Ghibli Fest 2024
Since we were heading into April and there was still no word of such I thing, I had assumed that this was going to be the first year in a while where GKIDS wasn’t holding Ghibli Fest in theaters. Needless to say, that made me pretty sad. I think last year except for John Wick 4, Mission: Impossible Whatever and Godzilla Minus One, every film I saw in a theater was an anime film, with most of them being Ghiblis.
So I was pretty excited to get an email today and learn that contrary to my fears, Ghibli Fest was making a belated return. I know nearly all of you are uninterested in anime, but let me put forth the following argument: The major titles listed below, most of them directed by (of course) Hayao Miyazaki, are not cartoon classics but world cinema classics.
Miyazaki might well be the greatest living filmmaker—one who is still releasing films, at that—and would probably be more acknowledged as such except for the fact that many critics refuse to accept animated films as “real” movies. This is the same kind of thinking that presumably kept Godzilla Minus One from being nominated for Best Picture—not even as Best Foreign Film—last year, as it clearly deserved.
Furthermore, I will exhort anyone actually going to see any of these to view the subtitled versions. First, I’ll admit to snobbery here, but it remains true that on the whole Japanese voice acting is better than American voice acting. Not only is it much more of an industry there, but needless to say, it also captures the tone of what the original directors wanted.
The other major reason, nearly as good, is that people who go to see not just Japanese films, not just Japanese Animated films, but Subtitled Japanese Animated films in a theater are only there to watch that exact film. None are casual viewers, which means respectful crowds that don’t talk during the movie or incessantly whip out their cell phones. If you despair of seeing a film with that kind of audience, allowing for the best sort of immersive theater experience with a great film, well, here’s your chance.
Really, the only reason to see the American dubbed versions is because you’re bringing a youngster with you. I can’t really argue with that. Kids should see great movies in a theater and get a sense of what a great theatrical experience can be like.
If you want more detail on when what version is playing–and these should be playing somewhere in a theater near you–here is a page with all the relevant info.
April 27-May 1st
Spirited Away Miyazaki’s greatest film is by default Ghibli’s greatest film. It might also, against a few contenders like Akira and the very best of Disney’s work, be the greatest animated film ever. Which also means its on the short list of greatest films ever, period. A masterpiece.
May 19th-May 21st
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind I saw this for the first time last year, and it’s great. Not Miyazaki’s best, perhaps, but that leaves a lot of room for wonderful. My strongest memory of this was that when I rewatched the anime series Bocchi the Rock shortly after seeing this, I got an extended Nausicaa joke in the series that still makes me laugh today. Great action movie, though.
May 20th-22nd
Castle in the Sky Running during the same period as Nausicaa, which I don’t love, but there you go. Again, great Miyazaki action fantasy.
June 9th-11th
The Secret World of Arrietty Missed this last time they showed and and have regretted it since. Here’s my chance to make up for it. By the way, on an instructive note watch the original Japanese languge trailer for this and then the Disney dub trailer. The Japanese trailer fosters a sense of wonder and adventure, while the Disney trailer suggests a mood of danger and menace. This is sort of what I mean about how the Japanese versions capture the intention of the filmmakers better.
June 10th-12th
When Marnie was Here A wonderful fantasy film about a lonely young girl who moves to the boonies and comes across a mysterious girl named Marnie. Again, great film. Sorry to be so one note, but these are all great movies. (Although some are grand epics and some more intement ones.) I’ve only seen this on Blu Ray so I look forward to seeing it in a theater. Again, this plays back to back dates with Secret World of Arrietty, which I’m not really a fan of. Oh, well.
Aug 3-7th
Ponyo Of the half dozen various Miyazaki films I saw in theaters for the first time last year, this was my favorite. Not his greatest film, but man, I loved it. In an age (and country) where every two characters are “shipped” romantically because, you know, no close relationship doesn’t include sex, it’s great to see films based just on close friendships.
Aug 25th-27th
Whisper of the Heart I’m a sucker for a great coming of age film, and also for a great romance, and this was both. This was the first Ghibli I’d seen in a theater several years ago at an earlier Ghibli Fest, and it really struck home. It’s not nearly the greatest, but man, I really love this film.
Aug 26th-28th
The Cat Returns A sorta / kinda sequel to Whisper of the Heart, in a way. I haven’t seen it, so now I will. Again, not a fan of running two movies in a row—when I see a great movie I want to “digest” it, if you know what I mean, before seeing another one. But hey, at least they’re playing.
Sep 26th-Oct 3rd
Howl’s Movie Castle One of Miyazaki’s grandest adventure films. Top notch.
Oct 26th-30th
Kiki’s Delivery Service Does this even need an intro? One of Miyazaki’s best.
Nov 24th-26th
Pom Poco I know nothing of this film and I don’t really want to. I’ll just go see it.
Nov 25th-27th
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya Princess Kaguya is one of Japan’s most cherished folklore stories. AS for the film, I’ve never seen it, but its reputation as a masterpiece precedes it. I will definitely be seeing this one. It if comes down to a choice because this and Pom Poco—again with the back to back thing—Kaguya wins hands down.
Dec 7th-11th
My Neighbor Totoro Hands down, one of the greatest family films ever made.
Anyway, I doubt anyone read all that, if you did, thank you. And please consider seeing at one or two of the movies listed above.
