Studio Ghibli Top Five!!!!!

1. Laputa: Catle In The Sky

Summary:
Set in a world where civilians previously lived in floating cities in the sky. Laputa is now the last remaining floating city and its location and existance is now myth. Sheeta is a young girl who's necklace may be the only remaining artifact that is proof of Laputa's existance. However with this item comes the danger of those in search of Laputa's power and the treasure said to dwell within.Pazu, a young miner, stumbles upon Sheeta as she falls from the sky from an army warship and into his arms. They soon find themselves on a action filled journey to find Laputa before the people who seek to use it for power driven reasons.

Opinions:
Now this film is truly stunning. I watched this immediately after 'Spirited Away' and although some may disagree this was the film i thought about the most afterward. Both films present similar positives so i'll try not to repeat myself. 'Laputa' is similar in the beautifully crafted characters but i feel the storyline gives the audience a little something more. Action, danger, fantasy and a world that is brilliantly devised, this film rejuvenated my love in anime and animated film. In particular the final half hour, without giving away any spoilers, brings a completely unexpected turn in the story which i found honest, breathtaking and truly memorable. This is what we film and anime lovers look for in a film. Something that sticks with you from the moment the disc goes in the player until the day after when you just want to tell your friends about it. I apologise for the length of this number one spot in comparison to perhaps some of the others - in particular 'Spirited Away'. This is because both films have so many similarities. However, i feel the film in this case speaks for itself. Definately something worth getting!


Rating: 5.0/5.0 Outstanding

Laputa: Castle In The Sky [August 1986]
Story By: Hayao Miyazaki
Directed By: Hayao Miyazaki
Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli Top Five!!!!!

2. Spirited Away

Summary:

The story is set around a young girl named Chihiro Ogino who moves house with her parents. However during the trip they unexpectedly take a wrong turn leading them to a mysteious town across the hill that appears to be deserted. However upon eating the food there, Chihiro's parents are transformed into pigs and as the sun begins to set it becomes clear that this is no ordinary place. Chihiro is thrown head first into a world inhabited by spirits and monsters as she must find a way to bring her parents back to their previous state and escape this frightening and bizarre reality.

Opinions:

I was debating as to whether or not i should put this anime in first place but i'm sure if you know anything about anime, even the smallest thing, it will be how amazing this film is. Therefore i decided to save something slightly more original for my first place spot, yet this should not deter you from watching this Ghibli masterpiece. The main reason this stands out above most productions is the immersive world that Hayao Miyazaki creates. It is truly something that drags anyone straight into the action and the immediate originality of the film and its characters. 'No-Face' i must say is probably one of my most favoured characters. He is featured in the first picture and is probably the most creepy yet the most kind hearted character in the film. He may not start of as a gentle character but the idea that a character can be quite frightening and gentle in the same film is a piece of art in itself.
The film also falls above and beyond most in terms of the characterisation as you feel like you're involved in Chihiro's story from the get go. Any audience who watches will probably find their eyes glued to it waiting to see what happens next. 'Spirited Away' as per usual also follows suit with Ghibli's wonderful animation but this feature in particular is a definate cut above most with its breathtaking score by Joe Hisaishi. The music truly helps craft the world created to the finest detail. All in all a film that is commended by film critics, film lovers and anime fanatics alike: not to be missed!

Rating: 5.0/5.0 Outstanding

Spirited Away [ July 2001]
Story By: Hayao Miyazaki
Directed By: Hayao Miyazaki
Studio Ghibli, Walt Disney Pictures