Cats, cats and more cats!

My passion for cats leads me to this anime movie. Studio Ghibli has produced so many highly-acclaimed anime movies that have received numerous world-wide accolades. One of them is THE CAT RETURNS (Neko no Ongaeshi lit. The Cat's Repayment of Favours)

This anime movie was inspired by an original manga created by Aoi Hiiragi. Initially, this was Hayao Miyazaki's project. In the end, the responsibility fell to Hiroyuki Morita. Miyazaki is the executive producer for this anime movie.

Basically, this is a fantasy story about a 17-year old girl Yoshioka Haru who wonders into the world of cats. Prior to an incident, she then went to the cats' world guided by a big, fat cat named Muta. Soon after she enters the magical place, she meets with a talking cat named Baron Humbert von Gikkingen. Baron is actually a cat figurine in a magical antique shop who is given life. Thereafter, the magical adventure continues...

Generally, this anime movie may look silly and frivolous on the appearance, nevertheless it portrays a profound coming-of-age theme. In this animation movie, Haru, the protagonist is taught a variety of lessons and values, such as self-respect, loyalty and appreciation. She also learns on how to deal uncertain destinies. In order to change her fate, it is necessary for young Haru to believe in herself, and to appreciate her everyday life.

I really adore The Cat Returns for its fascinating and stunning visuals. The unique and intriguing storytelling is definitely the plus point.





[Note]
If you notice Baron and Muta have made a special cameo in Studio Ghibli's Whisper of the Heart.

Cry me a river...

I watched this movie with my guard down. I didn't have the slightest idea what this movie is all about. Hence, I'm sill sobbing hysterically while typing this entry. This is the saddest anime movie ever. And I'm not planning to watch it again, EVER!!!!


Grave of Fireflies (a.k.a Tombstone of Fireflies) or Hotaru no Haka is one movie that permanently engraves itself into your memory. In my humble opinion this is one of the most difficult movies of any genre to watch, nonetheless, it is also one of the best written. It is because this movie is actually based on the director's own life-story during WWII.

This movie does not glorify war, in fact, it intensifies the grotesque pictures of war. Somehow, this movie reminds me of my favorite poem Dulce Et Decorum Est by Owen by Wilfred Owen. This movie is emotionally draining and it is the ultimate tear-jerker to date.

It's about a harsh struggle of two orphan siblings, Seita and Setsuko, during WWII. They have to endure the suffering and pain regardless their tender ages (Seita was only 13 and Setsuko was 4). Even though Setsuko was practically a toddler she as considerably 'mature' in swallowing the whole bitter experiences. Even though she was young and dependent, she did not pose as a burden to her brother.

The movie exhibits the theme of personal growth, independence and most importantly brotherly love. Nonetheless, I simply detest the ending. The ending is not a stereotypical resolution which is common in most anime movies produced by Studio Ghibli. Until now, I can't shove away the scene of Seita cremating Setsuko's lifeless and frail body. Why must it end like this!!!!!

Grave of Fireflies is a movie that you don't want to watch when you're in the mood for anything carefree or light. Because it will definitely spoil your mood for the whole day. In fact, this is a movie that you would want to show if you want to clear the room with everyone in tears streaming down their cheeks.

I think I better stop here. I am ambivalent right now. I don't know whether to recommend it or not. Can't really decide with all tears still blurring my vision...






[Note]
Perhaps every decade, there will be a movie so memorable, so moving and so compelling that it permanently embeds images into your memory. This movie is definitely the one.

Fly Me to the Moon...

Flying, European setting, young female protagonist. These all too familiar elements. That's Miyazaki-sensei!

Kiki's Delivery Services (Majo No Takyoubin) is another masterpiece created by the celebrated storyteller in 1989. This movie is the first Disney/Studio Ghibli deal. The movie was dubbed in 1997 and it was premiered in the United State in year 1998.

The story is about Kiki a witch-in-training. She lives in a small rural village where her mother is the resident herbalist. Traditionally, Kiki has to leave her home to spend a year alone in a new town to establish herself as a bonafide witch. Kiki therefore flies on her mother's broom with her closest companion, Jiji, an eloquent black cat. Seconds after she leaves, Kiki and Jiji are caught in a thunderstorm, from which they take overnight refuge in a freight train. On the next morning, Kiki and Jiji wake up to discover that they have fallen asleep in a cow herd's feed-bag. They leave the trin and continue their search for a place to live.

Kiki settles in the beautiful seaside city, Koriko. Initially, she finds it hard to adjust to the new surrounding and the city's pace. However, due to an accidental incident she starts a delivery service that takes advantage of her ability to fly. In addition, in the story she experiences several difficulties such as slow business, misplaced merchandise, rude customers, and illness. She also must contend with her loneliness, worries, and homesickness.

In the new city, Kiki managed to make some new friends and she has met a boy named Tombo Kopori. At the beginning, she rebuffs Tombo who is the same age with her and is interested in aviation. However, she gradually befriends him.

Another problem she encounters is insecurity. Because of thet, Kiki's powers begins to diminish. Kiki learns about overcoming such obstacles with the help of a newfound friend, a young artist named Ursula, who gives advice regarding inspiration that Kiki needs in order to regain her magic.

In this movie, Tombo is accidentally lifted into the air in a blimp accident. When she is his only hope of rescue, Kiki finds the inspiration to regain her flying ability. Improvising with a street-sweeper's deck brush, Kiki manages to rescue Tombo with some difficulty.

After the incident, she has become the local hero and celebrity. Later, she is on the street of her town and notices a little girl walking past, because the little girl has her hair and clothing styled like Kiki's and is even carrying a small deck broom like the one Kiki flew to save Tombo.

If you had chance to watch Disney's version, you will notice one apparent difference: the background music. The background music is embellished and the opening and ending theme are also replaced.

The movie exudes the theme of coming of age and self-discovery. The protagonist has to be independent and discovers her own strength and drive. This can be seen when she embarks on the journey on her own without any adult companionship. She also works as a 'messenger' for a living. This definitely summarizes the whole sentiment of the movie.

Young Love At Its Best...

Whisper of the Heart or Mimi Wo Sumabesa (If You Listen Closely) is a captivating, charming and poignant tale about a school girl Shizuku Tsukishima. In this movie she is working on the translation of John Denver's "Country Road" song. The whole plot begins when Shizuku discovered a name -Seiji Amasawa- written on several library cards. She became curious. One day she met an unnamed boy at the school. She seemed to be irritated by the boy's aloofness towards her. Then one day while sitting on the train to go to the library, Shizuku comes across a cat sitting on the train by itself. The cat gets off at her stop, and Shizuku decides to follow the cat. Upon following the cat, Shizuku is lead to an antique shop. Gradually, she learned that the unnamed boy is actually Seiji Amasawa ! And thus begins the wonderful, heartwarming journey, about one's girl journey about growth and self-discovery.

Though this movie wasn't directed by Miyazaki, I would have to say this movie is very similar to Miyazaki's movie Kiki's Delivery Service. These two movies tell a tale about coming of age and self-discovery. Again with this being a Studio Ghibli film, the animation of the movie is very detailed and colourful. Even though the movie doesn't use orchestrated music the music of the movie was simply noteworthy. The background music was mainly of soft violin,flute and string guitar themes. I really adore the scene where Shizuku sings along Seiji's violin's performance. In the final analysis, this is another brilliant masterpiece by Studio Ghibli, that is suitable for the whole family. Most importantly, the ending leaves a nice feeling in the stomach, so it comes highly recommended. Never thought puppy love could ever be this profound...

Building Castle in The Sky : Laputa

The anime movie entitled Laputa: Castle in The Sky has captured my heart in totality! Kudos to the extraordinary master storyteller Hayao Miyazaki.

When watching this anime movie, my heart soars in freedom along with the characters Pazu and Sheeta. The adventure and the characterizations are mesmerizing. Some might say that the characterizations are very simple compared to other Miyazaki's previous work, nevertheless, they have elements of the human personality to which we can all relate. Similarily, his story echoes the same sentiments: flying adventures.

In this instalment, Miyazaki has shown the audience the real utopia. World governed by non-humans, robots to be exact. Somehow, I feel a tad uncomfortable with this sentiment. As if, in my humble opinion, he tries to exude atheist-ism view in this anime (somewhat Asimov's way of thinking). In this installment also, he conveys that anything, be it tools, technology or knowledge, can be used for both good and evil. And just as in real life, good and evil are not always immediately recognisable by mere appearances.

In the final analysis, this anime is for all to watch but for young viewers, this anime needs to be watched with an appropriate guidance. My two-cent!

Princess of Monsters : Mononoke-hime

I would like to recommend to all anime lovers to watch this award winning anime created by none other Hayao Miyazaki. These are the awards that the movie has claimed so far :

• Best Picture; The 21st Japanese Academy Awards
• Best Japanese Movie, Best Animation, and Japanese Movie Fans' Choice; The 52nd Mainichi Movie Competition
• Best Japanese Movie and Readers' Choice; Asahi Best Ten Film Festival
• Excellent Movie Award; The Agency for Cultural Affairs
• Grand Prize in Animation Division; 1st Japan Media Arts Festival (by the Agency for
• Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Education)
• Best Director; Takasaki Film Festival
• Best Japanese Movie; The Association of Movie Viewing Groups
• Movie Award; The 39th Mainichi Art Award
• Best Director; Tokyo Sports Movie Award
• Nihon Keizai Shinbun Award for Excellency; Nikkei Awards for Excellent Products/Service (details)
• Theater Division Award; Asahi Digital Entertainment Award
• MMCA Special Award; Multimedia Grand Prix 1997
• Best Director and Yujiro Ishihara Award; Nikkan Sports Movie Award
• Special Achievement Award; The Movie's Day
• Special Award; Houchi Movie Award
• Special Award; Blue Ribbon Award
• Special Award; Osaka Film Festival
• Special Award; Elandore Award
• Cultural Award; Fumiko Yamaji Award
• Grand Prize and Special Achievement Award; Golden Gross Award
• First Place, best films of the year; The 26th "Pia Ten"
• First Place; Japan Movie Pen Club, 1997 Best 5 Japanese Movies
• First Place; 1997 Kinema Junpo Japanese Movies Best 10 (Readers' Choice)
• Second Place; 1997 Kinema Junpo Japanese Movies Best 10 (Critics' Choice)
• Best Director; 1997 Kinema Junpo Japanese Movies (Readers' Choice)
• First Place; Best Comicker's Award
• First Place; CineFront Readers' Choice
• Nagaharu Yodogawa Award; RoadShow
• Best Composer and Best Album Production; 39th Japan Record Award
• Excellent Award; Yomiruri Award for Film/Theater Advertisement

The movie is set in Muromachi Period (1300s) and it portrays the beautiful and green scenery of mountains and forests. It centers on the struggle between the supernatural guardians of a forest and the humans who consume its resources, as seen by the outsider. This is common issue dealt by Miyazaki. It tells us that this anime offers more than just entertainment. It is an eye-opener to the real and current situation, even the setting is not the present. In addition, it gives us the insight on how environment is treated nowadays and how people can be profiteering. Furthermore, the portrayal of characters is really 3-dimensional and thorough. The life-stories of San and Ashitaka are exposed in detail. It's proven that Miyazaki is a master story-teller!

I simply adore this movie and it's definitely a must-watch!

My name is Chihiro : Spirited Away

This movie is produced by Studio Ghibli . It's written and directed by the famous and celebrated Hayao Miyazaki in year 2001. For those who don't really know who is Hayao Miyazaki, he is the famous writer and director ofnumerous well-known anime movies such as Mononoke-Hime, Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbour, Totoro,  Laputa and the list goes on. In addition, Spirited Away had claimed an international accolade by winning an OSCAR (yes... you heard me right!) in the same year. And then, the movie snagged another 35 wins and 18 nominations.

The original title of this movie is SEN TO CHIHIRO NO KAMIKAKUSHI. Literally it means, Sen and Chihiro Spiriting Away. But when it is translated into English the title is shorten into SPRITED AWAY. The tagline of this movie is The tunnel led Chihiro to a mysterious town (don't ever ask me the Japanese translation...).

It's undeniable that Miyazaki is the wizard of Japanese Anime. He, more often than not, creates works of such incredible beauty, stunning visual and sensory enchantmens. He is definitely the master of storytelling, that one can only be left speechless. Overwhelmed. Intoxicated with wonder. This is the magic of Spirited Away

The plot is simple yet very spellbinding. Filled with unique, lovable, quirky and spunky characters that will amuse and mesmerize the audience. Miyazaki reminds me of Charles Dickens. Both of them have the knack in creating such memorable characters with unique mannerisms. This anime will absolutely be enjoyed by everybody from all walks of life. Children and adults alike will be enthralled from start to end.

I simply love this movie since it radiates a magical, awe-inspiring, tearful, laughter-filled, heartfelt journey through a land of sweeping fantasy and dreams.