Colin Odell

Studio Ghibli: The Films of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata is a book I received as an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. First, I must start off saying that I love Studio Ghibli films! So much so, that I named my cat Miyazaki! I was therefore, really looking forward to reading this book. While I did learn some facts about the studio, the men behind the films and the films themselves, I was slightly disappointed in this book. The beginning came off as a college essay (though a well-researched one). As it flows from the introduction to the meat of the book, it gets a little better. However, it still struck me as a comparison/contrast essay more than a book. A lot of the information was repetitive and I found myself nodding off more while reading it, than being interested in what the authors had to say. I ended up giving it three out of five stars, because I did learn some new facts, there are beautiful pictures near the end, and there was mention of movies that I have not yet watched. Studio Ghibi will forever hold a place in my heart, this book however, will not.… (plus d'informations)

Odell and LeBlanc take readers through the development of Studio Ghibli, arguably the most influential animation company in Japan, by examining each Studio Ghibli film and a handful of the pre-Ghibli works. Many of the films are now well known in North America (hence the publication of this book), so it was interesting to see them viewed in what is arguably a very Western perspective. Odell and LeBlanc put forth some very personalized opinions (I can't beleive that they think Spirited Away is "terrifying"), but also focus on more general critical theory. They speak to many of the common themes that resound throughout the films - such as environmentalism, flying, and the magic of childhood - so this book acts as a good overview and introduction to examining the films of Studio Ghibli. I only wish that they had spoken more about the side projects (tv commercials, etc) though, since worldwide audiences don't have easy access to these.… (plus d'informations)