Studio Ghibli: The films of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata

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Description

The animations of Japan's Studio Ghibli are among the most respected in the movie industry. Their films rank alongside the most popular non-English language films ever made, with each new eagerly anticipated release a guaranteed box office hit. Yet this highly profitable studio has remained fiercely independent, producing a stream of imaginative and individual animations. The studio's founders, Hayao Miyazaki and the late Isao Takahata, have created timeless masterpieces. Although their films are distinctly Japanese, their themes are universal: humanity, community and a love for the environment. No other film studio, animation or otherwise, comes close to matching Ghibli for pure cinematic experience.

Studio Ghibli outlines the history of the studio and explores the early output of its founders. It examines all the studio's major works including Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbour Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Only Yesterday, Porco Rosso, Pom Poko, Whisper of the Heart, Princess Mononoke and Howl's Moving Castle, as well as the Oscar-winning Spirited Away. Odell and Le Blanc's informed analysis also considers Studio Ghibli's later features such as Isao Takahata's The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-nominated masterpiece The Wind Rises, and the hotly-anticipated The Boy and the Heron.

'An excellent overview' Library Journal

'One of the most authoritative texts available. Whether you're a newcomer or a longtime fan, Studio Ghibli is well worth a read' SciFi Now

'A valuable beginner's guide to their complex and beautiful world' The List Magazine

'These guys sure know their Miyazaki and associates... a useful starter's guide' DeathRay Magazine

'Will make you want to see the films (again) with fresh eyes' BookDragon

Reviews

one of the most authoritative texts available. Whether you're a newcomer or a longtime fan, Studio Ghibli is well worth a read -- Ashley Day * SciFi Now *
the authoritative English language text on Studio Ghibli -- Marty Mulrooney * Alternative Magazine Online *
a competent portrait of a great studio -- Andrew Osmond * SFX Magazine *
an excellent overview -- Terry Hong * Library Journal *
a valuable beginner's guide to their complex and beautiful world -- Paul Dale * The List Magazine *

Author Bio

Michelle Le Blanc is a freelance author and film critic. She has co-authored books with Colin Odell about John Carpenter, Tim Burton, Horror Films, Jackie Chan, Vampire Films, Anime and Studio Ghibli and contributed to Wallflower Press's Alter Image and The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy. She is an editor and contributor to the online film review salon Kamera.co.uk and Vector Magazine. Colin Odell is a freelance author and film critic. He has co-authored books with Michelle Le Blanc about John Carpenter, Tim Burton, Horror Films, Jackie Chan, Vampire Films, Anime and Studio Ghibli and contributed to Wallflower Press's Alter Image and The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy. He is an editor and contributor to the online film review salon Kamera.co.uk and Vector Magazine.