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Discovering Studio Ghibli’s Lesser Known Films
Jan
Studio Ghibli is a staple of animated film history. Coming up to their 40 year anniversary, they have created classics such as Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro and many more. It’s impossible to calculate their influence on cinema and animation. But no film vault is without its lesser known films.
Today we’re going to take a look at three films you might not have seen because they have been overshadowed by masterpieces such as Princess Mononoke and Ponyo. But these films still have lots of charm and shouldn’t be missed.
The Cat Returns (2002)
A spin-off of The Whisper of the Heart, the movie follows the story of a shy high school girl named Haru, who harbours a secret ability to communicate with cats.
One day she saves a cat that is about to be hit by a car and, in return, finds herself unwillingly engaged to the cat, who is actually a feline prince from the Cat Kingdom.
As Haru becomes more involved in the Cat Kingdom, she discovers its whimsical and perilous nature. With the help of a mysterious cat named Baron and other quirky characters, Haru embarks on an adventure to break free from her unusual predicament and find her way back home.
A sweet-hearted and gentle film, it is suitable for young watchers who may still find some of the other Ghibli films too frightening.
Porco Rosso (1992)
If you have had enough of talking cats, ten years before there was Porco Rosso. Set between the two World Wars, the story revolves around a skilled pilot and former World War I ace pilot, Porco Rosso. However, Porco has been cursed and transformed into a pig.
As a freelance bounty hunter and seaplane pilot, he navigates the skies, battling air pirates and defending innocent people.
Despite its quirky premise, the film explores deep themes of love, loss, and the impact of war, as well as a charming homage to one of Miyazaki’s loves, early aviation history. While there isn’t a strong plot per say, it is a very funny film with genuinely moving moments that make you forget that its about a bounty-hunter aviator with a pig’s head.
Arriety (2010)
Based on the novel “The Borrowers” by Sarah Norton, ”Arrietty” tells the story of a tiny family of “borrowers” who live beneath the floorboards of a grand mansion.
These miniature people, including the protagonist Arrietty, borrow small items from the humans to survive. Arrietty, desperate to leave the safety of her tiny home, is discovered by a human boy named Sho, who moves into the house.
Despite the risks involved, a heartwarming friendship develops between Arrietty and Sho.
Arriety’s tiny world is depicted in enchanting miniature detail but enormous emotional depth.
What’s your favourite Studio Ghibli film? Have you seen The Boy and the Heron?
