Studio Ghibli: The Films of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata [Paperback]

Colin Odell (Author), Michelle Le Blanc (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1842432796 | ISBN-13: 978-1842432792 | Publication Date: September 1, 2009

The animations of Japan’s Studio Ghibli are amongst the highest regarded in the movie industry. Their delightful films rank alongside the most popular non-English language films ever made, with each new eagerly-anticipated release a guaranteed box-office smash. Yet this highly profitable studio has remained fiercely independent, producing a stream of imaginative and individual animations. The studio’s founders, long-time animators Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, have created timeless masterpieces. Although their films are distinctly Japanese their themes are universal—humanity, community, and a love for the environment. No other film studio, animation or otherwise, comes close to matching Ghibli for pure cinematic experience. All their major works are examined here, as well the early output of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, exploring the cultural and thematic threads that bind these films together.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Colin Odell and Michelle Le Blanc are the coauthors of Horror Films, Jackie Chan, John Carpenter, Tim Burton, and Vampire Films, and contributors to  Alter Image and The Greenwood Encyclopaedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Kamera Books (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1842432796
• ISBN-13: 978-1842432792
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #538,886 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great reference book for information on Miyazaki & Takahata, April 27, 2010

By 

Lesley Aeschliman (Enumclaw, WA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Studio Ghibli: The Films of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata (Paperback)

The book contains an introduction, the pre-Ghibli works of Takahata and Miyazaki, the films of Studio Ghibli, other projects, a bibliography, and an index. Around the middle of the book is a section of pictures that features stills from some of the works featured in the book.

The introduction goes into the backgrounds of both Takahata and Miyazaki, the founding of Studio Ghibli, the themes and motifs that are present in both directors' work, and some explanatory notes. The pre-Ghibli works section talks about the Toei years, post-Toei, the Nippon Animation years, and post-Nippon Animation. Starting in this final section, the authors discuss works made by the directors; each write up includes the title, the year of release, who directed it, a plot synopsis (which includes spoilers), and an analysis of the work. The section about the films of Studio Ghibli goes straight into the write ups for each piece, and the write ups are done in the same style as the pre-Ghibli works. The final section of the book talks about some of the other projects produced by Studio Ghibli

Not only was this book comprehensive in covering the works of Takahata and Miyazaki, but the authors wrote it in such a way that the reader isn't bogged down while reading the book. Personally, I thought this was a rather quick and easy read for the kind of book that it is. I appreciated that the authors understood that they were primarily writing an overview book; while commentary is included for many of the works, the authors don't spend pages upon pages analyzing everything. I also appreciated that the authors covered the live-action documentary The Story of the Yanagawa Canals. And this is the first publication that I've read which really goes into detail about the Ocean Waves television film.

Personally, I think this book is a worthwhile addition to the book and reference library of an anime fan, especially if they have an interest in the Studio Ghibli productions and the works of Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki.

In order to write this review, I checked out a copy of this book through the King County Library System.

3 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Information Collected for Ghibli Enthusiasts, December 1, 2009

By 

William Edwards "Bill" (Lafayette, LA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Studio Ghibli: The Films of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata (Paperback)

This book is an excellent source for all who love the work of Miyazaki and Takahata and their shop. Much here that I, at least, was not aware of, and good evaluations of the films that I have seen.