Studio Ghibli

I was recently turned onto Studio Ghibli films from my friend Evan. He recommend I watch one after we saw some of them on sales at Fry's Electronics. Admittedly I am a fan on some anime shows and enjoy the mix of sci-fi and fantasy. I picked up the Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononokoe. When we got back to my place we watched it promptly and I really enjoyed it, sans the voice acting by Billy Bob Thornton which was way out of place. Evan recommended I catch the most recent Studio Ghibli release of Ponyo. I have yet to see it, but that is more my busy schedule than the movie not looking appealing. I really do want to see it. I've checked out a few other Studio Ghibli films recently including the Academy Award winning Spirited Away.

My conclusion is that the films from Ghibli are very well written and have a strong message. They never seem to put the blame of the story's problems on one person or thing, and the endings never seem to be a nice neat little package that can only be described as Utopian. Well my discovery of Studio Ghibli films has been followed with good news. Hayao Miyazaki, a co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has announced that the studio is in discussion to make 2 more feature lentgh films in the next three years. This is topped with Isao Takahata's announcement that he will return to directing for a Studio Ghibli film. This means a chance of 3 Ghibli films in 3 years. Good news for all the fans out there, and hopefully all the future fans too. Here is the trailer of Ponyo, take a look and check it out for yourself or with your kids.