The Big Picture

  • Studio Ghibli's unique style and thematic exploration set it apart from other animators, with a focus on natural settings and independent female heroes.
  • Miyazaki's films blend Western stories with Japanese folklore, emphasizing magical realism, environmentalism, and the sublimity of nature.
  • Ponyo, Howl's Moving Castle, and Spirited Away are retellings of Western fairytales, infused with Miyazaki's whimsical touch and his exploration of complex themes.