Hayao Miyazaki, director and writer of many Studio Ghibli films, once said: "I want to portray a relationship a bit differently, one where both inspire each other to live: if it's possible, then perhaps I'm closer to portraying a true expression of love". More than simple romantic pairs, the relationships in his works are complex and deep, showing that love can manifest itself in many ways.
Let's take the example of the pair Ashitaka and San in the film "Princess Mononoke". After being cursed and exiled from his village, Ashitaka finds himself caught between a conflict of the inhabitants of a city and the spirits of the forest. In this desolate scenario, a deep connection is born between him and San, a warrior raised by wolves. This relationship defines their path throughout the film, and they save each other's lives countless times, underscoring how much they care about and trust one another.
5th: Ponyo: A Friendship From the Sea - Ponyo and Sosuke
Available on Netflix.
The boy Sousuke finds a little golden fish trapped in a bottle and decides to free it, not knowing it's the sea goddess Ponyo. Daughter of a powerful wizard, she's moved by the boy's kindness and uses her father's magic to transform herself into human form. This way, she believes she can strengthen her friendship
with Sousuke. However, the substance of her magical potion can put the village where the boy lives at risk.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="597"]
Image: Press Release[/caption]
4th: Castle in the Sky - Sheeta and Pazu
Available on Netflix.
"Castle in the Sky" introduces us to the pair Pazu and Sheeta, whose loyalty and perseverance are a testament to love in adversity. Similarly, the relationship between Kaguya and Sutemaru in "The Tale of Princess Kaguya" is a beautiful representation of unrequited love, where Sutemaru,
Kaguya's best friend, represents the happiness that Kaguya desperately desires, but can never have.
[caption id="attachment_291425" align="aligncenter" width="601"]
Image: Press Release[/caption]
3rd: The Secret World of Arrietty - Shou and Arrietty
Available on Netflix.
Arrietty and her family are tiny beings who live under an old house and survive by stealing items from the human house and blaming cats and rats. When the young Shawn stays at the house, he becomes friends with Arrietty, putting the secret at risk.
[caption id="attachment_291426" align="aligncenter" width="601"]
Image: Netflix Reproduction[/caption]
2nd: Whisper of the Heart - Shizuku and Seiji
Available on Netflix.
Shizuku, a student who dreams of becoming a writer and decides, during the summer, to read twenty books. But, curiously, all the editions that Shizuki borrowed from the library had already been read by someone named Seiji Amasawa.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="601"]
Image: Studio Ghibli[/caption]
1st: Spirited Away - Chihiro and Haku
Available on Netflix.
Chihiro and her parents are moving to a different city. On the way to their new house, her father decides to take a shortcut. They come across a table full of food, though no one is around. Chihiro senses danger, but her parents start eating. When night falls, they transform into pigs. Now, only
Chihiro can save them.
[caption id="attachment_291429" align="aligncenter" width="602"]
Image: Studio Ghibli[/caption]
In sum, what makes Studio Ghibli's pairs so magical and unforgettable is the way their relationships capture the essence of love and friendship, showing how they are instrumental in shaping our character and influencing our lives.
Read more:
Classic on Netflix: dorama with impactful romance won over streaming audiences!
Adrenaline and high speed: action blockbuster just arrived on Netflix!
