Beauty Around Us: Part 3, European and Chinese Animated Backgrounds

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Continuing on, these are beautiful backgrounds from European and Chinese animation.

I. European Animation

1. French, Danish Long Way North (2015)

2. French, The Illusionist (2010)

3. French Ernest and Celestine (2014)

4. Dutch, Japanese The Red Turtle (2017)

5. French, Italian The Little Prince (2015)

6. French Tales of the Night (2011)

7. English Watership Down (1978)

8. French The King and the Mockingbird (Officially 1980)

II. Chinese Animated Films

1. Big Fish and Begonia (2016)

Beauty around Us: Day 13, Part 1

Most of the pictures in this post are actually from my personal camera phone. Spring is truly a beautiful time of year.

I’ve wondered a lot these past few weeks the value of taking the time to see and appreciate beauty around us. From commercials on solitude during the quarantine and even free access to operas, ballets and classical concerts I’ve found myself reflecting on how much I needed to slow down and LOOK at the world around me.

A peace has come into my life even amidst the chaos, stress and anxiety.

To see, understand and appreciate beauty is an integral part of the human condition. Its deeply personal. I’ve noticed how those who lose track of themselves most readily forget to find and see beautiful things. To be truly lost in the dark means also being blind to beauty.

But just like anything, the higher elevated our minds are, the more attune we are to celestial beauty. Even if we feel we aren’t adequate or insightful enough to know or find the best of everything, I’ve found for myself there is beauty everywhere if we are willing to look for it.

I remember several years ago doing a research project on what I believed to be the most beautiful animated films. I believe what I sad then applies to now. It is silly but I was upset because my favorite films had not been listed. These were my thoughts concerning the matter six years ago.

It is natural to be emotionally attached to beautiful things, and even more so to be upset when they are not recognized. 

Beauty and aesthetic opinions are ALWAYS subjective. . . Though beauty depends on personal opinion, I still believe there is a higher standard. To be able to recognize and appreciate true beauty takes time, patience and study.

So much of normal everyday life seems to be built upon abating physical appetites and receiving stimulation through our entertainment. But the experiences that really matter, which stick to us, are those which adhear to out spiritual desire to find beautiful things and experience them for ourselves.

Sometimes that is through a children’s story. Sometimes a photograph. It can be found in nature among trees and flowers and in looking up at the stars. Music at its peak also transports us to hearing and finding beauty within ourselves.

I wanted to share a few of my most favorite beautiful finds. I will list it by category. I find when I show others the things I love I understand and love myself more. It gives me confidence to know I can find beauty around me.

I. Background Art from Animated Shows

1. Samurai Jack

Art by Scott Wills

2. Avatar the Last Airbender

3. Hilda (2018)

Original art and concept by Luke Pearson

4. Over the Garden Wall (2014)

II. Backgrounds from Japanese Animated Shows

1. Mushishi (2005, 2014)

trees-2560-1024-wallpaper

2. Hyouka (2012)

3. Tsuritama (2012)

This post will be split into four or more parts! Stay tuned.

Day 3: Fall is about the thresholds of life

Come wayward Souls,

Who wander through the darkness,

There is a light for the lost and the meek.

Sorrow and fear,

Are easily forgotten,

When you submit to the soil of the earth.

Grow, tiny seed,

you are called to the trees.

Rise, ’til your leaves fill the sky,

until your sighs fill the air in the night.

Lift your mighty limbs,

and give praise

to the fire. “Come Wayward Souls“, Over the Garden Wall

Known to many of my friends and family, Over the Garden Wall is one of my all time favorite pieces of animation. I actually wrote a REVIEW about it several years ago and continue to study different essays and videos about its content.

As far as Autumn goes, this series definitely has an intense feeling of familiarity and brightness. It is about being lost, but found and discovering courage and identity when facing death and our many fears.

I really enjoyed the video below and if you are interested give it a look! It actually isn’t too long and has some very insightful points about this series’ story, structure and characters.

DAY 1- Month of Movie Quotes: Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Art, no matter its form, is always a personal matter: a journey into the things which influence us on a deeper , more profound level. I believe that art is a manifestation of man’s potential for creation.

After a long leave of absence, I’ve decided starting today to release a series of memorable movie quotes. These are the kind of lines and scenes which often replay in my mind. I believe we all have them: those moments in film which really make us stop and think.

So without further ado let’s begin!

For today, I chose a quote from the newly acclaimed animated film Kubo and the Two Strings. I won’t do a review of this film for awhile, but I will say I loved its story, animation and message on family and courage. It was truly a joy to see. I highly recommend this movie for those who love traditional Japanese folklore and stop motion animation.

(After seeing golden herrings fly overhead)

Monkey– It’s believed that they carry the souls of the departed. Carrying them over to where ever they need to go.

Beetle– What are they singing?

Monkey– Many say, the songs about what happens when we die, how we don’t just disappear. Like Kubo’s paper, we shift, we transform, so we can continue our story in another place. The end of one story is merely the beginning of another.

I love this quote because it speaks the profound eternal truth that death is not the end. Familial ties, love and memories cannot be severed by death. I believe one of the greatest illusions in this life is the illusion of separation. Life truly has a deeper meaning beyond what we initially understand. Beyond what we see with our physical eyes.

For the movie, I think it is especially important to remember this truth because Kubo struggles with separation almost the entirety of the story. From the death of his parents and the murderous intentions of his extended family, his story could be counted as one of the loneliest. But, as one discovers in watching the movie, he is not as alone as he believes. Nor is his family as far away as he thinks.

Watch “Glen Keane on Beauty and the Beast transformation sequence” on YouTube

Here is a small clip by the original head designer for Beauty and the Beast (1991) on Beast’s transformation into a man. I also includef a clip of the raw animatipn for this scene. Glen Keane primarily hand drew this scene and really put his heart and soul into it. Those who know me, also know how much I love animation and how I especially love this animated scene. I have a special love for stories where people transform inside. What I love about this animated scene specifically is how we as an audience can really see his complete transformation come to life through art. Art is a powerful thing, which leaves impressions on us. It is because artists implant a part of themselves into their work. Really, a part of their souls. I hope you enjoy thees clips if you are interested! 

Watch “Duet – Glen Keane” on YouTube

I felt I should share this video again. Whenever I see it, I feel such a sense of wonder and peace. True love is the most beautiful thing in the world and we all long for it. And I know we recognize it when we see it. 

I really like this quite from Leo Tolstoy which says,”Love, true love, love that denies itself and transfers itself to another, is the awakening within oneself of the highest universal principle of life.” (A Confession, 1882). 

For those who have not seen this video, I hope you enjoy it! 

My Favorite Movies: 20-11

We are now coming to the point where animation starts overwhelming live-action. Three of the films are Hayao Miyazaki masterpieces. Hopefully, this list is enlightening for you and for me.

20. Anastasia (1997)

This movie came out when I was six or seven years old. I loved it and even had a Barbie doll for Anya. (Not sure what happened to it …) Anyway as I grew older I found new reasons to enjoy it. At first it was the humor and fantastical adventures that appealed to me. Now, it is everything else. Personally, the movie would have worked better if it did not have the villain and dark forces stuff. I think it takes away needed attention from Anya’s journey and final decision.

Though it is flawed, I love this simple story and the romance that blossoms between Dimitri and Ana. The music is also really nice and I know all the songs by heart. Personally, I think this is Don Bluth’s most cohesive film. Most of the characters from his films are … ugly and cartoony. In Anastasia, they look lifelike and could easily slip into the real world. Also, the visuals are really stunning in places and I love how St. Petersburg looks through the animation and backgrounds.

Favorite Quote(s):

1. Dowager Empress Marie: You were the boy, weren’t you – the servant boy who got us out? You saved her life and mine and you restored her to me. Yet you want no reward.

Dimitri: Not anymore.

Dowager Empress Marie: Why the change of mind?

Dimitri: It was more a change of heart. I must go.

2. [Anya and Dimitri have been arguing on the train – Vlad enters the compartment]

Anastasia: Oh, thank goodness it’s you!

[points to Dimitri]

Anastasia: Will you please remove him from my sight?

Vladimir: [to Dimitri] What have you done to her?

Dimitri: Me? It’s *her*!

Anastasia: HA!

[leaves]

Vladimir: Oh! An unspoken attraction!

Dimitri: *Attraction*? To that skinny little brat? Have you lost your mind?

Vladimir: I was only asking a simple question…

Dimitri: Attraction… ridiculous!

3. Vladimir: That’s what I hate about this government. Everything’s in red.

19. The Lion King (1996)

Many childhood days were spent watching and rewatching this glorious movie. The music, especially the background’s done by Hans Zimmer, gives me goosebumps and the story is enchanting. The movie feels BIG, like the whole world is reflecting back at you through the screen.

Lately, not as many are praising the film, which I think is a waste. Besides Beauty and the Beast, this is the best film Disney released during its Renaisannce. Some have issues with its similarity to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. (Pst that was done on purpose). Others just do not like it’s musical numbers. Then there are those who hate for the sake of hating. For myself, I love this movie and could watch it repeatedly for the rest of my life. As a side note, Scar is my favorite animated villain.

Favorite Quote(s):

1. Scar: I’m surrounded by idiots.

2. Rafiki: Look down there.

[Slowly Simba walks to the edge of the watering hole and peers inside. His reflection stares back at him]

Adult Simba: That’s not my father. That’s just my reflection.

Rafiki: No. Look harder.

[Rafiki touches the water which causes waves that change Simba’s reflection into Mufasa]

Rafiki: You see? He lives in you.

Mufasa’s Ghost: [From above] Simba.

Adult Simba: Father?

Mufasa’s Ghost: [He appears in the sky as a group of stars] Simba, you have forgotten me.

Adult Simba: No. How could I?

Mufasa’s Ghost: You have forgotten who you are and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself Simba. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the Circle of life.

Adult Simba: How can I go back? I’m not who I used to be.

Mufasa’s Ghost: [Now fully formed in the sky] Remember who you are. You are my son and the one true king. Remember who you are.

Adult Simba: [Mufasa’s ghost begins to disappear] No! Please! Don’t leave me!

Mufasa’s Ghost: Remember.

Adult Simba: Father!

Mufasa’s Ghost: Remember.

Adult Simba: Don’t leave me.

Mufasa’s Ghost: Remember.

3. Young Simba: Dad?

Mufasa: Hmm?

Young Simba: We’re pals, right?

Mufasa: Right.

Young Simba: And we’ll always be together, right?

Mufasa: Simba, let me tell you something my father told me. Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars.

Young Simba: Really?

Mufasa: Yes. So whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I.

18. Murder by Decree (1979)

I usually love Sherlock Holmes adaptations and films as a rule. Last December though, I came across this movie. It surprised me how well the clues melded into the story. More often then not, I figure out the mysteries in movies fairly well on my own. Not so here. It centers on the killings of Jack the Ripper and the political implications surrounding the gruesome murders of many women. Christopher Plummer is one of my favorite actors and plays Sherlock as a sophisticated, yet contemplative man.

Beneath the mystery lies a deeper tragedy. Since I hate to spoil a good mystery, I will remain silent. But there are moments, especially the ending where we see a different side of Sherlock lost to us in other adaptations that prefer to portray him as slightly mad or eccentric. There is a sadness and anger there against the injustices of the murders and their aim. I love this movie for that reason, a masterpiece lost in the annals of film.

Favorite Quote(s):

1. Sherlock Holmes: You create allegiance above your sworn allegiance to protect humanity. You shall not care for them, or acknowledge their pain. There lies the madness.

2. Sherlock Holmes: [to Lestrade] When people are frightened, they turn to God, and when they have no help from him, they look to the Devil.

3. Sherlock Holmes: We’ve unmasked madmen, Watson, wielding scepters. Reason run riot. Justice howling at the moon.

4. Prime Minister Lord Salisbury: You have us at a disadvantage, Mr. Holes. I think it might be better if you tell us your story in your own way and permit me to be the judge of whether it is true or not.

Sherlock Holmes: [Assertively] You may take it to be true, sir!

17. Princess Mononoke (1998)

It is hard to explain the genius of this movie let alone the painstaking care in each of its frames and its story. The director Miyazaki-san redrew at least half of the frames himself, so powerful was his dedication. It is a window into a different time where technology and deep, spiritual culture collided in heart-renching battles and encounters. Each side believes themselves the right but neither is truly the villain.

The genius lies in the main character Ashitaka and his purpose in the story; “To see with eyes unclouded” the hatred eating both sides alive from the inside out. Goodness, I love every aspect of this movie. The visuals are stunning. The character development and story flawless and the romance simple yet beautiful. There is a strange fog over American cinema that insists animation is childish. Not so, not so. This movie is mature, thought provoking and a spectacular watch every time. Also, Joe Hisaishi’s musical score is absolutely brilliant. You really should just see this movie for yourself to understand.

Favorite Quote(s):

1. San, The Princess Mononoke: Even if all the trees grow back, it won’t be his forest anymore. The Forest Spirit is dead.

Prince Ashitaka: Never. He is life itself. He isn’t dead, San. He is here with us now, telling us, it’s time for both of us to live.

2. Moro: [dying words] Ashitaka… Can you save the girl you love…?

3. Lady Eboshi: [Ashitaka interrupts the fight] What do you think you’re doing, boy?

Prince Ashitaka: Stay your hand. The girl’s life is now mine.

[San viciously bites Ashitaka’s arm]

Lady Eboshi: I’m sure she’ll make a lovely wife for you.

Prince Ashitaka: There’s a demon inside you. It’s inside both of you.

[the curse remanifests as a mass of worm-like tendrils, shocking everyone]

Prince Ashitaka: [to the crowd] Look, everyone! *This* is what hatred looks like! This is what it does when it catches hold of you! It’s eating me alive, and very soon it will kill me!

[San tries to make the curse leave her alone]

Prince Ashitaka: Fear and anger only makeit grow faster!

Lady Eboshi: I’m getting a little bored of this curse of yours, Ashitaka. Let me just cut the damn thing – *off!*

[swings her needle at Ashitaka]

4. San, The Princess Mononoke: Why did you stop me from killing her? Tell me while you’re still alive!

Prince Ashitaka: I didn’t want them to kill you. That’s why.

San, The Princess Mononoke: I’m not afraid to die. I’d do anything to get you humans out of my forest!

Prince Ashitaka: I knew that… from the first moment I saw you.

San, The Princess Mononoke: And I’m not afraid of you! I should *kill* you for saving her!

[San turns Ashitaka around, takes out his sword, and aims it inches over his neck]

San, The Princess Mononoke: That woman is evil, and there’s no one who can stop me from killing her.

Prince Ashitaka: No… Live…

San, The Princess Mononoke: That’s enough! I’m not listening to you anymore!

[presses tip to throat]

Prince Ashitaka: [opening his eyes] You’re… beautiful…

[San gasps, jumps back]

San’s Wolf Brother: What is it, San? Want me to crunch his face off?

[all stare at Ashitaka for a moment… until a rock sails in and breaks the moment]

5. [first lines]

Narrator: In ancient times, the land lay covered in forests, where, from ages long past, dwelt the spirits of the gods. Back then, man and beast lived in harmony, but as time went by, most of the great forests were destroyed. Those that remained were guarded by gigantic beasts who owed their allegiances to the Great Forest Spirit. For those were the days of gods and of demons…

16. Spirited Away (2001)

Even though I placed this ahead of Mononoke, they really are tied. Many critics consider this to be Miyazaki’s masterpiece and I would not argue with them. (Personally, I think he has several including this movie) The genius of this movie is its take on human interaction with spiritual creatures. One thing Western religion does not fully understand is the nature of the spirits and gods in Japanese folklore and religion. They are neither bad or good. Their opinion of humans varies and they are not past error. So, what seems to us cruelty when Chihiro’s parents change into pigs and the spirits mistreat Chihiro because she is human is really the perspective of ageless beings misused and forgotten by humans.

This movie has so many colors and dimensions. It’s animation is spectacular and the characters are complex and change very subtly. Also, it takes moments to step away from the intense action of some scenes for quiet reflection. One of the most iconic moments is when Chihiro rides the spirit train with No-face, who had minutes before tried to devour her. I showed this film to my students a few months ago. To my immense surprise, they loved it even more the the other movies I used for projects. I love its complexity and treatment of characters the most and still find new layers to the story and animation each time I watch it. Again, I also admire Joe Hisaishi’s musical score.

Favorite Quote(s):

1. Lin: What’s going on here?

Kamaji: Something you wouldn’t recognize. It’s called love.

2. [in Japanese]

Haku: Kamaji.

Kamajii: [wakes up] Oh, Haku, you’re awake.

Haku: Where’s Sen? What happened? Please, tell me.

Kamajii: Don’t you remember anything?

Haku: Just little pieces. Chihiro kept calling my name in the darkness. I followed her voice and woke up lying here.

Kamajii: Chihiro, huh? Her real name’s Chihiro? Can’t beat the power of love.

15. Lady and the Tramp (1954)

Believe it or not, the American Film Insititute put this on their list of top 100 most romantic American movies. I was shocked. It was the only animated movie besides Beauty and the Beast to make the list. I learned to love this movie in my early teens. Something about the romance appealed to me and I even remember a dream I once had about the movie where I tried to fix the mistakes some of the characters from the film made.

It is a sweet film, devoid of any villains or climatic battles. But not all films need that. Much like My Neighbor Totoro, it emphasizes real life and a simple, blossoming relationship. Though the animation does not do anything spectacular, there are moments like the Soagetti Dinner accompanied by “Belle Note” that stay with you.

Favorite Quote(s):

1. Lady: Oh! Oh, dear!

Tramp: Is something wrong, Pidge?

Lady: It’s morning.

Tramp: Yeah. So it is.

Lady: I should have been home hours ago.

Tramp: Why? Because you still believe in that old “in the faithful old dog tray” routine? Aw, come on, Pidge. Open up your eyes.

Lady: Open my eyes?

Tramp: To what a dog’s life can really be! I’ll show you what I mean. Look down there. Tell me what you see.

Lady: Well, I see nice homes, with yards and fences…

Tramp: Exactly. Life on a leash. Look again, Pige. Look, there’s a great big hunk of world down there, with no fence around it. Where two dogs can find adventure and excitement. And beyond those distant hills, who knows what wonderful experiences? And it’s all ours for the taking, Pige. It’s all ours.

Lady: It sound wonderful.

Tramp: But?

Lady: But who’d watch over the baby?

Tramp: [shaking his head] You win. Come on. I’ll take you home.

2. Joe: Here’s your bones-a, Tony.

Tony: Okay, bones. Bones? Whassa matta for you, Joe? I break-a your face-e! Tonight, Butch-a, he’s-a get the best in the house!

Joe: Okay, Tony! You the boss.

Tony: [Showing Tramp the menu] Now, tell me, what’s your pleasure? A la carte? Dinner?

[Tramp barks]

Tony: Aha, okay. Hey, Joe! Butch-a he say he wants-a two spaghetti speciale, heavy on the meats-a ball.

Joe: Tony, dogs-a don’t a-talk!

Tony: He’s a-talkin’ to me!

Joe: Okay, he’s a-talkin’ to you! You the boss!

[brings the spaghetti, muttering to himself in Italian; Tony snatches the spaghetti from him and serves it to the dogs]

Tony: Now, here you are-a, the best-a spaghetti in-a town.

3. Tony: Hey, Joe! Look! Butch-a, he’s got a new girlfriend.

Joe: Well, a-son of a gun! He’s a got a cockerel Spanish-a girl.

Tony: Hey, she’s pretty sweet kiddo, Butch. You take-a Tony’s advice and settle down with this-a one, eh? Hehehe.

Lady: “This-a one”?

Tramp: This-a one… this-a… Oh! Tony, you know. He’s-a not-a speak-a English-a pretty good.

14. The Fall (2006)

I am surprised as anyone how far up this film came. But, again, after careful reflection it makes sense. It touches on old films, depression and the imagination and emotionality of a young girl. Shot in 28 different countries in a span of four years, their are NO computer special effects anywhere. That is saying something. Some of the visuals like the towering Burial cloth for the bandit’s brother as well as the maze of stairs in the story hardly seem like they could ever be real.

What intrigued me was how the story the patient Roy Walker told the young girl Alexandria changed through her imagination. The Indian really looked like he came from India rather than the Native American Walker actually talked about. The African looked like he came from an African tribe rather than a newly freed American slave. And so on and so forth. But most interesting of all is the relationship between Alexandria and Walker, a broken hearted man using her to commit suicide. She does not know this of course. Anyway, this is the only rated R film on my list but it was terribly misrated. I would let my younger brother see this when he was ten. (As a treat, here are more images from the movie)

Favorite Quote(s):

1. Roy Walker: [finishing the story, both he and Alexandria are crying] He can’t win. That’s because our masked bandit is a coward. Yeah. He never took an oath, he’s a fake. He’s a liar and a coward.

Alexandria: You’re lying.

Roy Walker: No. He had his fingers crossed. He has to die.

Alexandria: I don’t believe you.

Roy Walker: He’s dying.

Alexandria: Don’t kill him.

Roy Walker: There’s nothing left for him.

Alexandria: His daughter.

Roy Walker: He wasn’t her father, either.

Alexandria: She loves him.

Roy Walker: She’ll survive, she’s good.

Alexandria: I don’t want you to die. Roy. Don’t kill him. Let him live. Let him live. Don’t kill him. Roy? Promise? And don’t cross your fingers.

Roy Walker: Promise.

Alexandria: Show me your hands.

Roy Walker: [raises his hands] See?

2. Luigi: [reading from Evelyn’s locket] My dearest daughter, never marry for money, fame, power or security. Always follow your heart. Your ever loving father…

Blue Bandit: It says all that on that little locket?

Luigi: Si.

3. Alexandria: You always stop at the same part, when it’s very beautiful. Interesting.

13. Pride and prejudice (2005)

Maybe because I am not an English major, I like this WAY more than the BBC miniseries. Before anyone calls me a heathen, I have legitimate reasons for this. Firstly, the book if adapted entirely for film does not run smoothly. Frankly, it is boring. Secondly, the cinematography suffers under such a low budget production. The visuals are watered down and as such are dull. Lastly, I do not like how they handled the romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

That aside, everything I said does not work in the BBC version plays splendidly in this movie. The visuals are gorgeous, the story easy to follow and the romance palpably believable and moving. Roger Ebert, the only film critic I really take seriously, stated,

But a lot must happen before the happy ending, and I particularly admired a scene in the rain where Darcy and Lizzie have an angry argument. This argument serves two purposes: It clears up misunderstandings, and it allows both characters to see each other as the true and brave people they really are. It is not enough for them to love each other; they must also love the goodness in each other, and that is where the story’s true emotion lies. . .

When Lizzie and Darcy finally accept each other in “Pride & Prejudice,” I felt an almost unreasonable happiness. Why was that? I am impervious to romance in most films, seeing it as a manifestation of box office requirements. Here is it different, because Darcy and Elizabeth are good and decent people who would rather do the right thing than convenience themselves. Anyone who will sacrifice their own happiness for higher considerations deserves to be happy. When they realize that about each other their hearts leap, and, reader, so did mine.

That basically surmises my own feelings for this wonderful romance. The music is enchanting, the acting is phenomenal and I thoroughly care about Darcy and Lizzy’s happiness. That is a rare thing for me, for I also seldom like generated romantic movies.

Favorite Quote(s):

1. Mr. Darcy: You must know… surely, you must know it was all for you. You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I’d scarcely allowed myself before. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes have not changed, but one word from you will silence me forever. If, however, your feelings have changed, I will have to tell you: you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.

2. Elizabeth Bennet: And that put pain to it. I wonder who first discovered the power of poetry in driving away love?

Mr. Darcy: I thought that poetry was the food of love.

Elizabeth Bennet: Of a fine stout love, it may. But if it is only a vague inclination I’m convinced one poor sonnet will kill it stone dead

Mr. Darcy: So what do you recommend to encourage affection?

Elizabeth Bennet: Dancing. Even if one’s partner is barely tolerable.

3. [ordered to order Lizzie to accept Mr. Collins’s proposal]

Mr. Bennet: Your mother insists on you marrying Mr. Collins…

Mrs. Bennet: Yes! Or I’ll never see her again!

Mr. Bennet: Well, Lizzy, from this day henceforth it seems you must be a stranger to one of your parents…

Mrs. Bennet: Who will maintain you when your father’s gone?

Mr. Bennet: Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins… and I will never see you again if you do.

Mrs. Bennet: Mr. Bennet!

Elizabeth Bennet: Thank you, Papa.

4. Mr. Bennet: Lizzy, are you out of your senses? I thought you hated the man.

Elizabeth Bennet: No, Papa.

Mr. Bennet: He’s rich, to be sure, and you will have more fine carriages than Jane. But will that make you happy?

Elizabeth Bennet: Have you no objection other than your belief in my indifference?

Mr. Bennet: None at all. We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of fellow… but that would be nothing if you really liked him.

Elizabeth Bennet: I do like him.

Mr. Bennet: Well…

Elizabeth Bennet: I love him.

12. The Thief and the Cobbler (?)

I often feel so torn when I think about this movie. It tragically was never truly finished by its creator Richard Williams ( Think of the mind behind Who Framed Roger Rabbit, 1988) one of the most underrated geniuses of hand drawn animation. After 28 painstaking years in development, Warner Bros. took the film away from him and made it into a botched version of Disney’s Aladdin (1992). Here is a statement that will lift some eyebrows. As it was originally intended, this film is far superior to Disney’s film.

The visuals are beautiful, intricate and transport you to Baghdad of old in ways Disney’s did not. Do not get me wrong, I thoroughly admire Disney’s animation for that movie. But it is here with The Thief and the Cobbler that it almost reaches perfection. What I hate most about the botched version released without Williams is that they were scared it was too much like Aladdin so they changed the story. Ironically, by adding in musical numbers and drastically twisting the plot it did copy cat it. I love this movie and hope that someday someone finally truly finishes Willams unfinished masterpiece.

Favorite Quote(s):

1. [last lines]

[original version]

Princess Yum-Yum: I love you.

[Tack takes the tacks from his mouth at last]

Tack the Cobbler: And I love you.

[they hug]

(Disclaimer for my family: I still love the thief’s lines from the 1995 version! I promise!)

11. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Recently, a blogger for YouTube reviewed this movie after seeing it for the first time. He stated that if not for children this is one of the most menial animated films he had ever seen. In his mind, because there was no villain, traumatic problems, moral lessons or action it was pointless. You can imagine how surprised I felt, if not a little angry. He horribly misinterpreted this movie. Originally, it was not the success it now is in Japan. The 80’s, especially in Japan, meant crime fighting, explosions and superpowers. Before Totoro, Miyazaki-san released two other spectacular films Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Nausicca: Valley of the Wind which deferred to popular media but had hidden sparks of the more gentle scenes and heroes from his later movies. When he released Totoro into theaters, it did not do well at all. It was not until it was released to home television that it received its deserved attention.

People loved it. Many said it reminded them of their childhood homes and experiences. For myself, this movie was a BIG part of my childhood. I could watch it without fear of monsters or drama. This movie represents the beauty and innocence of childhood: it’s wonder and how close children are to viewing the real world and its magic.

I defer again to Roger Ebert, who (AS AN ADULT VIEWER) placed it on his Great Movies list.

Here is a children’s film made for the world we should live in, rather than the one we occupy. A film with no villains. No fight scenes. No evil adults. No fighting between the two kids. No scary monsters. No darkness before the dawn. A world that is benign. A world where if you meet a strange towering creature in the forest, you curl up on its tummy and have a nap.

. . . ‘My Neighbor Totoro” is based on experience, situation and exploration–not on conflict and threat.

. . . There is none of the kids-against-adults plotting of American films. The family is seen as a safe, comforting haven. The father is reasonable, insightful and tactful, accepts stories of strange creatures, trusts his girls, listens to explanations with an open mind. It lacks those dreary scenes where a parent misinterprets a well-meaning action and punishes it unfairly.

I’m afraid that in praising the virtues of ”My Neighbor Totoro” I have made it sound merely good for you, but it would never have won its worldwide audience just because of its warm heart. It is also rich with human comedy in the way it observes the two remarkably convincing, lifelike little girls (I speak of their personalities, not their appearance). It is awe-inspiring in the scenes involving the totoro, and enchanting in the scenes with the Cat Bus. It is a little sad, a little scary, a little surprising and a little informative, just like life itself. It depends on a situation instead of a plot, and suggests that the wonder of life and the resources of imagination supply all the adventure you need.

This is the movie of my childhood of course. But as an adult it is a reminder that the world is loving and beautiful. We need more films like this, but alas our culture seems to revel in drama and suspense. Those are not bad, but sometimes we need to sit back, be still and let ourselves enjoy the joy of living.

Favorite Quote:

1. Tatsuo Kusakabe: Trees and people used to be good friends. I saw that tree and decided to buy the house. Hope Mom likes it too. Okay, let’s pay our respects then get home for lunch.

(Most of the scenes I love have little to no dialogue.)

Kim Possible (2002-2007)

I am actually really excited for this review. . . at least more so than usual. I grew up with this show and once upon a time recorded all the episodes onto dvds. Lately, I have been rewatching a lot of the old shows from my childhood and. . . well. . . lets just say they aren’t as great as I remember {cough. . . Totally Spies}. Turns out becoming more cultured ruined my opinion of popular American animated shows. Three or so weeks ago I suddenly was in the mood for Kim Possible and I took the plunge after three or so years just to see if, as they say in the show, Kim Possible really is “all that”.

Lets get started shall we? Here are the basics of this show. Kim Possible is a crime fighting cheerleader who hails from Middleton, a town with an exponential amount of scientists and strange buildings, who faces terrible foes from around the world. At her side is her strangely talented/untalented sidekick Ron Stoppable; lover of Bueno Nacho, and owner of the crazy smart naked mole rat Rufus. There are a whole host of villains and schemers and each of them makes the lives of our teen heroes all the more interesting.

Though KP’s plot sounds predictable I would say it is only so on the most basic level. Yes, every episode they foil the bad guy and save the day but I wouldn’t say that the process is boring. This show is cheesy at times in a GOOD way {not just because of Bueno Nacho}. Will I ever say this again? Probably not. The story and its characters are relatable and funny without being overbearing.  This is just an undeniably likable story. What is there to hate? There are many pop culture references and jabs at iconic super hero show cliques, which makes the show even more enjoyable.

Another element I liked in KP‘s story is the type of world the characters lived in. Though there were self-proclaimed “evil” villains they still weren’t anything like the criminals and thieves of today. All the teenagers lived cleaner, more responsible lives, were respectful to teachers and cheerful overall despite all the strange things that happened around them. All in all, KP showed a brighter, friendlier community to live in. Though their Bueno Nacho is blown up/ destroyed more than once, Middleton seems like an ideal place to live and raise your children in. I always think of what Mrs. Incredible said in The Incredibles (2005) before she left her children to find her husband:

Remember the bad guys on the shows you used to watch on Saturday mornings? Well, these guys aren’t like those guys. They won’t exercise restraint because you are children. They *will* kill you if they get the chance. Do *not* give them that chance.

Though the show portrays “unrealistic” scenarios and situations I think it is fun at times to escape into a place where good always wins over evil and people are genuinely good and driven by more than pleasure and self gratification. If KP was a live action show. . . it would not have nearly the same appeal as this one. That is why animation is such a wonderful and needed artistic medium because it is where our dreams and imagination have no limits. How else would we accept a talking mole rat and multiple attempts at world domination by a man with blue skin?

Kim Possible herself is a pretty interesting character. Like many heroines in other shows, she is still vulnerable, gets embarrassed and makes pretty stupid mistakes. She struggles with her confidence especially when it comes to dating, is a perfectionist and is extremely competitive. Though she tends to overwork herself and expect way too much out of others at times she still stands as a wonderful role model because she accepts her mistakes and tries to fix them. I find her blunt manner, especially when it comes to some of Ron’s own. . . questionable decisions pretty funny. Maybe it is because I grew up with her but we are a lot alike even though I can barely do the splits let alone scale mountain sides and jump from planes. When I watch the show I think that perhaps like Kim anyone can do anything IF they set their minds to it. You also have to give her perks for accepting her feelings for Ron in the end and loving him in all his blundering glory.

Ron Stoppable {Yes that is his last name} is beyond a doubt my favorite character in the series. What I like the most about him is that he is not afraid to be himself. . . though to be honest that self is pretty weird. His hobbies, likes, and habits have NOTHING to do with what others think or deem acceptable. He follows what he calls his “essential Ronness” which does not follow trends but makes them. Though I wouldn’t go so far as to say that he is a trend setter, his attitude and perspective on life is really refreshing. He is pretty prone to big headedness at times but that is what Kim is for right? Though she is really popular he is still considered an outcast in his school despite their deep friendship. Does that perturb him? No. Not really. Though so many find him inferior and a blunderer I wonder if they realized how talented he actually is. He can cook, make balloon animals, dance, is a ventriloquist, mime and is a pretty creative thinker. Lets not forget that he also has super monkey ninja powers to top all that off. {Yes I know it sounds weird but just accept it.} Plus, most importantly, though he is afraid of practically everything he still helps Kim and faces his fears head on.

I don’t have the time, or the patience, to write about all the villains so I decided to focus on the most popular duo: Dr. Drakken and his assistant Shego. Dr. Drakken is what you would call the most inept super villain ever. After failing to take over the world so many times you would think he would give up and put his smarts into something useful. That would ruin the whole experience though. His schemes usually involve stealing, not building, a super dangerous weapon/ invention {even if he has NO idea what it is} and using it to try to take over the world. {Once he actually attempted to take over Canada with a weather machine and planned on calling it  Dracanada. . . I think you get the idea}. Though he is a hilarious not so evil villain, his assistant Shego is intelligent and if she put her mind to it could easily take over the world, which she did in the movie A Sitch in Time {Not the greatest movie in the world but it is funny and has meat cakes}. Frankly, I think she is too lazy to actually attempt global conquest. I love her sarcasm though and the way she treats Dr. Drakken with contempt yet loyalty. The rest of the villains are just as colorful but aren’t seen as frequently as Kim’s aforementioned Arch foes. There is the manic golfer Duff Killigan, the Monkey master. . . Monkey Fist, the screamer Dr. Dementor, Gemini, among others.

The animation and character designs are great considering this is supposed to be another run of the mill cartoon series. The action scenes especially are well done. Even the background animation has amazing detail and definition. That is saying something. In fact it goes above and beyond expectations and gives its audience a clean, simple yet smooth style.

Now we come to my favorite part of these reviews. . . the romance. {Don’t judge me.}. Though it seems clique, I like that they had Ron and Kim fall in love. Yes, it seems somewhat like the same old same old unpopular loser gets with the popular girl drivel we have heard since pre-K but (*shrug*) I like it. I like their relationship because it is grounded in a long friendship that has spanned most of their lives. They are vastly different from one another but I think that that is what makes it work. They both check each other when they make mistakes and are the most comfortable being themselves when they are with each other. There were always subtle hints here and there that they had feelings for one another but I think they were both too stubborn to accept it. It took them a LONG time to acknowledge their feelings. Too long. You have no idea how annoying it was waiting for them to FINALLY get together.

After the final movie So the Drama Disney had planned to end the series with Kim and Ron finally dating, but because of popular demand they made a fourth season. The fourth season portrayed their dating life really well without getting too mushy. It was interesting to see how insecure Ron became once he started dating her. I swear it was the only time where he cared about his position on the social sphere. It is always refreshing to see guys like him getting the girl they deserve and visa versa. Personally, I think Kim was lucky to find such an endearing, reliable, and devoted person such as Ron.

What is my final verdict? This is a wonderful show. . . despite how cheesy it is sometimes. I never get tired of watching it even though I am an adult. There are so many wonderful lessons kids/adults can learn when watching it. It doesn’t promote stupidity, but pushes for excellence and respectability. I can’t really rate this series like I do my movies so lets just say I give it a gold medal for being a memorable and well done cartoon series. In all its charm, I think Kim Possible stands as one of the most unique, funny, and identifiable series that have been made. It is hard not to like it. Hopefully, if you decide to watch it, it will be an equally memorable experience for you.

FAVORITE QUOTES: (I couldn’t just pick one)

Ron: [both are tied up] There are guys out there that are better for you than Eric. Guys that are real, for one thing.
Kim: Do you really think there’s a guy out there for me?
Ron: Out there… in here.
Kim: [realizing what he is saying] Oh. Really?

Kim Possible: But it’s cardboard caff pizza.
Ron Stoppable: Cheese on cardboard is still cheese.
Monique: Got you there.

Kim Possible: [reading a catalog for jewelry] “Jimmy Ding the Bling-Bling King?” I can’t believe I just said those words with a straight face!

Kim: [under “Moodulator” mind control] Now, about that favour…
Ron: Actually, KP, I…
Kim: [pouting] Tonight’s the night of the big Middleton Days festival, and I don’t have a date.
Ron: Wait, wait, wait! You want to go to the festival as my *date*?
Kim: [overjoyed] Oh, I thought you’d never ask!
[she kisses Ron deeply; Wade appears on her computer]
Wade: Hey, guys, I…
[spits out his drink and falls off his chair]
Wade: Ah! Um… bad time to call?
Kim: [giggles] Guess what the sitch is, Wade?
Wade: Um… I just wanted to tell you, I got a link to the Kimmunicator, and… were you guys just smackin’ lips?
Kim: [gazing into Ron’s eyes] Great, Wade!
Ron: [dreamily] Whatever you say…
Kim: I’m going to get ready for tonight. Rrrrr!
[she leaves]
Wade: Whoa! What’s going on?
[Ron shuts the locker door on him]
Wade: This isn’t normal! Hello?

Shego: What are we doing here?
Kim Possible: We needed to meet some place Aviarius doesn’t know about to make our plan.
Hego: Well, the Go Tower is the ultimate fortress of goodness.
Kim Possible: Don’t think so. You’ve got a giant viewscreen that your arch-foe can appear on whenever he wants. He talks to you, you talk to him. You don’t think…
Hego: That he could use that technology to spy on us while we were planning our heroic efforts. Blast! The fiend! How come no one ever mentioned this before?
Shego: [weary] Because it was obvious?

Kim Possible: [after her latest brush with Motor Ed] No mocking the hair.
Ron Stoppable: [chuckles nervously] Are you kidding me? You know, I know the basic boyfriend rules, Kim. Your new haircut is fabulous! And those slacks are very flattering!
Kim Possible: Thanks for the sensitivity.
Jim and Tim Possible: Sorry, but we’re contractually obligated to mock.
Kim Possible: Okay, just get it over with.
[pause]
Jim and Tim Possible: It’s no fun if you help.

[Wade reads a love note for Monique that Ron gave him]
Wade Load: The humble earthworm is vital to agriculture, it moves through the soil by excreting lubricating mucus.
Kim Possible, Monique: Eww!
Ron Stoppable: Wait! That’s my biology report! Oh no! That means…
[camera cuts to Mr. Barkin grading Ron’s “biology report”]
Mr. Steve Barkin: [sniffs] That’s a beautiful thought. A-plus, Stoppable!

Ron Stoppable: Okay, well, I have no idea what just happened, but I am clearly not cut out to help people make life choices.
Kim Possible: Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure. You helped me choose… you.
Ron Stoppable: Okay, *that* time I was a genius.

Kim Possible: Whatever you’ve stolen, give it back.
Shego: We haven’t stolen a darn thing.
Dr. Drakken: [appears] I’ve stolen the darn thing, Shego! Let’s go!

Ron Stoppable: Save the world, unwind with nacos and a movie. Bust a villain out of prison, it’s the hoity-toity express to Super Spaville.
Kim Possible: Saving the world has other perks, too.
Ron Stoppable: Such as?
Kim Possible: Cuter boyfriends.

ハウルの動く城, Hauru no Ugoku Shiro (Howl’s Moving Castle), 2004

Based on the extremely popular {and HILARIOUS} fantasy novel written by Diana Wynne Jones in 1986, Howl’s Moving Castle garnered praise from film critics world wide as one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most colorful and enjoyable animated films. It was nominated for an Academy Award in 2006 as best animated film and has since won numerous other awards including the Osella Award for Technical Achievement at the 61st Venice Film Festival. Film Critic Peter Travers praised it stating, “There’s a word for the kind of comic, dramatic, romantic, transporting visions Miyazaki achieves in Howl’s: bliss.” Despite all the wonderful things said about it, there were many people who see this film as Miyazaki’s weakest work.

This was the second Hayao Miyazaki film I ever watched. It is because of it that I became interested in his other works. In fact I would often tell people, if they asked, that it was my absolute favorite film. It seems strange that I am only writing my review for it now. I guess I have put it off because of doubts I had about its genuine mastery {I blame Roger Ebert for that}.

Recently however I watched it again, paying special attention to its animation and story, and bought the art book, which contains myriads of original story boards and concept sketches. In it, I came across a reflection written by the supervising animator Kitaro Kosaka, who said something I will never forget:

Although I was impressed by his approach to characters, what really amazed me was his incredible talent as a filmmaker. This film differs from his previous films insofar as the story assumes the perspective of the characters. We did our best to delete an explicit omniscient point of view or explanatory scenes. That’s part of the film’s appeal. The story is packed with stimulating scenes, and watching the story unfold is an enthralling experience for both adults and children. I really thought, ‘This is amazing.’

Despite deep criticisms against it, I took a step back and examined it from an untainted perspective. I recalled the feelings I had when I watched it for the first time when I was seventeen. Starry-eyed and taken aback I had thought to myself “This is magic.” To my relief, I still believe it.

The story begins in a quaint hat shop where Sophie Hatter works as one of the seamstresses. As the other girls giggle about May Day they spot Howl’s castle moving through the hills. Uninterested, Sophie leaves separately from the others and embarks into town to meet her sister Lettie. However, when she moves to escape the crowds she is stopped by two soldiers who try to bully her into having a drink with them. Suddenly an elegantly dressed blond man steps beside her and playfully removes the soldiers, before assuming the role as her escort. While walking with him, they are pursued by top hatted blob men {Yes blob men} who work for the witch of the waste. They evade them as Howl thrusts them into the air and magically walks her to the top balcony of Lettie’s bakery. This encounter, catches the attention of the witch of the waste, who visits Sophie in her hat shop and changes her into an old woman, who can’t tell anyone she is cursed. From there she leaves her dull life and becomes a cleaning lady in Howl’s castle.

I would rather not spoil this movie for anyone who hasn’t had the privilege of watching it. The plot, though its seems vague in the beginning, takes on a new clarity by the end of the film. In order to fully grasp its story, it is necessary to carefully watch each of the characters, because it is told solely from imagery.

There are no long monologues or dramatic discoveries, rather it is as though we are plunged headfirst into their memories. Because the film was organized this way, the character’s physical and psychological changes seem so natural and flow so easily it is hard to even notice they happen. By the end of the film, they are completely different people, not because we finally understand them but because they really have changed exponentially either out of their love for another person or by dramatic events that force them to switch sides.

Knowing the overall film making process, especially for animated films, completely changes your perspective of Howl’s Moving Castle. This is especially true in the conception of the film’s most dynamic character, the moving castle. Before, I had simply been fascinated by the mysterious way the castle moved. In fact, the first time I saw it I was torn between two conflicting questions: “What on earth is that thing?” and “How did they do it (meaning how did they make it move so intricately)?”

Now, it is as if the puzzle pieces have finally come together. In order to make the castle’s incredible movements possible, animators relied on CG effects which effectively put together all the painted pieces of the castle and brought it to life. For even those who don’t like this movie, it is impossible to not stand in awe of such a beautiful animated achievement.

They used similar tactics in scenes like the black hole that spread underneath Sophie as she looked on at a younger Howl, and in sweeping background movements as the characters ran or when they were in moving vehicles.

Myazaki-san designed the castle himself and has a knack for creating magical elements in his films in ways that other animators and designers couldn’t possibly do themselves. Who else would have conceived such a perplexing character as the moving castle?

It isn’t strange for essentially non-living buildings or places to become main characters in such stories. For example, in The Hunchback of Notre Dame though the cathedral technically can’t be considered a living, breathing thing it is referred to as a real person (specifically a motherly figure). Often the mood of the cathedral directly reflected those of the characters or intense events such as the execution of the gypsy Esmeralda when it hovered over the pyre angrily, red and menacing because of the fires.

Though such a viewpoint is not as dramatic in Howl’s Moving Castle, there are still times where it seems like the almost amphibious castle has a life of its own. Naturally, this is because it has a lifelike structure. It moves on four clawed legs and even has a mouth and eyes.

As in all Miyazaki-san’s films, his other characters are as simple as they are complex. Never in any of his works will you ever see copy cut-out’s or unoriginal stereotypes. Describing and understanding the characters is almost impossible even after one sees the movie many times. As I have said in my other reviews of his movies, this is because he doesn’t create characters. It is almost as if he is telling stories about real people.

Sophie in the beginning comes across as detached, sullen and shy, overshadowed by her flamboyant mother and pretty younger sister Lettie. This makes her in no way cruel or unlikable. It is actually quite interesting to see how much she opened up and relaxed when it was only expected that she was plain and un-extraordinary. If anything, Howl’s Moving Castle is a testament that a person’s self-perception not only changes how others see them but who they become. In other words, because she believed that she was plain, boring and of little merit it reflected on how she and others saw and treated her.

What is intriguing is how much she changed when she no longer focused solely on herself. I know this sounds corny, but it is because she fell in love with Howl that she overcame her curse. This was a curse that she had put on herself. The author Catherynne M. Valente put it the best in her book The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two (2013). In quoting the Undercamel from Pluto, her pawless yeti stated, “What others call you, you become. It’s a terrible magic that everyone can do -so do it. Call yourself what you wish to become.” No one really talked about how or when she suddenly became young again. It simply happened and her closest friends accepted the change as if she had only switched outfits. Perhaps this was because they had seen beyond her physical appearance at the person hidden deep inside her.

Of all the characters, Howl is the one who changes the most subtlety. His soft, nonchalant personality doesn’t dramatically shift. Unlike in Jones’ original novel, he is never considered by anyone to really be evil or terrible. Yes it is said in passing, but it isn’t taken seriously. Because the audience first sees him as Sophie’s mysterious, gallant rescuer he is portrayed as the exact opposite. His motives don’t come across as selfish or laden with ulterior motives, rather the best way to describe him is easygoing or carefree. He lives within the bounds of what is convenient and detaches himself from anything troublesome.

Like Sophie, it is obvious that he is too focused on himself and the way he looks. He also masks himself to escape from his problems, except he does it through fancy, bright styles rather than dowdy cloths. It isn’t until the fateful (and side splitting) bathroom disaster when his world comes crumbling down {basically his hair turned orange instead of the usual beautiful blond color he liked and he threw a tantrum}.

Afterwards, the facade is gone and he lets his barrier down. The past terrified him both because of the mistakes he had made with people like Suliman and the Witch of the Waste and also the fateful decision he had made in his youth.

Yet, I think that while watching Sophie he finally let go of his fear. He even told Sophie “I am tired of running away Sophie, and now I finally have something I want to protect. It’s you.” In his own way I think that he is an admirable person. He fought against the cruel war and obviously cared about people. All in all, I think of all of Miyazaki-san’s heroes he is the most simple and unassuming.

I wanted to mention the other characters briefly, though they aren’t as important to the main story-line. The main “villian” is obviously the Witch of the Waste. In this film however the witch isn’t killed or banished, rather she loses her magic and becomes a part of their family.Naturally, because American audiences have absorbed stereotypical villian vs. heroe movies for so long it is expected that there be a flashy battle where good triumphs over evil. Miyazaki-san doesn’t create movies with this mentality. The supervising animator Akihiko Yamashita put it this way:

… if I had directed Howl’s Moving Castle, I think it would have been a war between wizards where Howl would ward off the Witch of the Waste. But Miyazaki wasn’t interested in portraying the witch as evil. His open-minded approach was very inspiring.

His approach doesn’t surprise me, because in all his movies I have only ever seen one true blue villain and that was Colonel Moskow from Laputa Castle in the Sky. I think this approach in film-making is needed. True, there are some stories that NEED villains like those in Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) or Pinocchio (1940) but other times, most of the time, it isn’t that easy or wise to label people as evil or good based only on what we see.

The other characters like Markl and Calcifer add a needed charm and buoyancy to the plot and contribute to the plot’s simple magic without being overbearing. They change too by the end of the film but their’s comes more as a result of Howl and Sophie’s transformation.

Howl and Sophie’s romance is definitely less dramatic than it is in the book. Jones’ original characters constantly yelled at each other and threw tantrums. At one point, Sophie in a jealous fit poisons a vase of flowers and then goes on a rampage outside of their mansion with a jug of weed killer. This love story in the film adaptation is definitely more delicate.

Like Sophie’s transformation, their love story unfolded gracefully and developed almost like a flower opening after a rain shower. By the time Howl takes Sophie on their walk to his childhood cottage, it seems only natural when they walk arm in arm like young lovers through the fields of flowers. It is even less shocking when Howl cries, after Sophie harshly calls herself dull and only good for cleaning, “Sophie, Sophie you’re beautiful” and sadly watches as she shrivels back into an old woman.

There is no reason to worry about their future or whether they will be together, because they suit one another so naturally. They both have quiet personalities and aren’t forced to change for the other person. Rather, they change because of the other person without even realizing it themselves.

There hasn’t been nor will there ever be a film like this one. Personally, I think that of all his films it is the brightest and it flows with magic only imagined through dreams and childhood fantasies. Laden within this fantastic world are also subtle lessons against war, self esteem and like in many of his other films the power of true love. This kind of love isn’t very dramatic but it is powerful. Why? Because it is real. It is impossible to question its authenticity because it seems so natural and it happens so gradually. In other words, it develops and embeds itself rather than being foolishly grasped or thrust away while the characters are frantically running from yet towards each other.

I find it so strange that so few take animation seriously when it has become one of the most powerful storytelling arts. Only through animation could they have brilliantly told a story such as this one. That is the magic of Miyazaki-san’s true animated masterpieces. He opens for worldwide audiences a window into the spectacular without resorting to petty plots or moral challenging scenes. They are beautifully simplistic and unforgettable.

I can’t go against the wonderful feeling I have had since I first watched it five or six years ago. This will forever stay one of my favorite films and I believe in its own way that it is a masterpiece. Take it as you will, but remember that sometimes the most brilliant of stories don’t need to shout or scream. Some just unfold like a dream.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

Sophie: Please. Howl. I’m sure I could be of help to you. {PAUSE} Even though I’m not pretty. . . {PAUSE} and all I’m good at is cleaning.

Howl: Sophie! Sophie you’re beautiful!

{Sophie becomes an old woman again}

Sophie: Well, the nice thing about being old is that you’ve got nothing left to lose.

SECOND FAVORITE: {I couldn’t resist}

[Howl comes running out of the bathroom, screaming. His hair is now orange]
Howl: Sophie! You, you sabotaged me! Look! Look at what you’ve done to my hair! Look!
Old Sophie: What a pretty color.
Howl: It’s hideous! You completely ruined my magic potions in the bathroom!
Old Sophie: I just organized things, Howl. Nothing’s ruined.
Howl: Wrong! Wrong! I specifically ordered you not to get carried away!

[tragically]
Howl: Now I’m repulsive.

[slumps into a chair]
Howl: I can’t live like this.

[starts sobbing, head in hands]
Old Sophie: Come on, it’s not that bad.

[Howl’s hair changes color to purple, then black]
Old Sophie: You should look at it now, its shade is even better.
Howl: [inconsolable] I give up. I see not point in living if I can’t be beautiful.

Short Video tribute: Duet by Glen Keane (2014)

Last night, I found a posting of this video on Facebook and I fell in love with it. Animation is such a beautiful, complicated art form and this short is no exception. The three minute short depicts the love story of a boy and a girl, whose growth slowly draws them closer and closer together. Glen Keane, since 2013 named a Disney Legend, originally worked on character design and animation on many of the movies from the Disney Renaissance including The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Tarzan (1999), and Tangled (2010) and has received the 1992 Annie Award for character animation and the 2007 Winsor McCay Award for lifetime contribution to the field of animation.  I wish that I could post the video on my blog, but I am not a premium member. However, I will leave a link here so that anyone interested can watch it. ——–> LINK