It’s no secret that here at Grove we love the films of Hayao Miyazaki, one of Japan’s most celebrated artists and directors. Some of us were weaned on his anime. Some of us tear up every time we watch My Neighbor Totoro. Some of us have collected all of his movies. What can we say? We love them!

Last year the Portland Art Museum’s NW FIlm Center showcased a select few of his films. Together team Grove took an evening off from sanding iPhone cases and Bamboo Backs to enjoy Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke-- it was nothing short of epic to see it on the big screen! Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have made a lot of movies-- so if you are new to his work you may be wondering which ones should you see? We can help! Here are our top five Miyazaki films (and what we think they’re about in a nutshell).

5. Spirited Away (2001) - This is a story about finding oneself.  It is the story of a somewhat bratty girl and her frustrating move with her parents. After getting lost in a spirit world and being put through a series of trials she faces adversity and overcomes her problems by finding her real strengths.

4. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) - This is the amazing story of a young witch who needs to learn how to survive on her own.  Many of Miyazaki’s movies are coming of age tales.

3. Princess Mononoke (1997) - This is an epic story about humankind and its relationship with nature. We love the Kodamas!

2. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) - This is another story representing humanity and it’s relationship with the earth. Many of Miyazaki’s films deal with environmental themes.

1. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) The undisputed champion of Miyazaki’s animation is My Neighbor Totoro. It is known as his most endearing movie and Totoro is everywhere in Japan!  

My Neighbor Totoro is a story of two young children going through a difficult time. They meet wonderful forest spirits (Totoro and friends) who help them to cope with the trials and tribulations they are facing in their lives. 

What do we love about his films the most? Sean says we love his stories because they are unique, endearing and remind us how to see the world with childlike wonder... Yes! And what do Miyzaki’s films have to do with inspiring our iPhone cases? Everything!

goGrove!