If you are a fan of Studio Ghibli, we all can agree that the classic hand-drawn frame by frame animation is the reason why we love all of their films. It brought the true artistry of the film and added with the mindblowing stories primarily depicted in a magical and fantasy world; Studio Ghibli movies are indeed masterpieces. The world acknowledges this studio when there are so many Studio Ghibli movies nominated for Academy Awards and even won one in 2002 with their film "Spirited Away".
But as time goes on and most of their original employees are nearing their retirement, Studio Ghibli must look for a change or else this legendary studio will fall. Hayao Miyazaki, Director, Script Writer and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, sets his final movie expected in 2022. And his son Goro Miyazaki will take his position as Director has introduced the studio's first Computer Generated anime, Earwig and the Witch.
Earwig and the Witch
Although Goro Miyazaki has already directed Studio Ghibli films from the past, like Tales from Earthsea and From Up on Poppy Hill, Earwig and the Witch is his first full CGI animated movie. Will it end the traditional style of studio ghibli? Or is it the start of something new from this legendary studio?
Earwig and the Witch is a story of a girl named Earwig as she has left in an orphanage because her mother is in pursuit by the 12 witches. Usually, children hate orphanages, but Earwig didn't as she can get whatever she wants and do whatever she wanted to. Earwig has the nature of being manipulative and always acted as a spoiled brat.
One day, she was adopted by a mysterious woman named Bella Yaga and a not-human-looking dude named Mandrake. She found out that her new home is a witches house, but instead of being freaked out, she asked Bella Yaga to teach her magic. Bella is uninterested in teaching her anything, and Earwig being manipulative as usual, managed to change the life of these two persons. She even found out about their past being a band with the redhead girl, which she didn't know it was her birth mother.
The story is bland as expected from a children's movie, but as a Studio Ghibli film, I can say I don't like it, maybe because it is the style of Goro Miyazaki as it can be seen from its previous movies. They feel lacking and incomplete.
Is it the End? or the New start of Studio Ghibli?
First, let's find out. What makes Studio Ghibli " Studio Ghibli". Of course, it was their animation. Studio Ghibli is making their movie in a traditional hand-drawn frame by frame animation for more than 20 years. We can say it's their identity and their most significant edge. But it's also dependant on the hands of the most talented artist. This type of artist is getting rarer, especially those who have a passion for making animated movies. And to cope with this problem, the only solution is by using 3D CG. In Earwig and the Witch, the animation is entirely different that you almost can't recognise it as Studio Ghibli works anymore. Well, some scenes in the background look and feel like Studio Ghibli, though. But the character designs and more is entirely new.
Another this is its stories. Studio Ghibli is known for its magical, heartwarming and wholesome stories. Movies like Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Howls Moving Castle, Grave of a Firefly and Ponyo are one of a kind. Their stories are magic itself that makes you feel addicted to all of their films. Well, in Earwig and the Witch, as I said earlier, it feels lacking. I can say that they are trying to be creative and unique, but for me, it is just a failure. The story only revolves around Earwig, Bella Yaga, Mandrake and the talking black cat. And the ending is the worst cliffhanger I've ever seen. They didn't even give a proper backstory for the redhead lady as to why she was in pursuit and who's the father of Earwig. I know most Studio Ghibli stories came from already existing work but come on, they can choose something better for their first full CGI anime. Not to mention, the poster is misleading (lol). I thought it would be more musical.
Speaking of musicals. Another good aspect of Studio Ghibli is its soundtrack. People don't notice this, but the background music of Studio Ghibli is one of the best. My favourite among all of them is Merry Go Round of Life from Howls Moving Castle. There is One Summer's Day from Spirited Away, Path of the Wind by My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and many more. Slow clap for Joe Hisaishi for composing most of these masterpieces.
And finally, let's look for the bright side. Hayao Miyazaki hates unnatural voice acting. He doesn't want that kind of VA that makes their voices sounds cuter. When you look at the Voice Casts in Studio Ghibli movies, you will mostly found them almost similar to their characters. Children will voice children character with their natural voices. The same goes for other characters. I'm glad that Earwig and the Witch still follow this principle. Earwig's voice actress might be older than her character, but it still sounds natural. And Custard sounds exactly like other Studio Ghibli characters, which makes him nostalgic.
Overall, I can say that Studio Ghibli is not ready for 3D CG anime yet. Well, if they will still use this method, it's okay. Studio Ghibli will always be Studio Ghibli. They have nothing to prove anymore because they are already a legend, from the most Academy Award nominations in Japan to the only Studio that holds the only Academy Awards in all Japanese anime. Studio Ghibli will always be in out heart.
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