Tales From EarthSea (ゲド戦記)

At sea a ship is being tossed and turned by the storm, the captain of the boat called his weatherman to calm the storm, but the weatherman could not control the storm as he could not remember the names of the wind and sea. Then two dragons were sighted, what shocked them was that the dragons was fighting.

Image credit to Animeflavor

Back on land, the King of Enlad is having a meeting, as a diseases was ravaging his country, it seems the land was in trouble, the King gave orders to control the situation, then proceeded to go to his office, but along the way he was told about the sightings of the two dragons, and his wizard Root told him it was a sign of a bad omen, to further the bad news, two ladies reported the his son Arren was missing since the night before. Dismissed by the Queen, the King proceeded to his office alone, that's when a young boy suddenly appeared and stab the King and took his sword. The King's last word was "Arren".

At the shore, a wizard was just docking his boat. As he was investigating ships marooned on land, a wolf howled and he went to investigate.

The young boy who has the King's sword was being pursued by the wolves and as he was cornered the wizard rescued him. And he collapsed. The following day, the two introduced each other, the young boy's name is Arren. Ang the wizard is Sparrowhawk. And so their journey begins...

Released on July 2006 by Studio Ghibli and Walt Disney PicturesDi
Directed by Goro Miyazaki
Though this was a box office hit it, this movie got the Worst Movie of 2006 in the Bunshun Raspberry Award


Soundtrack title is availabe at Ghibliwiki.

Wallpapers can be downloaded at Minitokyo.
You can listen to one of the soundtrack with lyrics below:


Teru's Song - English translation
Toki No Uta - English translation

Opinion:
I was quite shocked to know about the award they got, Studio Ghibli's movies has always been one of the best, but this movie also got the PG rating, a first for Ghibli, due to the some of the violent scences. The soundtrack was good and so is the view, the story is somewhat lacking to me, as some of the circumstance presented in the movie was not explained. Which made me wonder if there's going to be a sequel to this. However all in all it wasn't that bad, so it made me wonder why they got the award.  Pretty sad.

This movie however was base on the Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin - EarthSea, compose of 6 books.

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The Borrower Arrietty (借りぐらしのアリエッティ)

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This film is based on the book The Borrowers by Mary Norton a British writer.

A young boy was taken in by his Aunt due to his heart condition, he was to stay with his aunt till the operation can take place, to make sure he is well taken care of. As his mother was very busy at work. On the first day of his arrival in his Aunt's place he noticed the cat was curious about something, but before the cat could find out, a crow dive in and peck him. So made the cat leave his interest. Sho, the young boy decided to take a look at the bushes where the cat has left, and there he saw something amazing - a small girl, but it was too quick that he wasn't sure. Finally being called by his Aunt, Sho left the spot.

The little girl' name is Arriety, she finally peek out and ran to the safety of her home, she lives beneath Sho's Aunt house with her family, and they borrow food supplies among other things from Sho's Aunt without letting them know, since they only take a little.

That same day, Arriety was scheduled to go out with her father to do her first borrowing from the humans. Everything went well, until they arrive in the boys room to get some tissue, on the process of getting the tissue, Arriety suddenly saw that the boy's eyes were open, and panicked a little, thinking that the boy has saw her, she cautiously left the place, however the boy suddenly spoke and asked her, if she was the one he saw in the garden? Which alarmed her, coz this would mean she and her family will have to move.

Released on 2010 by Studio Ghibli
Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Won the Animation of the Year Award at the 34th Japan Academy Prize




Lyrics for the Arrietty OST:
Arrietty soundtrack for Disney is Around Us by Jonsi, lyrics is available at songlyrics.com

For the Japanese anime soundtrack Arrietty's song, lyrics is available at lyrics wikia. You can view the soundtrack listing at the iTunes store.

Arrietty Song English -lyrics

Wallpaper

As usual the details on the films of studio ghibli are outstanding, everything was painstakingly drawn. That you'd practically want to live there.

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Isn't that a very nice bedroom? Everything is soo green, it's like living in a forest right?
The motion of each character moves smoothly, even though CGI films are a joy to watch, the way the people draws at studio ghibli is still fascinating.

Anyways, as concerning little people, we are always fascinated with the idea of such existence, and there are a lot of anime out there that deals with this subject also, and one of my current favorites is Arthur and the Invisibles. Here's a site dedicated to little people:

Home of the Little People - just a dictionary on little peoples.
The Little People Project - from slinkachu, famous for installing tiny figures on the streets of London, below is a sample clip, quite fascinating and entertaining. I would recommend you visit the sites, the images are quite a treat.

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My Neighbor The Yamadas (ホーホケキョとなりの山田くん)

This anime is about the daily activity a family encounters, the relationships being formed and the realities that goes along with it. But it is presented in a funny way, that would made you watch it to the end. The anime is presented in a different way, the scenario in a scene is not that complete or detailed, it's like watching a draft drawing, it gives a feel of watching a painting in a gallery moving, it is quite pleasing to the eyes. And the funny dialogues will keep you interested in the movie.

Released on 1999 by Studio Ghibli
Directed by Isao Takahata
Got 1 award only, the Excellence Award for animation in the Japan Media Arts Festival 1999





Soundtrack listing is available at wikipedia.
Wallpapers can be found at animepaper.
There's a limited source in the net for this anime, will try to dig some more, and if I found some, will post it here.

Below are behind the scenes for the dub in english I found:





Though the story is more grounded in the Japanese family, but you will see situations they have are almost universal for all families, we do go through what the film shows, and it does makes me realize that though we are from different backgrounds, nationalities and such, there is always one common thing in all of us. The love of the family is very important in each one of us.

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Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (風の谷のナウシカ)

from impawards

It seems after a devastating war, earth is taken over by some poisonous materials, that turns most of the earth surface to a toxic jungle. Most of the humans are downsized to being kingdoms, and Nausicaä, a princess of one of the kingdoms, understands the jungle more than anyone. She especially knows how to communicate with the insects which is one of the primary key to keep the toxic jungle away from infesting their kingdom. However their peacefully valley was invaded by the Tolmekia-a violent kingdom, when one of their airship crashed in Princess Nausicaä's valley. It seems the two warring kingdoms, Tolmekia and Pejite is after one thing, the cargo from the crashed ship. Which was revealed as to containing a live thing that they called the Warrior. The Tolmekian  believes that they can utilize this to end the toxic jungle. However Nausicaä thinks this is not the answer, but her kingdom is caught between the two kingdoms, how can she save her people? And how can she convince the two kingdoms to stop fighting each other?

Release on 1984 by Toei Company
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Won numerous awards
The film earned 740 Million yen
And the last video game of Hayao Miyazaki, base on his work.





Here's a few more resources on the net I've found:
For the Nausicaä Movie Soundtrack titles, go to Anime-OST.
For lyrics, translation on the theme.
For Guitar tabs click here.
To listen online, see if you like the music.

wallpaper available at animepaper.net

A few observations why I like this movie:

1. See that air glider she has there? I would love to own one of those and ride it. But would you believe? Japanese people are actually trying to do just that, take a look at the following link:

• Glider Mehve Project
• Moewe pattern

2. Though it wasn't clear as to where the poisons on the surface came from, it is quite interesting to see how nature cleans itself up, for further readings, you can go to comicbox to read the interview about this film and get some answers to your question.

If you have other interesting info, do please drop me a line and I'll place it here. And I will continue to update pages here, when I have further time for in depth research on this film.

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Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫)

image from Anime Avenue

A story of magic, a fight to strip the land that is rich with natural resources or preserving the forest that stood on the way.

A cursed Prince travel to where the origin of the iron ball which was found in the demon Boar he killed, seeking for the healing from the curse. But upon reaching the Iron Town and meeting Lady Eboshi, he realized he wasn't the only one who was with a curse. However he was caught between the feuding spirits of the forest and the Head of the Iron Town. Can he lift the curse in time before he dies?

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Release by Toho in Japan and Miramax for the International version
Garnered a lot of awards, like:
MMCA Special Award in Multimedia GrandPrix for 1997
Best Director in Kinema Junpo Japanese Movies for 1997
However this movie did not do well in terms of financial, this anime was actually considered a flop in the US.



Princess Mononoke Movie Soundtrack title list can be found at Wikipedia.Org
Found Princess Mononoke Theme Song - lyrics, translation
Music Sheets can be found here.

Wallpapers available at WallpaperAbyss

Observation:

What's interesting about this story is, it has Japanese folklore and a little social history in it's storyline, like the night walker and kodama, then there's the lepers and prostitutes. Non Japanese viewers are given a glimpse of the life in Japan and their beliefs.

Here is a link to the making of the film. Do please watch, a lot of interesting information about the details that was placed in this anime.

Part 2 of the MakingPart 3 of the MakingPart 4 of the MakingPart 5 of the MakingPart 6 of the MakingPart 7 of the MakingPart 8 of the MakingPart 9 of the MakingPart 10 of the MakingPart 11 of the MakingPart 12 of the MakingPart 13 of the MakingPart 14 of the Making

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Laputa: Castle In The Sky (天空の城ラピュタ)

from Hayao Miyazaki Web

Laputa is a known legend, as a castle that floats in the sky, nobody has really seen it, only the stories. But one man manage to take a picture of it - Pazu's father, even so, nobody believed him. And he died because of this.

After how many years passed, Pazu who is working at a young age, saw a girl floating down from the sky, towards the mine shaft where he was working. He manage to catch her, and took care of her, but the following day pirates appeared, and Sheeta - the girl who fell from the sky, knew they were after her. As they were trying to escape from the pirates the Army appeared and with a motive also to get a hold of Sheeta. It seems everybody was interested with the stone she was wearing, as it has powers that they believe came from Laputa.

Released on 1986 by Studio Ghibli
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Won the award for Animage Anime Grand Prix for 1986







Laputa Castle in the Sky Movie Soundtrack can be found at Wikipedia.org.
Found the following lyrics and translation for the songs:

• Laputa: Castle In the Sky - lyrics, translation
• 14. Carrying You - lyrics, translation

 Music sheets for the soundtrack can be viewed here.

Wallpaper downloads

Observation:
I would like to know technology associated with the crystal, as to how it make things fly, but it was never revealed in this movie, or on my further research no info was found so far. But the anime story is still very good to see even if not all information is in. It is about a journey after all.

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Whisper of the Heart (耳をすませば)

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The English title means different from the Japanese title, the Japanese word means "If You Listen Closely".

The story is about a 13 year old girl's first love and finding a dream to pursue in life.

13 year old Shizuku Tsukishima is very fond of books, she would borrow as much as she can in the library, one night, while looking at her checkout cards she noticed that the name Seiji Amasawa is on all of the checkout cards  and ahead of her. She begins to wonder about Seiji Amasawa.

The next day, she met a boy who read her lyrics by accident and commented it was corny. She again met the same boy the following day when she left her Dad's lunchbox in an antique shop. Also leaving her a negative comment that she ate a lot since the luncbox was quite big for a girl. And both times made her extremely irritated with him.

An incident in school made her extremely sad and as she was walking to chase the blues away, she found herself in front of the antique shop again. There the boy who teased her twice from an earlier incident found her, and invited her in, as Shizuku was looking for the Cat statue named Baron Humbert von Jikkingen which was introduced to her the first time she came there. It was at this time also that she got to know the name of the boy, and what a surprise, his name is Seiji Amasawa.

Released on July 1995 by Studio Toho in Japan
Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, unfortunately this was the last film he directed.

Whisper of the Heart Movie soundtrack can be found at Hayao Miyazaki
Download theme song in your cellphone.



Here's a preview of the movie.

Whisper of the Heart part 4 of 6 by Ellyu


Some behind the scene's documentation.

Wallpaper downloads

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Ghost In A Shell 2: Innocence (イノセンス)

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In this movie only Batou is mainly seen, as Major Kusanagi is reported missing after the incidents in Ghost In A Shell 1, he now has a new partner named Togusa.

A series of deaths caused by the dolls released from Rox Corporation led the Section 9 team to meddle in the police affairs. After the shot out, they went to the crime lab to get more info, there they discovered that the doll was tampered with and left a recorded message - "Help us." Who were the one's responsible for leaving this messages? and why?

Another mind twisting tale between man and machine. Their purpose of existence and what is our reality.

Released on 2004 Distributed by Toho in Japan
Directed by Mamoru Oshii

Ghost In A Shell 2 Movie Soundtrack is available at wikipedia.org.
For the song Follow Me - translation is available.
If you wish to listen to some sample of the soundtrack, click here.

Wallpaper downloads

Personal notes:
I prefer the original one from this second release, thought it is not meant to be a sequel as they say, but I do still have my expectations. But it is still a good sci-fi movie to watch. Enjoy!

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Pom Poko (平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ)

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The Raccoon's territory is slowly getting smaller due to the urban developments, they are losing their home, food supply and population as most of them would die when crossing the highways or scavenging food in the garbage bins. Finally wanting to do something about their situation, they decided to wage war against the developers to stop the construction and clearing of the forest.  There's a Japanese folklore that tells that these creatures are wise, highly sociable and can transform into anything. So they use this ability to fool the humans and create havoc at the construction site. Will they succeed? Will they be able to stop the development and save their home?

This movie delve's more in the Japanese folklore on tanuki or also known as Japanese Raccoon Dogs, and their culture, but it also serves as a reminder, to be considerate of the animal territories and not to destroy their homes.

Release by Studio Ghibli in 1994
Directed by Isao Takahata
Was chosen as an entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film on the same year.

Movie Soundtrack titles can be viewed at Ghibliwiki
Lyrics for the song エンド・テーマ「いつでも誰かが」 (End Theme Always, Someone Will Be...) is available here.
Sample some of the songs you can listen to.

Personal notes:

I remember having sang this children song about Tanuki while I was in the Japanese school during my childhood days. Below is the song you can watch and listen to.

Here is one tale found about the tanuki, A Badger's Bill.

A clip on the Tanuki song


The lyrics of this childrens song can be found at OnMarkProductions

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Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (崖の上のポニョ)

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A story about a fish who wishes to be a human being after meeting a boy on the shore, as she had fallen in love with him. The father strongly disagrees to let her daughter go as he is fully aware of the bad side of the human beings. However her mother being a compasionate person, gave the boy a chance to keep her daughter by giving him a test that he must pass or Ponyo (the female fish) will go back to the sea, as a sea foam.

Release by Studio Ghibli on 2008
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Won the Animation of the Year in Japan Academy






Ponyo Movie Soundtrack listing is available at GhibliWiki.
Lyrics available for 崖の上のポニョ（映画バージョン )(Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, Film version) -lyrics, translation

Download at theOtaku.com

Observation:
The general idea of the story seems to be the same with the Little Mermaid, but the characters and situation are totally different. I love their little boat, just lit a candle and it has enough power to speed along the waters.
And take a look, this concept actually existed a long time ago, here's how to make a putt putt boat and a little history, click on sciencetoymaker.org

and here's a few more knowledge on the boat.

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The Cat Returns (猫の恩返し)

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Haru a high school student saved a cat from being hit by a truck. While recovering from the ordeal, the cat suddenly stands on it's two hind legs, and said thank you for saving his life. She wasn't aware that she has saved Luna the Prince of the Cat Kingdom. Arriving home she asked her mother if cats can talk, which reminded her mom that when she was little she did mentioned that she can talk to cats. That night, a cat procession arrive at Haru's street, it was Luna's Father, the King of the Cat Kingdom came to say thank you, and that there will be gifts to express their appreciation. However aside from the gifts, as part of their gratitude  Haru will be given as a hand in marriage to the Prince. Realizing that the situation was serious, she went to find the Cat Business Office suggested to her by a sweet voice, there she found the cat named Baron who runs the office and asked for his help. As they were discussing how to go about her situation, the cats from the Kingdom suddenly took Haru away, Baron and his company gave chase. Will the Baron be able to help her? Can Haru ever go back to her world?

The story is quite amusing and appeals to teenagers and the young at heart. This is a prequel for the anime Whisper of the Heart.

Release from Studio Ghibli on 2002
Directed by Hiroyuki Morita
Got a Excellence Prize at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival





Movie Soundtrack title listing can be viewed at thepiratebay.org site, you can also listen so some of music online.

Become The Wind (Acoustic Version) - lyrics, translation

Wallpaper downloads

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Howl's Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城)

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Sophie an 18 year old hat maker who was rescued by Howl (a wizard) from soldiers who wanted to harass her, unfortunately took a liking with her at their first meeting. This made the Witch of the Waste furious with her as she has been wanting Howl's heart for a long time. That evening, the Witch gave her a visit and turned her into a old hag and adding a curse that she could not tell anyone about her condition. So she decided to ran away from home. As she was travelling, she accidentally found a scarecrow, who she named Turnip Head, however Turnip Head would not leave her alone, so she asked him if he can help her find a place to stay. Turnip did, but it was Howl's castle that he had summoned. With no other choice, Sophie boarded the wizard's castle which was always on the move. There she found a fire demon named Calcifer, who saw easily that she was under a spell. So he made a deal with her that he will help her with her curse, if she helped him with his. Will the two of them be successful in breaking each other's curse?

A story about courage, finding the true value of one's self. And falling in love.

From Studio Ghibli released on 2004
Author: Hayao Miyazaki
Nominated for Best Animated Featured in the Academy Awards in 2006

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Kiki's Delivery Service (魔女の宅急便)

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Kiki just turned 13, and it was customary that when a witch is at that age it was time for her to leave home and find a city where she can practice her trade and learn to be independent for a year.

Kiki was really excited about this, and started out with much enthusiasm, finding a location was easy enough, but as her only skill was flying the broom, she thought of a delivery service to support herself.  Everything was going well, until she met a boy and delivered a gift to a girl who didn't appreciate the hard work her grandmother has put into. Meeting a few kids didn't help either it only made her realize that she was different, she became unsure of herself and lost her powers. Will she be able to find it again?

Release by Studio Ghibli on 1989
Author: Hayao Miyazaki
Won a Animage Anime Grand Prix prize on the same year.

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