Hayao Miyazaki Made the Most Daring Decision by Releasing My Neighbor Totoro with Studio Ghibli’s Darkest Film

Studio Ghibli is a wonderland in every sense. Especially for those who seek respite from the mundaneness. This holds especially true for most of their movies. From intricate storytelling to visuals, the films tug at viewers’ hearts. This is relevant to Hayao Miyazaki’s film My Neighbour Totoro. There’s more to the movie than meets the eye.

Hayao Miyazaki pulled a Barbenheimer way back. However, this move looks as emotionally confusing for fans as it sounds. The movie was released as a double feature with Grave of the Fireflies. Directed by Isao Takahata, the movie is one of the darkest films from Ghibli. Despite its dark elements, the movie continues to scar viewers. Especially with its poignant portrayal of childhood and war.

Hayao Miyazaki pulled a classic Barbenheimer move with My Neighbor Totoro.

Hayao Miyazaki is one of the celebrated Japanese filmmakers. He holds finesse’ in creating intricately woven films. Among all his films, Spirited Away is the highest-grossing film. However, he has produced an array of movies. From Princess Mononoke to Arietty, his films outline a plethora of themes. However, My Neighbor Totoro takes the cake in its portrayal of life itself.

Miyazaki breathes life into his films through his hand-drawn animation. This film excels in most ways. This is relevant in its portrayal of Japan’s countryside. Moreover, elements of nature coupled with Joe Hisaishi’s music are the cherry on the cake. The film’s tranquil nature provides an escape from the bustle. However, the backstory of its release is as confusing as it gets.

A YouTuber named @cedgehog shared trivia regarding the movie’s release with Grave of the Fireflies. Both movies were released as double-feature. As crazy as it sounds, this is equally confusing. This is relevant to the themes of both movies.

As interesting as it sounds, it is emotionally confusing. The short garnered an array of reactions. Some called it an ‘OG Barbenheimer move’. Conversely, others noted how Takahata’s movie is a real tear-jerker. Undoubtedly, Isao Takahata’s film is an underappreciated masterpiece. It also stands as one of the darkest films by Studio Ghibli that haunts and scars the viewers to this date.

Grave of the Fireflies is one of the darkest productions from Studio Ghibli.

Grave of the Fireflies excels in its poignant depiction of childhood and innocence. While most Ghibli fans credit Miyazaki for the film, this isn’t the case. The movie is directed by Isao Takahata who was one of the co-founders of Ghibli. It is one of the most gut-wrenching movies ever produced. Its depiction of war and deaths tugs at viewers’ heartstrings. However, there is more to it.

Apart from the sibling love, the movie outlines guilt and grief. It is based on the short story of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka. Nosaka’s story underscores his grief of losing his sister. Takahata excels in animating the author’s grief and love in the movie. With a score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, legendary is an understatement for this movie.

Both films are iconic and impactful in their own way. Miyazaki’s film outlines the tranquility and beauty of nature. Conversely, Takahata’s movie depicts the implications and reality of war. Despite its heavy elements, Grave of the Fireflies is a true masterpiece. In its portrayal of love, hope, and depravity amidst war, it excels in most ways. Takahata deserves his due recognition for his magnum opus.

My Neighbor Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies are available for streaming on Netflix.

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