Reflections on Studio Ghibli movies

Discover the magic of Studio Ghibli movies! See how My Neighbor Totoro and Castle in the Sky inspired my childhood.

Hi there, In this post, I’ll slide away from tech a bit and share my thoughts about Studio Ghibli movies. I may not have grown up in Japan, but I’m a big fan of the magic of Studio Ghibli films, it transcends borders and languages. These movies are very special to me, and they have been a big part of my life since I was younger.

Did you fall here by accident? Ghibli movies are not your thing? Maybe you’ll like System Containers and Virtual Machines With LXD or API Versioning with ASP.NET and Swagger UI

When I was a child, I loved watching animated movies (still today). But when I discovered Studio Ghibli (by accident in a video store. yup, there was no internet at the time!), something changed. Their movies were not just cartoons; they were magical journeys to beautiful worlds. The art was amazing, full of details and colors and that was a magnet to my attention. Sometimes it seemed like I was part of the movie, I remember it as some kind of magic because I was transported to another reality.

Attention: Maybe spoilers ahead!

My Neighbor Totoro

Totoro magic growing up a new forest

One of the first Studio Ghibli movies I first watched (I was about 8~10 years old) was My Neighbor Totoro. This movie is about two sisters who move to the countryside and discover magical creatures, including Totoro, a giant forest spirit. Today the movie seems very simple (I’m no film critic) and full of innocence but when I was a kid, Totoro gave me the creeps. I remember I was horrified when Mei (the little sister) met Totoro for the first time but then, the same Totoro guy made me feel very happy and peaceful.

Mei and Totoro

Watching Totoro was important for me because it showed me how to appreciate the small things in life. The way the movie shows the beauty of nature and the joy of childhood is very special. Even now, when I watch Totoro I remember the magic of being a child.

Castle in the Sky

Pazu and Sheeta

Another movie that I watched as a kid and is a favorite of mine is Castle in the Sky. This movie is more adventurous. It tells the story of a girl and a boy who find a magical crystal and journey to a floating castle. The movie is full of action and excitement, but it also has a lot of heart. I think this movie is beautiful, I remember the friendship between Pazu and Sheeta and the courage needed to face the unknown. I think this movie inspired me to be brave and to believe in dreams.

The Timeless Beauty of Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli movies are timeless. They are not just for children; they can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The stories are very human, full of emotions and lessons that stay with you. The animation is beautiful, with so much attention to detail that you can watch the movies many times and always see something new (I discover something new every time I watch these movies, no kidding!).

Conclusion

For me, watching Studio Ghibli movies was a very important part of growing up. They helped me see the beauty in the world and inspired me with important values. Even now, as an adult, I still love to watch them and feel the same magic I felt as a child. Now and then, I rewatch ALL the Ghibli movies!

If you have never watched a Studio Ghibli movie, I highly recommend you do. I guarantee that you will find something beautiful and inspiring in any movie from their collection!

Maybe I’ll try to write something about the Ghibli movies I like most.

See ya!