Studio Ghibli: The Films of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata

This was a very well researched and well written overview of the films of Studio Ghibli, and also the earlier films of the two premier directors, Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao. I have been a fan of their animated films for years, and I learned a great deal from this book. For instance, I didn't know that Gauche the Cellist was a story by Miyazawa Kenji, author of Night on the Galactic Railroad. I found out quite a bit of information on the background of many of their films, which makes watching them much more interesting. It is not an in-depth study, but is a great overview of their works. It kind of paved the way for me to read Miyazaki's "Starting Point."

This book is an excellent source for all who love the work of Miyazaki and Takahata and their shop. Much here that I, at least, was not aware of, and good evaluations of the films that I have seen.

People looking for beautiful spreads of cels, film captures, and pre-production sketches and paintings should go for Viz Graphics “Art of” books. But if you’re looking for behind the scenes facts about Studio Ghibli from its people and movies to more obscure works, this is the place to go. This second edition covers all the movies up through 2014 (which is all of them as of this review, with the exception of the new documentary “Never-Ending Man”). I don’t consider myself a hardcore fan, but I’m fairly knowledgeable and this book had new information for me.

Short but very comprehensive accont of the story. I bought it as a gift for my wife. She loved it so much she has booked us a visit to the Ghibli museum.

Honestly not a very good book. Reads like an amateur college essay. I was looking for interesting facts about Studio Ghibli and their films, but this was more of a basic plot summery for the films I already saw and a poor effort to tie it altogether with contrived "Ghibli Themes". Very overpriced for a short and small format and cheaply printed book. Also am not happy about the choice to show a person with a gun to their head in the further reading section on the back cover. My son likes to look at my books too, especially when they have a favorite character plastered on the front of them and I don't really want to explain that picture to a curious 3 year old. I have ended up hiding the book rather than displaying it as intended. It certainly wasn't worth reading.

Great review of the work of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli up to the release of "Howl's Moving Castle." Good critical appraisal of the various works put out by Team Ghibli. Enjoyed reading about the history and background of Studio Ghibli.

Not great, but good info, It was helpful and informative. I would prefer a bit more of content, but It's Ok.

I bought this as a gift to my brother and did not expect it to be here in time for Christmas. It did though, and when I received it it was in great condition. Everything worked out great. Thank you!

Haven't finished reading it yet. So probably I'll be writing another review later on too, but so far I love it. Great insight to the Ghibli world. 😊

Este libro no cumplió con mis expectativas porque no tiene ninguna imagen y eso no se podía saber en la información que Amazon proporciona

Very interesting read!

This gives insightful synopsies of the works of Studio Ghibli as well as biographical sketches of the principle artists. The information is solid but more detail of the studio's workings would have been appreciated. But I highly recommend this for anyone who has seen a Ghibli film. Having seen most of the films discussed here I now want to seek out those I have missed. Thank you Odell and LeBlanc!

English below 授業の教材として必要だったので購入しました。全部のチャプターは読んでいませんが、ジブリ作品の分析が書かれて面白い内容でした。作品を見たことがない人へ向けて、大まかなあらすじも書かれていますが、やはり内容を知っていた方がより面白いと思います。しかし、目次がなく、どこにどの作品が書かれているのか探すのに苦労しました。 I purchased this book as a textbook for a lecture. I don't all chapter though, I enjoyed the contents because the contents are about analysis of works of Studio Ghibli. Although the writer tells summary of story, I guess you can enjoy the book more if you already know the story. However, a point I don't like that the book does not have a index page. It is very difficult to find the chapter quickly you want to read.