Been waiting for this week! Let’s get spirited away! (That was terrible)
Movie 29: Monday, July 11th
Tenkû no shiro Rapyuta (Castle in the Sky)
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Starring (Dubbed, sorry): Anna Paquin, James Van Der Beek, Cloris Leachman, Mark Hamill
This was actually the first Studio Ghibli movie I ever saw. It is definitely in my top 5 favorites and I always find myself rewatching this movie or Totoro the most. The voice casting is amazing, Cloris Leachman at one of her bests, Mark Hamill doing any voice work is always the best thing ever every time. I want to watch it again….
Movie 30: Tuesday, July 12th
Kurenai no buta (Porco Rosso)
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Starring (Dubbed): Michael Keaton, Susan Egan, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Cary Elwes
I don’t know how long it has been since I put in this movie, but it has been way too long. I always forget what a gem this movie is in the Ghibli collection and if I had to rank this movie, it may be my 4th favorite. The cast is amazing, Kimberly Williams-Paisley is such a good voice actor (it sucks she doesn’t work more with Ghibli) and it’s always a pleasure to hear Susan Egan’s performance, as well! If they really were to make a sequel, I would be the first one in the theater!
Movie 31: Wednesday, July 13th
Mononoke-hime (Princess Mononoke)
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Starring (Dubbed): Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver, Billy Bob Thorton
So this was actually the first time I finished the film, which I thought I had before. Somehow, during every past viewing something must have happened that would cause me to have to stop watching. Now that I have finished it, I must say that I enjoy the movie a lot more. The animation is so gorgeous. I really want Ghibli to make another film like this in the future. I believe in you, Goro!
Movie 32: Thursday, July 14th
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (Spirited Away)
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Starring (Dubbed): Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette, David Ogden Stiers
I am so glad I revisited this movie. It’s just beautiful. I may prefer it to every single adaptation of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ ever made. Definitely a staple in animation and in film.
Movie 33: Friday, July 15th
Omohide poro poro (Only Yesterday)
Directed by: Isao Takahata
Starring (Dubbed): Daisy Ridley, Dev Patel, Alison Fernandez, Grey Griffin
It’s a shame it took so long for this one to be released in North America! I really enjoyed it. A story that goes through adulthood and constantly reminds the lead and others about her past. The animation is flawless like every Ghibli film, however I love the differences in design between the childhood flashbacks and the present setting of the film. The detail differences are very different, yet they seem like the same story. It’s hard to explain, I guess… Very happy I got around to watching this one! Definitely would watch this when you are very awake, it is a very slow film, but consistently entertaining… unlike the next film on my list….
Movie 34: Saturday, July 16th
Kaguyahime no monogatari (The Tale of Princess Kaguya)
Directed by: Isao Takahata
Starring (Dubbed): Chloe Grace Moretz, Darren Criss, James Caan, Lucy Liu
I had never seen this movie before and it is a beautifully done film. My only issue with it is the same one I have read and heard from others: it’s too long. I was very invested in the characters, the story is captivating and rich, but gaaah, it was 20 minutes too long and the ending was underwhelming. The pacing made it hard to keep watching and pay attention. However, the legend and tale of the ship in the movie was just breathtaking. If you have 2 hours to kill and want to watch a very serious, fantastical film then this is the film for you. I really did enjoy it, it just went on too long.
Movie 35: Sunday, July 17th
Kaze tachinu (The Wind Rises)
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Wener Herzog
This is my favorite Miyazaki and Ghibli film. I like to always acknowledge the fact that there are other directors and creators at Ghibli. This movie is so full of interesting history, passion, and great characters and it makes it a treat to watch each time. This is also my favorite dubbing cast for any Ghibli film. Gordon-Levitt did a fantastic job and Stanley Tucci is always perfect in everything he is in. This is Hayao Miyazaki’s last film for Studio Ghibli, he will now be doing shorts, which is fine. At least we get to enjoy his work in SOME capacity. I must say that this was the perfect way to go. This film is a masterpiece. Interesting tidbit: all the plane noises are Hayao making the foley noises!
What a great week can’t wait for part 2 and 3 of Studio Ghibli movies (whenever they will be).