Huge swells of strings and woodwind help evoke the sense of space and grandeur provided in the films opening moments, while a market scene makes use of typical European Medieval instrumentation. The result is a soundtrack that shares much in common with the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Le Guin, and as such has its foundations in Western high fantasy. Directed by Goro Miyazaki, son of the founder, the film is loosely based on the fantasy novels by American author Ursula K. Though different from a lot of other soundtracks across the films, Porco Rosso does share some similarities with Tales from Earthsea. Of course, Porco Rosso still retains a typical flare for the fantastical, but with its wartime narrative rooted in reality, a believable soundtrack only helps suspend one’s disbelief. Something of a caper, its European setting lends much to its soundtrack, as sections of brass, string and woodwind take on a much more prominent role than in other films a heavy classical Italian influence befitting of the Mediterranean locales featured feels a far cry from other Miyazaki films within the cannon. Porco Rosso for example, harbours much more bombast than the aforementioned Only Yesterday. This duality of understated Eastern influence, and that of something much more westernised is something that appears time and again across the course of the studio’s catalogue. Childhood flashbacks are backboned by playful woodwind and an almost circus-esque refrain, while a dream sequence sees that from the opening credits return.Įlsewhere another flashback scene in which main character Taeko Okajima’s childhood love interest Shuji Hirota is playing baseball, offers up a soundtrack of duelling Spanish guitars, a playful nod to spaghetti westerns while suggesting the seriousness of this moment for the character. Despite the understated nature of the film itself, music plays a strong role throughout. With its entire narrative hinged on memories, even the opening credits offer up a wistful sense of nostalgia, as a subtle piano is augmented through stronger swells of strings. The understated Only Yesterday is a prime example. In the latter however, Studio Ghibli seem far more understanding of the emotional gravitas a nuanced soundtrack can provide to a scene, or indeed an entire movie. Where Ghibli’s quiet introspection, conscience and thematic consistencies are arguably a far cry from that of their now Western counterpart, the two animation giants also share much in common.īoth provide unquestionable levels of escapism, young and often female protagonists, bold and brash colour palates and, perhaps most importantly here, strong and emotive soundtracks. 1).įor theater locations and reservations, visit environmentalism (Nausicca: Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke), history (Grave of the Fireflies), coming-of-age sentimentalism (Whisper of the Heart, Only Yesterday) to fairy tale fantasy (Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away), there really is something for everyone to love regardless of age or gender. The series continues with “Howl’s Moving Castle” (Sept. Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature. Nearsighted and unable to be a pilot, he becomes one of the world’s most accomplished airplane designers, experiencing key historical events in an epic tale of love, perseverance and the challenges of living and making choices in a turbulent world. Jiro dreams of flying and designing beautiful airplanes, inspired by the famous Italian aeronautical designer Caproni. The most recent masterpiece from Miyazaki is a spellbinding movie beyond compare. This unsung treasure from Miyazaki nestles a tale of morality and identity inside a soaring airborne adventure - a tribute to early aviation and the reckless flyboys whose home was the open sky. From Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki (“Spirited Away”) comes an epic masterpiece that has dazzled audiences worldwide with its breathtaking imagination, exhilarating battles, and deep humanity. This month’s offerings at selected theaters: Join GKIDS and Fathom Events for the annual Studio Ghibli Fest to experience the wonder of these groundbreaking, beloved animated films. For decades, Studio Ghibli has created beautiful movies that have captivated and inspired audiences for generations through masterful storytelling and stunning visuals.
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