Studio Ghibli has long held its own against its bigger-budgeted, gaudier American animated rivals.
But with When Marnie Was There marking the conclusion (for now) of the studio’s output, it’s a fitting time to reflect on their most bewitching scenes to date. Brace yourselves, feels are coming…
01. Grave of the Fireflies
The movie’s brother and sister duo are resigned to a gloomy fate from the opening scene. So it’s a wondrous moment when they bond, giggling, over nighttime fireflies in the garden.
02. Spirited Away
Chihiro’s not happy about her family moving to a new area. Exploring, she discovers the local market holds an array of surprises – notably a host of eerie, ghostly locals floating their way through the day. A startling but entrancing introduction to the adventure to come.
04. Princess Mononoke
When the forest spirit visits a wounded Ashitaka, the scene transforms into a silent but stunningly beautiful trip full of arresting imagery.
05. Howl’s Moving Castle
The epitome of atmospheric, the first appearance of the titular giant steampunk castle is a breathtaking, serene example of Ghibli art and design.
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