Common Themes by: Fatmah Aljadi
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Many production companies have different ways of attracting their audiences. For example, some focus on certain themes to appeal to specific age groups. Studio Ghibli is no different. They incorporate common themes that attract audiences and resonate across cultures and generations. Environmentalism and nature, coming of age, and the Romantic sublime and human connection are three strong themes commonly portrayed in Studio Ghibli films.
Environmentalism and Nature
Environmentalism and Nature
Nature is beautifully portrayed in Studio Ghibli. The audience is left wondering if the wonderful animation and meticulous attention to detail are merely for the enjoyment of excellent art or if there is a deeper significance.
"Art is not only an organic process for Miyazaki, it is a living being, an organism" (Gossin, 2015).
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is an example of how nature in Studio Ghibli films is not just about the pleasure of viewing beautiful art, but also carries a deeper meaning. In the movie, the toxic jungle is the result of a human-made environmental disaster. Even though the jungle is toxic, the main character appreciates it and tries to understand it. This reflects the complex relationship between humans and the environment, and how people often destroy nature with their own hands. It also highlights the importance of respecting and understanding the natural world. Another example can be found in Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. Both films focus on a spiritual connection to nature and incorporate philosophies that emphasize harmony with the environment, particularly through representations of the Shinto religion.
If you’re interested in learning more about environmentalism and nature, you can watch this amazing video!
Coming of Age
Coming of Age
Coming of age is another interesting genre that Studio Ghibli explores. The studio often focuses on young protagonists and their journey of growing up while navigating complex emotions and relationships. These narratives explore themes of identity, maturity, and self-discovery. Kiki’s Delivery Service is one of the many examples Studio Ghibli offers in the coming-of-age genre. The story centers on a young girl who sets out to explore and understand the world around her. In the film, thirteen-year-old witches are required to leave home for a year to discover themselves. This highlights how Studio Ghibli emphasizes the experiences of young characters as they learn more about themselves and their surroundings. These stories may be targeted toward younger audiences to encourage self-exploration and independence.
If you’re interested in watching coming-of-age movies produced by Studio Ghibli, you can check out this link!
www.cbr.com/the-best-coming-of-age-stories-by-studio-ghibli/
Romantic sublime and Human connection
Romantic sublime and Human connection
"Miyazaki’s filmography presents a unique interpretation of the Romantic sublime, blending together elements of the English and German movements" (Walsh, 2019).
Movies from Studio Ghibli highlight human relationships and the romantic sublime. The Romantic sublime, which describes moments of intense beauty or emotion, particularly in nature, is frequently used in the studio. This idea is employed in Studio Ghibli to strengthen the emotional ties between characters as well as to emphasize the beauty of nature. The quotation in this section demonstrates how Studio Ghibli's use of the Romantic sublime extends beyond showing the interaction between people and nature; it also captures the emotional changes that characters go through in the face of life's challenges. Howl's Moving Castle, for instance, examines Sophie and Howl's developing relationship and how their love develops as they face challenges from magical forces, war-torn environments, and psychological insecurities—all of which are aspects of the Romantic sublime. This illustrates how Studio Ghibli takes emotional experiences—especially those involving love and human connection—by using the Romantic sublime. This theme's intimate connection to the previous examination of nature and the environment highlights how essential it is to Studio Ghibli's narrative.
Read this fantastic article to find out more about Studio Ghibli's use of the Romantic sublime!
Walsh, B. C. (2019). A Modern-Day Romantic: The Romantic Sublime in Hayao Miyazaki’s Creative Philosophy. Comparative Literature: East & West, 3(2), 176–191. https://doi.org/10.1080/25723618.2019.1710941
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