The animations of Japan's Studio Ghibli are among the most respected in the movie industry. Their films rank alongside the most popular non-English language films ever made, with each new release a guaranteed box office hit. Yet this highly profitable studio has remained fiercely independent, producing a stream of imaginative and individual animations. The studio's founders, Hayao Miyazaki and the late Isao Takahata, have created timeless masterpieces. Their films are distinctly Japanese but the themes are universal: humanity, community and a love for the environment.

Studio Ghibli outlines the history of the studio and explores the early output of its founders. It examines all the studio's major works including Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbour Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Only Yesterday, Porco Rosso, Pom Poko, Whisper of the Heart, Princess Mononoke and Howl's Moving Castle, as well as the Oscar-winning Spirited Away.

Also included are the more recent animations: Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-nominated masterpiece The Wind Rises, Isao Takahata's The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Gor? Miyazaki's Earwig and the Witch and Hayao Miyazaki's latest box office success, The Boy and the Heron.

About the Author
Michelle Le Blanc is a freelance author and film critic. She has co-authored books with Colin Odell about John Carpenter, Tim Burton, Horror Films, Jackie Chan, Vampire Films, Anime and Studio Ghibli and contributed to Wallflower Press's Alter Image and The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy. She is an editor and contributor to the online film review salon Kamera.co.uk and Vector Magazine. Colin Odell is a freelance author and film critic. He has co-authored books with Michelle Le Blanc about John Carpenter, Tim Burton, Horror Films, Jackie Chan, Vampire Films, Anime and Studio Ghibli and contributed to Wallflower Press's Alter Image and The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy. He is an editor and contributor to the online film review salon Kamera.co.uk and Vector Magazine.

Reviews
one of the most authoritative texts available. Whether you're a newcomer or a longtime fan, Studio Ghibli is well worth a read -- Ashley Day * SciFi Now *
the authoritative English language text on Studio Ghibli -- Marty Mulrooney * Alternative Magazine Online *
a competent portrait of a great studio -- Andrew Osmond * SFX Magazine *
an excellent overview -- Terry Hong * Library Journal *
a valuable beginner's guide to their complex and beautiful world -- Paul Dale * The List Magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9780857305848
Author Michelle Le Blanc
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Kamera Books
Publisher Oldcastle Books Ltd