Sunday, February 6, 2011

3D Animation. Artist Research (Cultural)

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese film studio that produces quirky, animated movies. The majority of the titles they produced are known world wide for their unique character designs alongside unusual yet compelling stories. The most recognizable of the movies is probably 'Spirited Away' and 'My Neighbour Tororo' who have won multiple awards for their innovative flair.

I admire the company for inspiring the public to enjoy different forms of animated movies, that promote culture in a variety of weird and wonderful ways. Ghibli have a very specific art style, which is one of the main reasons they have achieved so well. Sadly, Japanese animated cartoons (or also known as anime) is frowned upon within animation for it's small frame rates and little attention to detail. Thankfully, Ghibli differs from the mainstream and successfully achieves beautifully animated stories with that like no other. There is a heavy influence of the Japanese culture within the movies, that is shown through character creation, landscaping and traditional drawing/colouring etc. It also has a slightly higher frame rate than standard anime hitting up to 14fps,  which results in smooth and more intricate animated details. 

In Japan, they worship all sorts of idols and gods for religion or cultural beliefs. It varies mainly from animals, the planet and historical legends. This is shown often through the majority of Ghibli films, by producing idols that exist or make their own that could potentially come to life. For example, 'My Neighbour Totoro' is about a large rabbit creature known as the king of the forest and bearer of the element of wind. Within the film he is known to be a guardian over some children, and uses these elements to connect with them more so spiritually than physically. This combined with the beautifully drawn scenes and instrumental soundtracks, you're left feeling very emotionally connected to the story. It's different from other animated movies on that basis of accepting differences in a more primitive way, through sound and movements more so than dialogue. Every story is different, but each host incredibly unique ways of making you feel inspired, educated and excited to all the new forms. It is with that, that Ghibli are one of the most successful, international animation studios to date. By inviting their audiences to new worlds, that have not been seen before, that are inviting new and exciting for everyone at any age. It is that, where i admire the Japanese for their incredible talent at making their audiences use their imaginations,  to be more open minded and to become more spiritually connected with a story.







Bibliography:

. Google Images

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