Pom Poko (1994). One of the lesser known movies from Studio Ghibli, not being part of the more well known Miyazaki canon, but yet a cult classic from one the greatest animation studios in the world. A wonderfully rich and amusing movie with an environmental message. The tankui battle against the humans, as the high-rise Japanese cities of the 1960s eat away at their forests. The shape-shifting tankui transform into humans, and in acts of eco-terrorism, attempt to disrupt the march of human progress. Director Isao Takahata has also directed many other classics for Studio Ghibli, not well known outside of Japan. Among ones that people should check out are Grave Of The Fireflies (1988) and My Neighbours The Yamadas (1999). Takahata, has also worked as producer on many of the most famous animations by Miyazaki to come of Studio Ghilbli. |
Studio Ghibli is considered by many lovers of animation as the greatest studio of animation production ever. Their works are often lush hand-drawn pieces of art, with engaging characters and quietly meandering story-lines. Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of the studio along with Takahata, is well known for directing some of the best animation movies ever seen. My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Spirited Away (2001) and Howl's Moving Castle (2004) being among the most well known. |