What Does It Mean to Be a Studio Ghibli Nerd?
I have been a Studio Ghibli nut all my life, but did not know exactly where the phenomenal films came from until I was in college. Most people who love the films have similar experiences and have seen the films, but don’t necessarily connect them to the studio that produces them, nor to the fact that Ghibli has produced numerous films! I would say this is our first type of Ghibli nerd: the unknowing “Ghiblet” who needs a little guidance to get access to the knowledge that, yes, there are other films like Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service. I cannot count on my fingers the amount of times I have asked people, “Do you like Studio Ghibli?” and they respond, “What is that?” Then, I proceed to ask them if they have seen a Ghibli film, Spirited Away, for example and they answer something along the lines of, “Oh my gosh! I love that movie!” Oh, those lovely unknowing Ghiblets…
Next, we have the Ghibli for life people who are balls deep into the whole Ghibli thing. There is a wide range of these guys (i.e. from the fanatics to the film appreciators), and they express a few character traits that we’ll talk about below. The unknowing Ghiblets (UGs) have the potential to become one of these, and I don’t see why the UGs would not want to go all in on this stuff because it is amazing. Disclaimer: I am clearly not biased, so trust me on this one. ;)
So, here is what that true Ghibli nerd is like:
1.) They have all the merch:
Well, maybe not all of it, but they certainly want to! I mean, who wouldn’t want a Totoro bed, some awesome Ghibli paintings to put up on your wall, Ghibli coin purses, costumes — you name it! Basically, you can get anything Ghibli if you set your mind to it. Admittedly, I myself rock the My Neighbor Totoro wallet and several pieces of Ghibli wall art. And let me tell you, folks, it just makes my day a little better every time I look at sweet, sweet Tororo’s face. If you want to see more of this awesome Ghibli stuff of which I speak, go ahead and check out my Ghibli board on Pinterest here!
2.) They have seen most, if not all, of the movies:
You’ve likely heard someone refer to a Studio Ghibli film at one time or another, as the films from this studio are pretty popular, to say the least. Perhaps you know of the studio after having seen some of the films, perhaps not; either way, you have likely experienced a Ghibli film at one time or another in your childhood. And, hey, what childhood is truly complete without the magic of Ghibli? Disney geeks might try to contest this, but there is really no case against it because Ghibli films in America are distributed through Disney! Distributed, yes, but created by Disney? Definitely not. The films under the Studio Ghibli umbrella are typically headed up by Hayao Miyazaki, his mentors, and mentees. If you’re already a Ghibli nut, you’re probably aware of this by now, but if you are just getting into Ghibli films, I strongly recommend finding out more about the creators of these films because they are some of the most talented artists you will ever hear of!
So, to be honest, experiencing these movies is the best facet of being a Ghibli nerd because you have practically flawless movies to watch again and again and again. There are many films that have been released in the US that almost everyone knows about, such as My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and a couple others. If you have ever seen a single one of these movies, you might know that they are far above the quality necessitated to call something a “classic.” Growing up on Ghibli productions has helped so many children enhance their youthful imagination and make the best of childhood. What I know of Miyazaki confirms this, as this was largely Ghibli’s mission in creating most of the their films out there — they are simply works of art and stimulate the imagination of adults and children alike. Now, if so many people in the States have seen these, what differentiates the people who admire the films from a distance from the true Ghiblet?
Well, although these movies are well-known in the states, there are also some lesser-known Ghibli films that have been translated into English as well. Most diehard Ghiblets know about these and agree that they are essentials to the Ghibli repertoire. Some of these include: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, From up on Poppy Hill, When Marnie was There, The Wind Rises, Princess Mononoke, and many others. It is unfortunate that these films are lesser-known in the States, as they are masterpieces in the world of cartoon-making. Ghiblets, however, know this and want more people to experience these films. In fact, before I became a true Ghiblet, a friend of mine who already was one convinced me to watch a bunch of the Ghibli films I had never even heard of. They even bought me a few of the films, just to ensure that I was able to experience them! Now, friends, that is a real Ghibli fan. And thank goodness for those because, without them, UGs like I was would not have the opportunity to see some of the world’s finest artwork.
3.) They Tend to Admire Hayao Miyazaki
But really, who wouldn’t?! This guy has created countless classics that define people’s childhoods. On top of that, he is generally a cool guy who knows how to be an adult, but live and enjoy life like a child. His art definitely reflects that too.
4.) They all want to go to the Ghibli Museum in Japan
Okay, Ghibli nerd or not, who wouldn’t want to do this? This place has the cutest attractions you could dream of, from a giant catbus to the robot soldiers from Laputa Castle in the Sky. They also show a special animated short that you can’t find elsewhere. Pretty cool, if you ask me.
Well, those are the basics of what it means to be a Ghibli nerd, my friends! Definitely not an exhaustive list, but an honest effort! If you’re into this stuff already, I advise you to keep going. If not, you are missing out and will find that getting more into Ghibli awesomeness will enrich your life totally!
By Corey Cherrington