If you’re an anime fan then you might already know of the director/storyboard/screenplay/cartoon god, Haiyo Miazaki. For those of you who might not have heard of him, his work is slowly (but surely) coming to the US soon via the Disney corporation. One thing that I always found intriguing about his stories is that most of his female characters are always made to be strong. Not like amazons or anything, just very motivated girls even if they may not be the lead character they still manage to capture my heart. He’s also very good about making things as ordinary as possible, but some how make something so extraordinary, it’s like magic.

Anyways, LET’S DO THIS THANG!

*****Warning: Spoilers!!*****

#5 Porco Rosso

This movie is kinda like a French Noir film only instead of police, you have old Air Pilots. We’re talking about Pilots like the Red Barron, not your sissy, commercial fight guys.

Anyways, if you haven’t figured it out by the picture. Porco Rosso is indeed a pig. He was transformed this way during one of his flights. He rarely leaves his island because of his massive make-over, but when he does, he seriously makes a splash. Though behind every dare devil is a good woman… or two. Porco gets most, if not all, of his motivation from Fio and Madame Gina.

Infact, I believe that these two characters are my favorites. Fio, age 17 is a young and plucky girl who is exceptionally good at engineering airplanes. in fact her grandfather, Mr. Piccolo, prefers her over her older brother when it comes to fixing planes. On the other hand, Madame Gina, is a long time love acquaintance to Porco. This french singer tries to get him to quit his life of dangerous flying, but she knows that he won’t stop what he loves.

At the risk of sounding corny, this movie shows that when pigs fly, they soar.

Favorite Quote

“A pig who doesn’t fly, is just an ordinary pig.”

Porco Rosso

#4 Princess Mononoke

You wanna talk about ultimate girl power? check this flick out! True the main character is a guy, the girls keep the whole thing running.

The story is set in feudal Japan. Far in the mountains a tribe of once believed deceased people reside, when all of a sudden a boar demon comes and disturbs the peace. Warrior, Ashitaka, fights the beast on behalf of his clan. He slays the Boar, only to be infected with a horrible skin affliction that will eventually spread across his body and kill him. This sends him on a quest to where the boar came from and why he was so mad in the first place, the only hint they have to go on is an Iron bullet found in the demon’s body. Sadly, for him to leave his home, he would have to be disowned from his clan. He does so and goes to the closest town that is known for forging iron. Personally, I love this town. This area is completely owned by women. Most films portray women as weak and delicate. This movie gave them Guns, Fire, and Iron and said “Here, go nuts!” True, the men of the town are the warriors, but the women keep the defense of the fortress stable, and the guidance from Lady Eboshi keeps the guys under control.

Ashitaka eventually runs into a girl, literally raised by wolves, named San aka Princess Mononoke. She and her brother wolves try to take down the Iron city because it is slowly burning down and destroying they’re home, pitting Man (or woman) against nature.

This movie is not for everyone, but if you have an open mind to cultural history then this is defiantly a must see.

Favorite Quote

“Even if you where a woman, you’d still be an idiot.”

Toki toward Jigo

#3 The Cat’s Return

Being a cat person, I completely fell in love with this movie. By the end of the movie, it’s hard to not have at least one favorite character. Mine, just happens to be The Barron if you’re wondering.

Haru, an average teenage girl is walking home from school when she notices a cat crossing the road. Normal, right? well it’s carrying a small package in it’s mouth. Odd, huh? Well anyways, the cat is crossing the road when all of a sudden a huge truck barrels down the road aiming for the cat. The brave Haru runs in and saves the cat just in the nick of time. Then, as all Ghibli films, something magical happens. The cat stands and thanks her for saving him and runs off with his box. Haru passes it off as stress and heads home again.

Later that night she is visited, not by the cat from before, but his father The Cat King! Turns out, the cat from before was his son, Prince Lune. The King had come by to tell Haru that she would be showered with many tokens of thanks the next morning. Morning came, and let’s just say, one cat’s treasure, is another girl’s pain.  To top things off, The King has set things up so that Haru is to marry Prince Lune! desperate to find help, she hears a voice, that leads her to Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, or The Baron for short, And his short tempered, fat cat friend, Muta.

I have to admit, I had wished I was Haru while watching this film. Just because The Baron is just so cool!

Favorite Quote

“Moo-ta? Like a cow?! Are you calling me fat?!?”

Muta

#2 Howl’s Moving Castle

 I’ve kinda related to the main character Sophie a lot of the time. She starts off as the youngest daughter of a fashion crazed mother, and two older sisters. She had always envisioned herself as plain, or ugly, until she runs into a witch. The witch places a curse on her that changes her into an old woman! In order to change herself back is if she finds that witch again, though rumors around town tell of dangers lurking by in Howl’s moving castle. despite the warnings, she still goes to find this witch. Along the way, she meets up with an unusual character she affectionately calls turnip head. (just so you know turnip head is a scarecrow with a turnip for a head) turnip head leads her to howl’s castle where she meets Calcifer, a fire demon; Markl, Howl’s apprentice; and of course Howl, the wizard/pretty boy. she passes herself off as Grandma Sophie, the house maid and stays with them in their castle, and well.. I’ll stop here so you can enjoy the movie yourself.

Favorite Quote

“I told you, your mustache scares all the girls”

Soldier

#1 Kiki’s Delivery Service

I can watch this movie over, and over, and over again, and I’d still love this movie. It’s so adorable! I totally wished I was Kiki, it’s just that awesome.

The movie starts out with a 13 year old witch, Kiki, leaves home to start training herself with her powers along with her talking cat, Jiji.  She’s a very out spoken person, with a golden heart.  Though when she gets to town she can’t help but feel like she sticks out. Though she (sort of) finds friendship with a local boy, Tombo.  With nowhere to stay, mother-to-be, Osono and her husband take her in and let her stay in the upstairs room, so long as she delivers items from her bakery for her.

She gets so stressed about being away from a home that accepts witches that she eventually looses her powers! will she fly again? and will she have to go back home? find out yourself, I’m not going to spoil the whole movie for you.

Favorite Quote

“Alright, first, Don’t panic, Second, Don’t panic, and third, did I mention NOT TO PANIC?!”

Jiji

There where a few of Miazaki San’s films that I didn’t mention, not because they aren’t good, but because, well it’s a top 5 list. I may not be good with numbers, but I know when I’m over the number 5. Anyways check these out too!

Castle in the sky - beautiful art work!

Spirited Away - breathtakingly beautiful characters

My Neighbor Totoro - Great for little kids to watch

Nausucaa of the Valley of the Wind - epic!

Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro - for the Lupin fans

Animal Treasure Island - personally I haven’t seen it so me rating it wouldn’t be fair. If you have though send me a link please!

Keep in mind these movies are Directed by Haiyo Miazaki. Other films like “Whisper of the Heart” was a screen play that was written by him but directed by someone else within Ghibli studio. though don’t let that stop you from watching those movies! they’re awesome too

anyways this has been lizzie, over and out.