation. But "Ocean Waves" was a different one. Yes it looked so retro, but that became an aesthetic to the movie. Overall vibe of this one was light, and even nostalgic, as if I watched it already in 1993 and rewatched it just recently. Story was a bit too simple though, but I think that's the beauty of it. P.S.: Rikako, the female lead, was honestly a bit annoying.
Arrietty | 2010
This is the type of Studio Ghibli work that I always know, and always like. Animation-wise, no flaws, at all. Beautiful, warm, detailed, you know, all Ghibli qualities were in it. Then came the story, and it instantly put "Arrietty" on top of the list.
The world of tiny people is always a treat to me, just how I really enjoyed "Doraemon Adventure No.6" comic. The perspective of human world through tiny people's eyes, the way they use human's small items like doll houses and unnecessary trinkets as their own household stuff, it's just so pleasing to experience. This one though, is added with heartwarming story of a curious teen sprite and a helpful human, amazing serene setting of a cozy villa, and... this one is so important to enhance the overall mood: occasional rains.
If this movie was, or is, going to be made a series, I swear I'd be the number one fan and would never skip a single episode.
Nausicaa | 1984
I would always root for stories that promote nature harmony. The concept of human live side by side with nature told in this movie was something to be admired about. However, "Nausicaa" is the actual embodiment of my dislike-ness towards way-too-old movies. Somehow the animation, the plot, and its elements made me anxious. Its setting - and the fact that it's a sci-fi movie - and music gave such eerie feel of old 80s Nintendo games. I guess such vibe just doesn't go well with me...
The Tale of Princess Kaguya | 2013
Another work of Studio Ghibli which animation style is not so Studio Ghibli. Which I don't mind because it was equally beautiful and well executed with all the amazing drawings and realistic smooth movements. Plus, this one was created with the modern Studio Ghibli touch so there were a lot of progress. But the best part is, unlike "My Neighbor The Yamadas", this movie came with perfect everything.
"The Tale of Princess Kaguya" served such perfect depiction of old traditional and royal Japanese culture, which felt so... sincere. The plot was unpredictable from the beginning until the end, which really made me stay to watch the whole 2 hrs+ film. Sadly - or maybe not? - it bears a non-happy ending — the most whimsical yet goosebumps-making ending, when the celestial troops from the moon came to fetch the princess. I couldn't even describe the feeling because plot-wise it was devastating, and visually it was horrifying, but throughout the event, the music was weirdly cheerful, creating this uber eerie horror sensation that even until now I'm typing this very paragraph, I'm still having goosebumps... crazy movie.
Princess Mononoke | 1997
Another amazing story of how human and nature should live side by side and how you’ll get the loss if you mess with nature. This time it's less science fiction, so I got to enjoy the movie better! The overall setting of "Princess Mononoke" still adopted Japanese culture, so even though it was full of mythical creatures, I could get to see the old rural life of Japan, rice paddies, samurai wars, and what not.
Now on to the downfall: none of the antagonist humans died. It really, REALLY annoyed me. I mean, they were the one who started all these mess but what did we get? Moro the mother of wolf, Ottokko the boar clan head, and even the Forest Spirit itself died instead! It's just so unacceptable. Also, and this what mattered the most. There were just too much blood and gore stuff it wasn’t so nice to my soft soul...
Alright!
That was all seven of them! Funny how I got to see which I thought was the best and worst of Studio Ghibli in just one batch. But who am I kidding, it wasn't all yet. So I'll come back claiming about the fixed list when I finish all twenty one but for now, here's my current ranking:
Howl's Moving Castle
Arrietty
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
Spirited Away*
Grave of the Fireflies*
My Neighbor Totoro*
Princess Mononoke
Ponyo*
Ocean Waves
My Neighbor The Yamadas
Pom Poko*
Nausicaa
Again, it's just temporary. And the fact that my views on "Spirited Away", "Grave of the Fireflies", "My Neighbor Totoro", "Ponyo" and "Pom Poko" was based on the time I watched them like decades ago would only mean that I need to rewatch all of them - except "Grave of the Fireflies" I guess, because the trauma of watching that cursed yet beautiful film was real - to fix my thoughts on each movie.
This is fun.
Can't wait to finish Batch Two and see how the list goes. Ghibli's magic is not yet finished
I guess this is my first time ever writing about Studio Ghibli here in my blog.
I've only ever watched around 5 of Studio Ghibli's works. I know, pity. I always claim that I'm into Japanese animation thingy but all I always watch are just Digimon, Naruto, One Piece, and other major mainstream pieces and/or 90s Indo-private-stations-aired series. But I'm not that type of a FOMO person so all these years I've always been like... whatever.
Until finally Dad subscribed Netflix for all of us. Something which, I also didn't mind to miss out because first I'm not feeling FOMO and second, I already subscribed Apple TV+ and Disney+ for myself so, why should I have another streaming service?? And then I remembered that, in February, Netflix added all Studio Ghibli movies to their list. ALL 21 OF THEM!
Then I guess it's just about time.
There's no more barrier between me and these 21 masterpieces.
So just today, in this super chilly and gloomy Saturday, I began my initiative to finish these Studio Ghibli movies. Project Twenty One. I began with "Howl's Moving Castle", which I instantly fell in love with. I would never say no to the magic of Studio Ghibli. And with the addition of such peaceful atmosphere, post-rain breeze, some rugs I spread out by the balcony for my snoozing, hot green tea, warm dimmed lighting and the companies of my cat and Sheriff Woody, I just had one of the best weekends in 2021 so far.
I'm sure this is what Danish people say as "Hygge"
Now I watched 6 movies already. But I'll keep the one I just finished today off of my current Studio Ghibli list for me to include later on after I watch more. Here's my rank so far.
Spirited Away
Grave of the Fireflies
My Neighbor Totoro
Ponyo
Pom Poko
And it'd definitely change as I finish more movies. Not only "change" as if the list adds up, but also "change" as if the ranks get re-ordered -- because I might have different perspective in watching those movies, some of which was done when I was younger. And dumber.
So twenty one movies, unlimited time.
I'm gonna divide it to three stages, seven movies each because if I have to write every time I finish one movie, I'm not gonna lie, pretty sure this ambitious initiative would just end up in the trash of unfinished business.
