Many filmmakers have stated their unfavorable views towards artificial intelligence being used in creative fields, and Hayao Miyazaki has been one of the most outspoken.The Studio Ghibli filmmaker has called the new technology “an insult to life itself"and affirmed consistently that he never wants AI involved in any of his projects.
Much to Miyazaki’s dismay, aStudio GhibliAI filter recently emerged on TikTok, enabling users to input an image and have it redesigned in the whimsical, pastel art style Ghibli films are known for. Even as new tools like this one become more prevalent,AI could never replace the beauty of these Studio Ghiblifilms.
Hayao Miyazaki’s most recent masterpiece,The Boy and the Heronwas the 2024 Academy Awards winnerfor Best Animated Feature, which speaks to its phenomenal public reception. It was Miyazaki’s first film in over a decade, and reminded viewers never to underestimate the filmmaker’s talent. Even years after his previous project, he has not lost his creative spark.
The Boy and the Heronis a poignant tale about recovering after loss and coming of age, interspersed with fantastical imagery and larger-than-life characters like The Gray Heron. The experience of grief is profoundly human, and artificial intelligence does not possess the experience and wisdom to share these stories in quite the resonant way that Miyazaki accomplishes.
When Marnie Was Thereis a touching story of illness, friendship, and loneliness. The protagonist, Anna, a girl with severe asthma and few friends, heads to a new place in hopes of both healing her illness and finding enjoyment in life. When she meets Marnie, her whole world changes, and she finally has someone to call her first friend.
Although their connection takes a surprising turn, Anna’s time with Marnie teaches her many lessons about relationships and herself. With wondrously animated shots of the idyllic Japanese seaside and scenes that perfectly encapsulate the concurrent joy and struggles of childhood friendship,When Marnie Was Thereis a hit film that could only be birthed by human creativity at its finest.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Windis one of several Studio Ghibli films that discuss environmental topics, such as the destruction of nature, and the effects of war on humankind and the world. The film is set in the aftermath of a devastating clash between humans that caused the previously flourishing ecosystem to sink into an apocalyptic state.
It is unrealistic to expect artificial intelligence to make sense of the complexity of war, or to consider its emotional repercussions in the same way a human might. Stories likeNausicaä of the Valley of the Windare best told by human writers, since, unfortunately, these conflicts throughout history have affected everyone on some level.
Princess Mononokeis often heralded as Studio Ghibli’s most environmentally conscious film. There are undeniable environmental messages woven throughout the film, as Ashitaka, the protagonist, meets San, a girl who is fiercely devoted to protecting the earth, since she was raised in nature by a pack of wolves.
At the same time, Ashitaka is possessed by a furious boar god, adding another level of conflict to the already discordant relationships between characters. Hayao Miyazaki, the filmmaker, has always been passionate about spreading awareness about environmental causes, and in the film, humanity’s negative impact on the environment is highlighted at length.
The film’s stance is against technological advancement at the cost of finite natural resources, so it would be particularly uncomfortable and uncharacteristic for a movie likePrincess Mononoketo be created using AI, especially since AI can wreak harm on the natural world through the immense energy and water usage it demands to function.
Few films perfectly encompass the bittersweet experience of growing up and leaving childhood behind likeStudio Ghibli’sOnly Yesterdaydoes. During a trip to visit family,Only Yesterday’smain character, Taeko Okajima, reflects on her youth, her career, and her life up to this point, trying to reconcile her demanding reality with her idealistic childhood dreams.
Adult life is not as simple as childhood, and at times, feels so overwhelming that the carefree joys of youth seem almost preferable. This is one of those universal feelings that almost everyone experiences at some point, but it would be difficult for artificial intelligence to grasp, so it is fortunate thatOnly Yesterdaywas written relatably by a human.
Howl’s Moving Castlehas it all: romance, humor, extensive character development, breathtaking visuals, and a musical score that whisks viewers right into the world of the film. Both main characters, Howl and Sophie, are on different paths, as Howl struggles with fear and insecurity, while Sophie works to restore her youth after she was turned into an old woman.
As the film progresses,Howl and Sophie learn a lot,teaching one another how to more deeply love not just the other person, but themselves.Howl’s Moving Castleis not the traditional romance story, but it is every bit as heartwarming, and the film shares unique perspectives on life and love that AI cannot fully comprehend.
Spirited Awayis a magical coming-of-age story centered around Chihiro, the young female protagonist, who has to take on an interesting new job working at a bathhouse for spirits to turn her parents human again after they were transformed into pigs. Throughout the film, Chihiro encounters a barrage of dynamic spirits, each more interesting than the last.
Beneath the colorful animation and vivacious spirits themselves, the film contains many deeper themes, like the importance of caring for the environment, the difficulty of forging one’s own identity and becoming independent, and the necessity of showing compassion to everyone. These concepts are critical to the human experience, and thus, a person can convey them better than technology could.
My Neighbor Totorowas one of Hayao Miyazaki’sfirst Studio Ghibli movies, and also one of his best. The movie follows two young girls, Satsuke and Mei, whose mother is in the hospital. The homes located by the hospital are deep in the forest, so the girls quickly find themselves immersed in a wondrous new world of lively forest spirits.
Totoro is the most well-recognized of the creatures they meet, although others, like Catbus and Chibi Totoro, are also beloved. Because of his resonance with audiences and his exuberant spirit, Totoro was named Studio Ghibli’s mascot. It is difficult to imagine AI ever creating a film that has impacted the Studio Ghibli brand as greatly asMy Neighbor Totoro.
Grave of the Firefliesis a difficult watch, but a worthwhile one, because of the heavy subject matter it addresses. Set during World War II,Grave of the Firefliesoffers a heart-rending look at the consequences of human conflict by focusing on two children, Seita and Setsuko, who were left alone after the deaths of their parents.
As Seita and Setsuko struggle to survive, they grapple with both the war raging outside their windows and personal struggles, like the malnutrition Setsuko develops from lack of adequate food.Grave of the Fireflieshits close to home because it reflects the grim reality of life for so many across the world, who are themselves affected by war.
Grave of the Firefliesportrays even the most uncomfortable aspects of wartime, including physical injury, illness, and even death. Artificial intelligence may be able to describe how horrific war is, but it will never reach the level of understanding of the deep pain it causes like someone like filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, who lived through World War II.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguyaboasts a special honor that few other Studio Ghibli films have: it is rated at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a rare but honorable achievement for any film to earn. That 100% score was earned through Isao Takahata’s storytelling, the enchanting hand-drawn watercolor-style animation, and the film’s moving themes.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, Grave of the Fireflies,andOnly Yesterdayare the only three Studio Ghibli movies with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Kaguya’s life starts when she emerges from a bamboo stalk, released into an unfamiliar world where she must navigate suitors who desire her hand in marriage and experience the complex range of human emotions to find herself. The movie was adapted from a Japanese monogatari,“The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,“one of Japan’s oldest stories.
Apart from being deeply rooted in Japanese literary history,Princess Kaguyastands on its own as one ofStudio Ghibli’sbest, most thought-provoking films. Joe Hisaishi’s soundtrack further elevates the film, combining with the visuals to bring Princess Kaguya’s experiences to life. Rarely do films touch viewers this deeply, makingPrincess Kaguyaa treasure AI cannot come close to producing.
