Topic Open House: Favorite Studio Ghibli movies

meganbmoore asked about my favorite Studio Ghibli movies.

The first one I saw in the theater is my favorite: Ponyo.

I'd seen maybe 1 or 2 Ghibli movies before, but this one really made an impression on me. It is so beautiful and magical, and watching it (similar to other Ghibli movies) feels like dreaming. After seeing this one I watched a bunch of others, but sometimes I get Ghibli movies confused in my head and can't remember which title goes with which plot. Well, the plot is not the most important thing anyway. I should rewatch some of them.

These movies tend to have themes I enjoy: a focus on women and children, relationships, beautiful animation, domestic scenes, and a respect for the land and environment.

Ponyo herself charms me greatly. She is a little girl, born in the sea, who wants to join humans on the land. She finds a family and has a sibling-like friendship with a little boy. I read a review of this movie that posits Ponyo herself a metaphor for a kid with autism-- she doesn't quite get the social rules, and looking after her is a lot of responsibility (so says her new brother). Anyway you choose to look at it, it is a great movie!

Ponyo loves food, especially ham. "HAAAAAM!"



I just don't remember the other films as well, but I would say My neighbor Totoro is my next favorite!