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00:00:00 – 00:09:37
The video explores the sustained success of Studio Ghibli in comparison to Disney, particularly highlighted by Ghibli's recent Oscar win for "The Boy and the Heron," a fully 2D animated feature that marks a significant moment in animation history. A key theme is Ghibli's steadfast dedication to 2D animation and mature, thought-provoking storytelling, as evidenced by films like "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" and "Princess Mononoke," which contrast Disney's often formulaic and light-hearted narratives. The video underscores Studio Ghibli's commitment to cultural richness and integrity, showcasing Eastern culture and Shinto iconography, whereas Disney's recent works are viewed as increasingly commercialized. Importantly, Ghibli's willingness to take long breaks between releases highlights their focus on creating emotionally impactful films rather than prioritizing financial success. The overall trend indicates a shifting appreciation and expectation for depth in animated features among audiences, driven by Ghibli's consistent quality and vision.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, it is highlighted that Studio Ghibli recently outperformed Disney at the Oscars, winning the Best Animated Feature for “The Boy and the Heron,” marking Miyazaki’s second Academy Award. This achievement underscores Studio Ghibli’s consistent ability to deliver spectacular stories and animation, in contrast to Disney’s single win in the past seven years. The video discusses how Studio Ghibli’s commitment to 2D animation, even as most of the industry shifted towards other styles, has contributed to their success. “The Boy and the Heron” is notable for being the first fully 2D animated movie to win this award since 2001, further emphasizing the resurgence of 2D animation in the face of new styles and growing Western appreciation influenced by anime. Additionally, the video mentions a trend in the animated industry towards diverse styles, especially the return of 2D, as evidenced by recent Oscar nominees.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion focuses on the distinct approach Studio Ghibli has taken compared to traditional animated movie studios like Disney. Unlike Disney’s light-hearted and formulaic narratives, Studio Ghibli has been producing serious, poignant, and thought-provoking stories since its inception. The creation of “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” in 1984 is highlighted as a prime example, featuring a complex narrative set in a post-apocalyptic world. The segment contrasts the simplistic good versus evil trope often found in Disney films with the nuanced characters and storylines in Ghibli films, such as “Princess Mononoke,” where even antagonists are given depth and positive traits. Films like “My Neighbor Totoro” are noted for not conforming to typical conflict resolution arcs. The video then touches on how Western audiences initially were not receptive to serious animated movies, citing the initial failure and later appreciation of DreamWorks’ “The Prince of Egypt.” It concludes with an anecdote about Disney wanting to edit “Princess Mononoke” for its U.S. release, suggesting that mature themes in animation were deemed risky for Western viewers at the time.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, it discusses how Studio Ghibli’s dedication to its storytelling and cultural representation has outshined Disney. Despite pressures to make cuts for a mainstream audience, Ghibli maintained its narrative integrity, valuing mature and culturally rich storytelling over purely light-hearted content. The studio’s integration of Eastern culture and Shinto iconography in its films adds depth and beauty, contrasting with Disney’s often less thoughtful cultural portrayals. This segment concludes by contemplating why Studio Ghibli surpasses Disney, citing Disney’s shift towards commercialization over the visionary goal set by Walt Disney.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker highlights Studio Ghibli’s willingness to take long breaks between movie releases, emphasizing their commitment to crafting films for emotional impact rather than financial gain. For 40 years, Ghibli has prioritized storytelling through animation, arguably more so than Disney. The recent Oscar win underscores this dedication and signals a significant change in audience expectations for animated films.