GETTING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SOUL : the magic of studio Ghibli films.

I adore watching films. When I was about fifteen years old, I was browsing through my brother's Netflix account, hoping to find anything intriguing to watch on his list, is when I came across the film "spirited away." I had no idea what that movie or what kind of animation it was at first because I was only used to seeing Disney or Pixar animated films. I ultimately decided to give it a go after much deliberation, and I've never looked back.

In 1985, Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki established the renowned Japanese animation film studio Studio Ghibli. The Tokyo-based studio is known for producing some of the world's most beloved and critically acclaimed animated films.

The question now is, what distinguishes Studio Ghibli films from other animated films? Studio Ghibli films make you connect with your inner child. Even with the most basic plot lines, Studio Ghibli makes you think about your own life and ideals, as well as the decisions you've made in the past and the choices you might make in the future. They inspire the sense of compassion as well as empathy for people and things around you. 

"Only yesterday" is one of my favorite films from the studio. The film is known for its attention to detail, particularly in its representation of nature. Landscapes are beautifully detailed, and animal and insect movements are shown perfectly. The video displays the protagonist's inner thoughts and emotions in the most natural and straightforward ways, making it easy to relate to your own life. For instance, when the protagonist recalls a traumatic childhood memory, the animation alters to depict her anxiety and worry. This also occurs to us as normal creatures. When we recall a traumatic event, our minds are bombarded with ideas of concern, grief, and terror. One of the most unusual features I find in Ghibli films is its ability to depict pain, loss, and grief in the most beautiful ways. It teaches us the good in the bad, and now grief and loss are key components of living a good life. Another aspect of every Studio Ghibli picture that I truly like is the plot. There is never a significant wicked character or a character who is overly negative. Each film's tale flows and unfolds so beautifully that it leaves you feeling lighthearted and comfortable. None of their flicks are monotonous or likely to bore you. They have ups and downs that keep you interested for the entire 90 to 150 minutes of magic. I am convinced that if magic existed, it would be in Studio Ghibli films.

Other profound characteristics and elements in Studio Ghibli films include the feeling of warmth and nostalgia (just like a warm bowl of chicken soup), joy from the characters' lighthearted personalities, and awe from every detail in every frame of the film (for example, Yababa's character from Spirited Away is one of the most beautifully 2D animated characters with extreme details that I have ever seen).

As of 2023, the company has produced 22 films, which are available on Netflix and other streaming platforms. These films cover every subject (they are usually more of a slice-of-life type of film), including love, war, death, grief, honour, family, and friends. Over the years, the studio has received numerous awards and accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for "Spirited Away." With their distinctive blend of magical storyline and compelling theming, several of its films have also become cultural touchstones and cherished classics around the world.