The Works of Miyazaki, Takahata, and Ghibli

List creator: JTurner1 Created on: April 15, 2004 - 4:17 AM PDT Description: From A Diehard Fan of these films!

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	movie title	related list	average rating	MPAA rating	watch	rent	buy
	Panda! Go, Panda! (1972)
This primitive 70's creation from Takahata and Miyazaki is fine fare for children and Miyazaki buffs (the two featurettes showcase a series of ideas that Miyazaki would later use for future projects), but others may find it to be too childish for its own good.
	The Castle of Cagliostro (1980)			Not Rated
Miyazaki's first film, and a lot of fun, too. It's about a dashing thief (Lupin the Third) who attempts to rescue a princess and foil a counterfeiting scheme. Incidentally, Miyazaki had previously directed a few episodes of the LUPIN THE THIRD series.
	Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Miyazaki's second film about a princess struggling to prevent war holds up surprisingly well in spite of its age. Contrary to a previous release, this Disney version presents the film in its entirety, with excellent performances from a top-notch English cast, highlighted by Patrick Stewart.
	Castle in the Sky (1986)			Not Rated
Miyazaki's third film is an exciting action-adventure which will delight young and old. It also happens to be the first to be created by his animation company, Studio Ghibli. Great characters, breathtaking music and artistry, and top-notch vocal work by Cloris Leachman (sky-pirate Dola) and Mark Hamill (bad guy Muska, one of his best roles ever IMHO).
	Grave of the Fireflies (Collector's Edition) (1988)			Not Rated
Heartwrenching animated drama about two Japanese children struggling to survive in the aftermath of World War II. That director Isao Takahata makes this unlikely subject for animation work is a triumph, both technically and emotionally. Very highly recommended, although be warned--chances are you may cry during this movie. (I certainly did!)
	My Neighbor Totoro (1988)			Not Rated
An AWWWWW-some story from Miyazaki. The story involves two young girls who discover the adorable title character in their back yard. FOX version is unfortunately dubbed, but Disney is planning to release an all-new version complete with the Japanese language track and an all new English cast featuring Dakota and Elle Fanning as the young sisters.
	Kiki's Delivery Service (Special Edition) (1989)
Based on a children's book of the same title, this movie is a delight for all ages. This story about a young witch-in-training's quest for independence was the first Ghibli movie Disney released in the US. Phil Hartman steals every scene he's in as Jiji the cat in the English version (his last role, unfortunately; we shall miss him dearly).
	Porco Rosso (1992)
Can pigs fly? In this Miyazaki feature about a pilot transformed into a pig, they sure can! Beautiful animation and likeable characters make up for a somewhat odd narrative. English version features a surprisingly good Michael Keaton as the title character.
	Pom Poko (1994)
This lavishly animated comedy-drama from Isao Takahata about raccoons fighting for their forest is a bit too foreign at the surface, but it's a must-see for Ghibli fans. As always, the dub (from Disney) is superb.
	Princess Mononoke (1997)
Wildly successful in 1997 (topped only by Spirited Away), this tale about a prince striving to keep the peace between man and beast is arguably his most "adult" animated feature to date. As always, the animation is beautiful and the story is powerful and strong. English version features first-rate script by Neil Gaiman and solid vocal cast.
	My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
Episodic yet wacky, creative --and ultimately delightful-- feature about the ups and downs of family life from Isao Takahata. The comic-style artwork compliments the movie to a T. The dub gets points off for not explaining cultural differences in certain scenes, but the voice work by James Belushi, Molly Shannon, and Tress MacNeille makes up for it.
	Spirited Away (2001)
The biggest moneymaker in Japan (currently), and the winner of the 2002 Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. A treat for all ages. Gorgeous animation, too. As with all the aforementioned films, this one has great dubbing, thanks to the folks at Disney--Suzanne Pleshette is a delight as the wicked enchantress (and her kinder, gentler sister).
	The Cat Returns (2002)
So far, the weakest of the Ghibli films. The artwork is colorful as always, but the story is too simplistic and predictable--a let-down for a studio who set high standards before. Still, it's perfect for kids. And speaking for the dub, Cary Elwes is dead-on as the suave, charming Baron.