Whisper of the Heart (耳をすませば Mimi o Sumaseba)

For me, Whisper of the Heart is my favorite movie with the perfect ingredients. Even if it is not a movie directed by Miyazaki (but produced), the job of Studio Ghibli is remarkable. Now, this is the story of Shizuku, a student girl who likes to write and read a lot, also she helps with the housework and we could say she has a normal life. But, everything gets complicated when she meets a student called Seiji who wants to be a violin maker.

I really get identified with this story because it is very real, students situations at school, at home, making plans with their futures... love! Also, this movie doesn't have magic like the other movies, the only part that is magical is when Shizuku writes her story to prove herself that she can write. The film is that real than even the places shown in it exist... in Japan! Whisper of the Heart - Real Life Locations

I will certainly learn Japanese to know what exactly says here!

I love it! I see it every once in a while to remember myself that my writings are also full of magic, that we are proving ourselves every single day and that in a way we succeed. You must see it!! I leave you here the trailer.

Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ Gake no Ue no Ponyo)

The beauty of Ponyo consists in the transformation that suffers this little goldfish becoming a human. Ponyo meets Sosuke, the thing is that she is not only a fish, she has some magic inside that later on is tested by ponyo's parents to see if Sosuke can take care of her as a human. 

Something I love from Miyazaki's movies is that even if we think they are destined to children, all kind of people can see them, enjoy them and share the message they have within. From Ponyo, I stand out the importance of friendship, how kids see the things around them and believe in magic, believe that everything is possible. 

Another point, (once again I emphasize on this as in my earlier entries) is that the soundtrack is full of life and you really appreciate how well it is combined with the movie.

Joe Hisaishi

Well, there are not only movies, animations or pictures... Miyazaki also has a good friend to help him with the soundtracks. 

Joe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi is a incredible composer and musical director from Japan, who has made the film scores for: Nausicaä of the valley of the wind (1984), Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), Porco Rosso (1992), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001), Howl's Moving Castle (2004), Ponyo (2008), and The Wind Rises (2013). 

I want to share with you this splendid concert celebrating the 25 years of Studio Ghibli, in which we can be delighted with the most famous songs of Miyazaki's films.

Enjoy!!

Laputa, Castle in the Sky (天空の城ラピュタ Tenkū no Shiro Rapyuta)

This fantastic movie is the story of a girl Sheeta that hides a powerful secret without knowing it. Her ancestors lived in a castle in the sky but before she was born her family had to live on earth. 

Sheeta (that later in the movie we see that her real name is Lusheeta Toel Ui Laputa) has an amulet that can take her to the castle in the sky, but it is also actively sought by everyone, mainly thieves, who knows the story of Laputa and wants to take control over its treasure. At the end, Sheeta and her friend Pazu could visit Laputa, discover all the secrets and survive to return to earth.

One of the things that I really enjoy about this movie was that Laputa was the home of giant robots which took care of the living things there. And in real life in the Ghibli Museum in Japan there is a exact replica of this robot. Very impressive, I want to go there one day soon!

My neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ Tonari no Totoro)

My neighbor Totoro was release in 1988, this great movie tells the story of two young sisters Satsuko and Mei and their adventurous interactions with friendly wood spirits, like Tororo.

I just love this movie, because is very touching when you see the relation of the family. The innocence of little kids that can see spirits in the forest and play with them. Also the soundtrack is very sticky you can sing all the time 'Tonarino To-toro Totoro, To-toro Totoro' and love this big spirit.

You will enjoy watching this animation and also purchasing  every item of merchandising around the world because it is the most famous and friendly wood spirit of all times. (I have my totoro tedy bear and also a key chain)

Howl's Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城 Hauru no Ugoku Shiro)

"Howl: I feel terrible, like there's a weight on my chest.

Young Sophie: A heart's a heavy burden."

Howl's Moving Castle is the story of a eighteen year old girl named Sophie who lives making hats. One day she get into the way of a witch that pursues the main character Howl to have his heart, curses Sophie. She become a ninety year old woman, so she starts looking for cure to that spell. She travels to the mountains and finds a scarecrow which takes her to Howl's castle. They meet and she stay at the castle as a cleaning lady, she also meets Calcifer, the spirit who maintains in movement the castle, and Howl's young apprentice Markl. 

This story also shows a war in which everyone gets involved even if they don't want to. During all these events Howls starts feeling something for Sophie. At the end, the magic of love prevails and the war situation is ended. Shopie and Howl can continue with their lives together, and the castle that once wandered in the mountains now fly. 

It is another fascinating movie from Miyazaki's work that worth watching.  

Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)

Spirited Away is one of my favorite movies from Hayao Miyazaki's work. This Japanese animation film was released 2001 and it tells the story of Chihiro travelling to her new home. In the way to the place, she and her parents are going to live something strange and magical. They will be locked in the Spirits World in which her parents will become pigs, then, she has to work for the Witch of the Spirits, Yubaba, and try to save her and her parents to finally return to the human world.

This movie is full of colors, feelings, unusual characters and a beautiful soundtrack that will attract you to follow this wonderful story.

If you like Japanese animation, you must see this movie. I strongly recommend it!