Favorite Movie

What is your favorite movie? Tell us why!

Replies to This Discussion

K-ModPermalink Reply by Matt (Mr. Happy) on March 6, 2015 at 5:02pm

Picking a favorite Studio Ghibli film, amongst the few that I have seen, can be difficult for me personally. I have seen and own only 9 of the Studio's 20 films thus far, and have thoroughly enjoyed them all on an equal basis. In the end, nostalgia just barely edges out the rest. "Kiki's Delivery Service" was the first Studio Ghibli film I can remember viewing, and I have many fond memories of watching it on The Disney Channel whenever possible. This film is visually stunning, and brilliantly animated by Hayao Miyazaki and his team. The attention to detail on everything from the town itself, down to even the most simple of things (such as a loaf of bread or a blade of grass), really goes to show how much hard-work and care went into making this picture. Additionally, you simply can not forget about Jiji, Kiki's adorable feline companion throughout her journey.

K-ModPermalink Reply by Victoria (Centauromadoose) on March 6, 2015 at 6:28pm

You know, I always had a vague recollection that I'd first seen Kiki's Delivery Service on TV, but I've never been able to figure out how that was possible. Maybe, like you, I actually saw it on the Disney Channel...probably when I was visiting my grandparents, who had cable TV (my family didn't)! Thanks for the clue! :)

K-ModPermalink Reply by Victoria (Centauromadoose) on March 6, 2015 at 6:52pm

Well, anyone who has talked to me about Miyazaki films before knows that Princess Mononoke is my #1 favorite movie of all time. Since I first found it in my library's film collection and rented it as a youngster, I have watched the movie upwards of 15 times.

The movie has such a depth and complexity to its storyline and characters: most of the characters, perhaps with the exception of Ashitaka and maybe Jiko, cannot be classified as black-or-white Good vs. Evil, because the movie is superb in its demonstration of the variety of motivations and driving forces behind each person's actions. Lady Eboshi may be selfish and greedy in her desire for power and determination to mine iron ore no matter the cost, but she is also selfless and loving to provide a safe harbor for socially outcast women and lepers; the boars defending the forest may be noble and brave to stand up for nature and the Shishigami no matter what, but they are also naive and, yes, pigheaded to send their whole tribe against an army of explosives and gunfire in a race to their inevitable doom. The Shishigami is the ultimate expression of this natural ambiguity: the Forest Spirit is the giver of both life and death, creating and killing flora with every step it takes, with the ability to either heal a fatal wound or instantly take any life.

Even Ashitaka struggles to "see with eyes unclouded by hate" in his efforts to side with neither the Forest nor Iron Town, while sympathizing with both, and the movie ultimately cautions that humans and nature must strike a respectful balance to survive. The movie is artfully animated, skillfully written and directed, and emotionally nuanced...and the soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi is a masterpiece, to boot. How could I not love it? :)

Permalink Reply by Marcus Bean (El Gusano) on April 5, 2015 at 8:33pm

Spirited Away

I used to go to my neighbors house when I was younger, usually with the intention of playing outside. But somehow we always ended up watching Spirited Away, while I didn't like it at first, it's now one of my favorite movies of all time.

Permalink Reply by Frankee on April 24, 2015 at 12:10am

I have to say Spirited Away is an all time favorite for me. I love absolutely everything about the story, and every time I watch it I fall a little bit more in love with it. It's my favorite go-to movie ever. Everything I've seen by Miyazaki is incredible though. So it's still a close call. (:

Permalink Reply by Lily (Phoenicat) on August 23, 2015 at 1:52am

This. Is the most difficult question I've ever faced :). Well, no, but, problem is that I'm sure we can agree that all the movies are created so greatly! Still, if you made me choose one, I'd say Whisper of the Heart. I've found that one close to me because I love writing and music!