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DIEGESIS : THE UNCONVENTIONAL MAGAZINE OF FILM AND TELEVISION CRITICISM
LIST


A JOY TO BEHOLD

​

5 JOYOUS STUDIO GHIBLI MOMENTS
​


​

LIST BY
MEGAN GORDON

PUBLISHED 12 AUG 2016
Picture
HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE
Hayao Miyazaki / 2004
  

“I think we ought to live happily ever after.” 
 
In what is considered one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most beautiful animated features, the moment that Howl’s Moving Castle is first spotted briefly in the distance through a blanket of fog is exhilarating. Even more so is its complete revelation when it roars over the hill and looms dramatically over Sophie (Chieko Baisho), exposing its garishness in all its glory.  
Picture
PONYO 
Hayao Miyazaki / 2008


“I made hands! I made feet, too! Ha!” 

 
Young Ponyo’s (Yuria Nara) desires and wishes are continually rejected and opposed by her overprotective father, Fujimoto (George Tokoro). She decides to dramatically defy him by using her magic to transform into a human and make her great escape to the ocean surface, causing a huge tsunami in the process.  However, the chaos of this “natural” disaster is overshadowed by Ponyo’s glee and euphoria at her new-found freedom, and further obscured by the bright colours and adrenaline-packed action building up to the moment she breaks through the ocean surface.  
Picture
GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES
Isao Takahata / 1988


"Now, let's see a firefly show!" 
 
From the outset, we are made aware of the tragic fate of orphaned brother and sister, Setsuko (Ayano Shiraishi) and Seita (Tsutomu Tatsumi). So when we see them venture into the garden one evening to catch fireflies together, there are no heartstrings left un-tugged.   Watching the siblings smile and excite themselves sheds light on the gravity of their situation, making this moonlit moment even more precious.  
Picture
SPIRITED AWAY 
Hayao Miyazaki / 2001


"So, you’re the one who carried me back to shallow water, you saved me… 

I knew you were good!" 

 
During her first shift at the bath house, Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi) is made to deal with a particularly pungent patron. However, her dedication and efforts are not in vain and her cackling co-workers are left stunned when it becomes apparent that this guest is actually a coveted River Spirit, who rewards her generously.  After watching Chihiro’s parents being taken away from her and being looked down upon by the other spirits, it is a truly fulfilling moment to watch her get rewarded for her efforts.  
Picture
MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO 
Hayao Miyazaki / 1988

"
Everybody, try laughing. Then whatever scares you will go away!” 
 
With a sleeping Mei (Chika Sakamoto) on her back, Satsuki (Noriko Hidaka) waits in the pouring rain at the bus stop. Moments later, Totoro (Hitoshi Takagi) joins them with only a leaf on his head to keep himself dry. An awed Satsuki offers him an umbrella, much to his delight and excitement as he toys with this exciting new discovery. The childlike innocence of this moment distracts from Satsuki’s present concern for her parents’ health and welfare, creating a rare and magical moment for her to enjoy.

More short reads about JOY >>>

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  • Home
    • About >
      • Like Us!
      • Join in >
        • Subscribe
        • Pitch
      • Contact Us
  • Print Issues
    • ALL
    • BEGINNING
    • END
    • I.D./CONTROL >
      • I.D.
      • CONTROL
    • COMPILATION
    • Conflict >
      • Conflict writers
    • Waste
  • Mini Issues
    • DECADE
    • RESET
    • 7 Deadly Sins >
      • SLOTH Mar 2020
      • WRATH FEB 2020
      • GREED JULY 2018
      • PRIDE JUNE 2018
      • ENVY MARCH 2018
      • GLUTTONY JANUARY 2018
      • LUST DECEMBER 2017
    • Personal August 2017
    • Short July 2017
    • Reality May 2017
    • Noise April 2017
    • Journey Mar 2017
    • Accolade Feb 2017
    • Fresh Starts and Finales Jan 2017
    • Emotional Summer 2016 >
      • LOVE
      • ANGER
      • SADNESS
      • SURPRISE
      • JOY
      • FEAR
  • Archive
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    • Articles
  • Blog
    • MUBIVIEWS